Summer is here!
And it is time to get our summer glow on. Whether you have a ton of fun staycations and day-trips planned – or are waiting for that elusive July 19th date and heading abroad – we all still want to look and feel our best when on holidays.
These past couple of months, I have been busy testing my way through a mountain of new beauty products (the hardship!) trying to find the cream of the crop. I was looking for ones that not only did what they promised, but that are also perfect for summer, meaning they give us that perfect sunkissed skin glow, protects skin from sun, heat and pollutants, and are handy for travelling.
A long list of demands, but I was adamant to find the best.
And after a lot of testing and trying and thinking, here are my top 10 summer beauty products for summer 2021:
1. Clarins Frozen Summer Collection Compact Bronzing Powder
Every summer, Clarins bring out a new limited edition bronzing powder – and every summer, I need to buy it. And not just because the packaging is always o perfectly summery – but simply because no other bronzing powder will ever come close.
This gradient bronzing powder in three matte shades gives my skin the perfect healthy glow. You can use the shades individually, but I usually just sweep my bronzing brush across all three, and sweep across my forehead, cheekbones and bridge of the nose – and voila – my skin looks like I have just spent a week on a sun lounger in the south of France.
Even better – the formula is enriched with a plant micro-patch that binds water to the surface of the skin, protecting it from dehydration, making it ideal for summer. And Clarins’ anti-pollution complex means my skin is also shielded from the harmful effects of pollution.
A must buy for summer – trust me.
€44
2. Codex Beauty Labs Antü Brightening Moisturiser
If you are into clean beauty – you really should try the gorgeous products from Codex. I have used a variety of their creams over the past year, and was so excited when I heard about the new Codex Antu Brightening series they were bringing out.
Not only is the moisturiser perfect for all skin types, but it works especially well on dull, dry or uneven skin tones.
In other words; after a winter of wearing face masks, it was exactly what my skin needed.
The Antü collection(like all products from Codex Beauty Labs) is organic and vegan, and works hard protecting, restoring, and strengthening the skin barrier. It is also designed to manage reactive oxidative stress in the skin while supporting the microbiome and contains a patent-pending AntüComplexTM that is designed to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, especially from sun exposure, pollution, and inflammaging (aging that is caused by inflammation).
I live in an urban environment, so for me, protecting my skin from pollution and daily stressors is big on my agenda, and I really feel like this moisturiser ticks all the boxes. I would 100 percent recommend it if you are planning a summer staycation or holiday to a city this summer – it is lightweight and sinks into the skin in no-time and will help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Note, this day cream does not contain and SPF, but you can wear this cream under your sunscreen when out and about every day, for maximum skin protection. Using it, my skin feels deeply nourished, no doubt due to Murumuru – an ingredient that helps to restore hydration. It also helps to alleviate damage caused by UB light exposure and refines the appearance of pores.
€85
3. Seoulista Beauty Fresh Skin Facial Mist
An absolute must both in your beach bag – and your home office.
I love a good face spritz, and was excited to test out this new one from Seoulista, as I have long since been a fan of their gorgeous sheet masks.
The Seoulista Fresh Skin Facial Mist helps to calm, soothe and protect stressed-out skin – and, let’s face it – our skin has been through the ringer this past year, between face masks, far too much indoor time and just the general stress that comes from living though a pandemic.
The formula is packed full of powerful, naturally derived ingredients, which I love –including calming and soothing centella asiatica (also known as cica), panthenol to help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, hibiscus and blueberry extract to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and skin-restoring Adenosine to help smooth and refine the skin for a healthy glow.
I have been keeping my bottle in my handbag, and using out and about, whenever I take my face mask off after a trip to the shops, or just in the car when I feel like my skin needs little treat. I love the ultra-fine texture, it feels like the perfect little ‘complexion shower’ whenever my skin needs a pick-up.
Pop in your handbag or pocket and spritz across skin anytime, anywhere.
€14.95
I never wear lipstick in the summer, always finding it too heavy or ‘made up.’
Instead, I love just popping on a lick of gloss – and leaving it at that.
I recently tested the new Shiseido Shimmer Gel Gloss, a moisturising lip gloss designed to both hydrate and give your lips an eye-catching, crystalline finish.
I love how this gloss is infused with shea butter, meaning it works to condition and nourish my lips. And if you have a fear of too ‘gloopy’ lip glosses (I do!), you will love how this one has a weightless and non-sticky texture that won’t make your lips stick together or feel too sticky.
It comes in several shades, but I love nothing more than a real pop of pink – it just looks so good against sun-kissed summer skin!
