Beauty

Put your Best Face Forward this Summer!

Words by Sophie Cullen, Beauty Editor writing for Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Daily Mail and more
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When temperatures change, so do the needs of our skin, so keeping it feeling cool, calm, and protected is important. Just as you wouldn’t wear winter clothes in summer, you might want to tweak your beauty products going into the summer season. It doesn't need to be overwhelming - make small changes and look at adding products such as foaming cleansers, tinted moisturiser, and setting sprays. Beauty Editor, Sophie Cullen, shares her skincare and make-up must-haves for the warmer months.

Lighten up your skin-care routine

Swap your cream cleanser to a light-weight foaming cleanser. I start my morning routine with the L’Occitane Gel-to-Foam Cleanser - it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. I always recommend leaving around two minutes in between each step to allow the product to sink in and dry before your next step. 

Invest in a good vitamin C serum

Next up, Vitamin C, touted as one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market and the key to maintaining a smooth, even and glowy complexion. Pixi, Vitamin C serum from M&S is my current go-to.

SPF, SPF, SPF!

After I've applied my serum, I always apply an SPF no matter what time of year it is. One question I'm always asked is how much should you apply? The length of two fingers - while this may sound a lot, consider that it should cover your whole face, tops of ears and the neck and chest. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid from Boots is a brilliant all-rounder, blends in really well and doesn’t leave any white residue.

L'occitane Product
Pixi Product
La Roche Posay Product
Kiehls Product
Laura Mercier Product
Charlotte Tilbury Product
Huda Beauty Product
Lancome Product
Keep skin hydrated

I really like a gel texture for a day cream as it provides an instant hit of hydration. My current fave is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Gel-Cream from H beauty. My top tip? Keep it in the fridge - it instantly cools down skin after a long day in the sun.

Go for sheer shades

Now for make-up. Tinted moisturisers are a great alternative to foundation in summer. Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturisers from John Lewis & Partners are brilliant, come in a huge shade range and offer sheer coverage. I like to apply it with my fingers as it helps melt the product and ensures even coverage. Rich, deep colours have their place, but they can look heavy in summer. To lighten up your look, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye colours. I use Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Lip & Cheek Glow from John Lewis & Partners - simply dab onto your cheeks and lips, and blend for an instant healthy flush.

Always finish with a setting spray

For eyes, I like to keep it minimal - mascara is a must for added definition and volume. Huda Beauty Legit Lash from Boots does just this and doesn’t budge all day in the heat. With warmer temperatures it is important product formulas are lightweight but stay put. To finish off the look, I always use a setting spray - it holds the make-up in place all day and evening - Lancôme’s Fix It Forget It Setting Spray from H beauty does just this.