Sun-kissed skin, tousled beach waves – summer, we are coming for you.
I don’t know about you, but come summer, I love nothing more than to pare my beauty routine way back. After all – who has time time to mess about with hair straightners and eyeliner when the sun is shining and there is Aperol Spritz’ to be drank?!
Not me, anyway.
In summer, I am all about simple is better. Products that enhance your natural glow and work to protect and repair your skin and hair – with minimum effort and maximum results.
Which is why I am clicking home all of these before packing my holiday suitcase in a few weeks – natural, gorgeous summer glow – I am here for it:
1. Decleor Green Mandarin Sun-Kissed Cream
The perfect day cream in summer time, Decleor’s new Green Mandarin Sun-kissed Cream is light enough to wear when the weather heats up, yet rich enough to keep your skin hydrated and re-energised, thanks to a blend of Citrus Essential Oils, natural Hyaluronic Acid and Beta-Carotene.
I love how this skin seemed to immediately give my skin that healthy glow – so much so that I have skipped the tinted moisturizer and foundation lately, and love that I can embrace this fresh sero make-up, yet ultra-glowy look all summer.
€62
2. Catrice One Drop Coverage Weightless Concealer
I tend to ditch the foundation in summer time, but let’s face it, there are times when you really need a little touch of concealer to cover a breakout or those sleepless nights.
And when those days come, I’ll be reaching for my new favourite foundation from Catrice – which, by the way, is long-lasting and sweat resistant – and a total beauty bargain.
I blend it in with my finger, but experts might argue that a sponge or brush would work better – but I’m all about easy does it in summer, so finger it is. I love how it covers perfectly, doesn’t stick to any fine lines and makes my skin look totally flawless.
€4.95
3. Rudolph Care Sun Body Lotion SPF 30
I have made the swap to greener, cleaner beauty products, and so this year, when it comes to protecting my skin from the sun, I will be opting for sun care products that are just that – organic, and free from toxic, harmful ingredients.
Having just discovered Danish clean beauty brand Rudolph Care, I was keen to check out their range of sun creams – which are rich in active natural ingredients such as sea buckthorn, which has proven anti-ageing benefits, soothing chamomile and firming, moisturising cucumber extract.
I love the gentle scent and the light consistency, that sinks in pretty instantly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky.
The products have also been awarded the The Nordic Swan Eco Label, which sets stringent environmental requirements on all phases of the product life cycle – and stringent requirements for chemicals to protect the environment and your health.
€25
The perfect pick-me up for parched or stressed skin, I recently fell in love with Bioderma’s new Bydrabio Serum, and know it will keep on being a permanent fixture in my makeup bag.
I use this first thing in the morning, after I wash my face, and let it sink in before applying sunscreen or a day cream. My skin can sometimes feel a little tight and dry, but this serum really seems to give my skin a burst of hydration first thing, which is no doubt down to the clever formula which helps your skin retain more water.
€22.50
Plane travel is not your skin’s best friend, where the dry, stuffy air can really such moisture out of your skin, leaving it feeling dry, itchy and looking, well, wretched.
Which is why I am obsessed with my latest find – the On the Fly Kit from Patchology. Seriously – if you are going anywhere by plane this summer, treat yourself to one of these.
The kit includes one of each of the FlashMasque Hydrate, FlashMasque Illuminate, FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels and the Flash Patch Hydrating Lip Gel.
What this means is that you can use your time onboard to hydrate your skin, illuminate your complexion, wake up tired eyes and smooth your lips – all in time for looking gorgeously glwoing for when you touch down at your destination.
€22
6. Ilia Beauty Cucumber Water Stick
This is an absolute LIFE SAVER for those hot, sticky days.
This cooling toner in stick form is like a refreshing spray mist – only in compact form, meaning it is no problem bringing it with you on a plane – even if you are travelling with carry-on luggage only.
Basically, this stick will give you you a quick boost of hydration when you need it, refreshing you on the go.
Even better? This product is vegan, and made with a blend of soothing, organic ingredients – the ideal skin pick-me-up.
€44
I never venture outside without SPF 50 on my face, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want a healthy, summer-y glow regardless.
And this I get from my trust Clarins Bronzer Compact – every spring I treat myself to their latest one, and this summer, I must admit I am more than a little obsessed with the gorgeous floral design, and the shade that leaves my skin with the perfect golden glow.
€47
8. Voya Ritzy Spritzy Facial Spritz
This versatile facial spritz toner is ideal for holidays and hot summer day.
I love Voya’s clean beauty products, and this spray is a permanent fixture in my handbag – all year around.
Containing a mix of organic botanical herbs and essential oils, the Ritzy Spritzy Facial Spritz is perfect for giving your face a little cooling off during the day, or to use as a toner after cleansing your face morning and evening, as it will both cool, tone and hydrate your skin.
€27.50
9. Dr Bronner’s Organic Unscented Lip Balm
Made with organic beeswax, organic jojoba, avocado and hemp oils, I always keep this lip balm from Dr. Bronner’s in my handbag. I love every single product I have ever tried from Dr. Bronner’s, and how they are made free from any synthetic ingredients and to strict organic standards.
€4.75
10. L’Oréal Serie Expert Solar Sublime After-Sun Hair Mask
Sunshine, sand and chlorine water can take a serious toll on our hair, and I always make sure to pack a super-nourishing hair mask in my holiday suitcase.
I mean; think of it as an after sun product for your hair.
This one is from the L’Oréal Professional Series, and I love the smell so much I would be tempted to use it every day. However, I find by using this once or twice a week in summer, my hair feels super soft, is easy to comb out and doesn’t break as often as normal either.
€19.95