€26
5. Clarins Fix’ Make-Up Long-Lasting Make-Up Hold
Another must-have for your summer beach bag (or handbag) – and will ensure your make-up and SPF won’t be left all over your face mask every time you pop it on or off.
This hydrating and light facial mist not only gives an irresistible feeling of freshness, it simultaneously sets your make-up and maximising its hold. The formula, thanks to its organic aloe vera extract with moisturising and soothing properties, also takes care of your summer skin, making it feel deeply hydrated and just glowy.
Oh, and did I mention it has the freshest, most summery smell of vanilla and pear? Honestly, it is like Clarins have managed to capture summer in a bottle!
€28
6. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick
I don’t really wear foundation in the summer, preferring instead a lick of tinted moisturiser with a high SPF, or just SPF and a dab of bronzing powder.
However, I am obsessed with the new Teint Idole Ultra Wear by Lancôme, a super-handy foundation stick with the silkiest texture and matte finish that honestly leaves my complexion more flawless than I have ever seen it.
For those days when I feel like my skin looks a little uneven or needs a little extra coverage, I now keep this in my bag at all times, ready to just dab on where needed and blend out – for the most perfect result.
The secret is in the innovative powder-cream texture, it is ultra-lightweight and glides smoothly over skin to cover imperfections, resulting in a “second-skin” makeup look that lasts and lasts and lasts. I have used the Teint Idole Utlra Wear Stick both as an actual foundation, but also just as a concealer where needed, and as a highlighter, just dabbing some on my cheekbones and forehead.
And here comes the best bit – the dual-end packaging has a built-in kabuki foundation brush in one end – for application, contouring and blending. In other words; you have literally three gorgeous products in one – plus a brush to apply it with – and all in the most handy, fits-in-even-the-smallest-clutch-bag size.
I am forever obsessed.
€32.50
7. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Reusable Eco Pads
I love when large beauty makers take steps to become more eco friendly and look after our planet.
Supporting the push for sustainability in beauty, Garnier’s new eco pads are the perfect addition to my cleansing routine. The pads are designed to gently remove makeup, dirt and daily grime – without the need to rub or scrub, making them perfect for summer skin, which might feel a little more sensitive having been in the sun or heat all day.
Crafted from reusable micro-fibre, the pads are an excellent alternative to single-use cotton pads, and can be washed easily with soap and water up to 1000 times, allowing them to remain hygienic. The ultra-soft fabric ensures an intense, yet non-abrasive cleanse, capturing product in its fibres to leave your complexions ultra-fresh.
I am really loving using mine, and find it so amazing that I can just hand-wash them, or toss them in the washing machine with my laundry once a week for a deeper clean.
€7.99
8. Patchology Moodpatch Down Time Eye Gels – 5 pk
Another little star buy – and one I think we should all be packing in our staycation suitcases for some extra skin TLC.
The Patchology MoodPatch Down Time Eye Gels are enhanced with natural calendula and chamomile petals to calm and de-stress your sensitive under-eye area. Calming calendula (one of my favourite natural beauty ingredients) acts as an anti-inflammatory, while antioxidant-rich Evening Primrose extract detoxes the undereye area, leaving the skin looking smoothed and renewed.
Even better? The calming scent of lavender will make it extra easy to just unwind and relax as you plop these on and sit still for a few minutes to let them do their job.
Breathe deep and unwind while you steep in the calming scent of Lavender to settle your restless mind.
The eye gels are suitable for all skin times.
€15
9. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30
My new favourite little skin treat to apply in the morning, before heading out into the sun.
The La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 AquaGel SPF30 is a gel moisturiser that not only feels so, so amazing on my skin, but it also helps hydrate it for a healthy-looking glow, while also protecting it from UVA/UVB rays.
I also love how the Hyalu B5 contains hyaluronic acid, giving my skin a real boost of moisture, and making it look instantly more glowing and plump.
€30.99
10. Lusso Tan Face and Hand Mist
I am all about that sun-kissed glow in the summer, but as we all know, exposing out skin to the sun’s strong rays is pretty much the fastest way to both age and damage it.
So what’s a girl to do?
Personally, I cheat by using a high SPF and always covering my face with a hat – and instead use this amazing Tan Face & Hand Mist from Lusso to give my face that summery, sun-kissed glow.
This lightweight mist is designed to be easy to use and deliver perfect results every time. Which it does. I love how I can just spritz this only my clean face a couple of mornings we week – and voila, my skin looks so healthy and glowing – and like I just stepped off the plane from somewhere hot and exotic.
Another great bonus is that Lusso also uses vitamins A&E in their products – to nourish skin and help combat fine lines.
€18
