Writing about beauty means combing through hundreds of new products every season – and making some really great discoveries.
This summer, I have replaced a whole bunch of my old favourites with these truly amazing new ones – and cannot recommend each of these enough.
Want to look your best (and protect your face, skin and hair) on the beach this summer? Here are my five can’t-leave-home-without-them favourite buys:
1. Bioderma Photoderm Max Tinted Aquafluid
I never hit the beach (or anywhere, really) without wearing SPF 50. Nothing ages and damages your skin like the sun, so saying safe (and wrinkle-free) should be your highest priority.
However, we all like to feel the sun on our heat-deprived bodies, and so when hitting the beach this year, I will be sure to pack the new Bioderma Photoderm Max Tinted Aquafluid. This clever facial suncream is non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog your pores and make you break out) and does not only provide optimum UVA/UVB protection, it also activates the skin’s natural defences to protect again cellular damage.
Oh – and even better – it is lightly tinted, meaning your skin will look flawless despite not wearing any heavy or pore-clogging makeup – while also not compromising on protection. A total must-buy.
Bioderma Photoderm Max Tinted Aquafluid, €14,50, from selected pharmacies nationwide
2. Phytoplage L’Original Protective Sun Oil
We tend to put a huge emphasis on sun protection at the beach for our entire bodies, but what about our poor locks?
Ladies, not protecting your hair in the sun (and sea) can lead to seriously damaged and brittle hair by the time you arrive home.
This summer, I have fallen head over heels for Phytoplage L’Original Protective Sun Oil, an easy-to-apply hair treatment spray that will nourish and protect their hair from the sun, sea, salt and swimming pool.
TIP: This clever oil also works perfect for creating glamorous beach waves without the stickiness or a sophisticated slicked-back ponytail – in other words; a must-pack product.
Phytoplage L’Original Protective Sun Oil, €19, selected pharmacies nationwide
3. The Artistry Perfecting Concealer Exact Fit
Summer – to me – is all about going as minimal as it gets with my makeup routine, ditching heavy foundations, powders – most makeup, to be honest. However, I do always carry a concealer in my bag, ready to just dab on to hide any blemishes, dark circles, irritated bits of skin – even big bites.
And for all of the above, right now, no other product really comes close to Artistry Perfecting Concealer Exact Fit.
For starters, it delivers totally flawless results in seconds, stays put for hours, even in the heat, and gives really natural, buildable coverage. Just dab on, blend in and voila; perfect skin in seconds, no other makeup needed.
The Artistry Perfecting Concealer Exact Fit, €27,50, from Amway.ie
4. Payot Nutricia Baume Lèvres Lip Balm
Nobody wants chapped, flaky lips – but the heat and sun can end up giving you just that.
However, I recently discovered the Payot Nutricia Lip Balm – and now won’t even attempt to go anywhere without it in my bag. I love how this gentle balm will repair my dry lips and create a barrier, helping to lock moisture in and prevent my lips from drying out again.
Choc-a-bloc with almond extract, raspeberry seed, vitamin E, wheat germ and chia butter, this balm will leave your lips feeling soft, supple and soothed.
Payot Nutricia Baume Lèvres Lip Balm, €18.50, selected pharmacies nationwide
5. Guinot Brume Hydra Beauté Mist
One thing I will always make sure my beach bag contains is a facial mist. Not only does it feel nothing short of amazing when you spray this cooling liquid onto your face in the scorching heat, but it will also help replenish any moisture your skin naturally loese in the sun.
This summer I have replaced my previous facial mists with this new product from Guinot, after testing it and loving both the gentle scent and the amazing way it made my skin feel after using it. I love how it contains Hyaluronic Acid, helping maintain optimal skin moisture levels, while trace elements and Green Tea extract help tone and revitalise my skin.
TIP: Use it as a toner after cleansing your skin too – and, as it comes in a compact 100ml bottle, you can even pop in to your carry-on luggage for an instant in-flight skin pick-me-up.
Guinot Brume Hydra Beauté Mist, €28.50, Guinot/Mary Cohr salons nationwide
