Summer Skin
Embrace the Ultimate Summer Glow: Essential Skincare Tips for Radiant Skin
I know the weather has not been giving of late, we are all longing for consistent sunshine in the UK. Maybe the big yellow ball in the sky will appear over the coming weeks. In prep for that sunshine or indeed your summer holiday, it is time to get that summer glow on. I have been trying loads of different products on my own quest for lovely summer skin, both from a skincare perspective along with the best makeup to achieve that lovely summer glow.
But, if you don’t get the basics right your skin will never look its best, so before we talk products, get your routine right girls ! Let’s get preachy !
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
The foundation of healthy, glowing skin is hydration. During the hot summer months, our skin loses moisture more quickly due to heat and increased activity. Here's how to keep your skin hydrated:
Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at minimum of 2 litres a day to maintain hydration. Get a good water bottle that keeps your water cold all day. I love the chillys water bottles or another great alternative is Frank & Green. Several of mine have been left in the back of taxi’s may I add !
Use a Hydrating Serum: Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times it’s weight in water, ensuring your skin stays plump and hydrated. I like The Ordinary which gives great results and is not expensive, but there are so many out there for you to choose from. For those of you who read my blog you know I am a big fan of Beauty Pie, my favourite serums from them are Youthbomb and Japanfusion both great skin energising and hydration-boosting. Check out Beauty Pie if you haven’t already, subscription based skin care at amazing prices.
Apply a great moisturiser: Even if your skin is oily, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser can help balance your skin's moisture levels. My new favourite which is a bit speeny is Tatcha dewy skin, it is a plumping moisturiser which smells incredible, makes your skin feel totally amazing, and of course sits beautifully under makeup. Other alternatives are Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream, Skinhai Electrolyte Drench3-in-1 Deep Hydrating Gel Cream, and finally the more affordable but excellent all rounder is Cearve moisturising lotion.
2. Exfoliate for Radiance
Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull and uneven. However, it's important to exfoliate wisely to avoid irritation.
Choose the Right Exfoliant: Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) which can penetrate deeply without harsh scrubbing.
Exfoliate Regularly: Aim to exfoliate 1-2 times per week to keep your skin smooth and radiant. Over-exfoliating can lead to sensitivity, so listen to your skin's needs.
I have two favourites Dr Glycolic Acid Toner from beauty pie and Murad Vita C exfoliating facial. I love an acid toner, I use it every day morning and night and it keeps my skin looking lovely and glowy. The Murad exfoliator is a grainy cream and is just brilliant, I know it’s expensive but you don’t need much, it leaves you skin feeling and looking incredible.
3. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
Sunscreen is your skin's best friend, especially during the summer. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays prevents premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. I wear SPF everyday even in the winter.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with at least SPF 30.
Apply Generously and Often: Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Don't Forget the Extras: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and seek shade whenever possible to minimise sun exposure.
Some recommendations I use and that sit lovely under make up are Super Gloop unseen sunscreen, this has a gel like texture and works brilliantly, my other go too a little bit expensive but is sun protection and a primer in one is Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV flawless poreless primer, my other everyday go to is Bondi Sands SPF 50+ again fragrance free no white cast, great under makeup.
4. Lighten Up Your Makeup Routine
Summer is the perfect time to embrace a more natural, minimal makeup look that let’s your skin breathe and glow.
Tinted Moisturiser or Skin Tints: Replace heavy foundations with a tinted moisturiser or skin tint that evens out your skin tone while providing hydration, if you want to stick to foundation, always opt for a dewy based one in order to enhance the glow. My favourites are Hourglass Veil Skin Tint , Sunday Friday Sheer Skin Tint, Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint, Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and Studio Radiance from MAC.
Cream Blush and Highlighter: Cream-based products blend seamlessly into the skin, giving you a dewy, radiant finish. I use Nudestix nudies bloom dewy blush, such a beautiful product, makes your skin look fresh and dewy, and it lasts for ages, so a good investment.
Set with a Light Powder: Use a translucent setting powder to keep shine at bay while maintaining a fresh look. A couple of great options are Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose powder, buy a travel size as it lasts for ages. A good alternative is Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless finish, both excellent powders.
5. Stay Cool and Refreshed
Keeping your skin cool can help reduce redness and puffiness, giving you a more even complexion.
Facial Mists: Keep a facial mist in your bag to spritz your skin throughout the day. Look for mists with soothing ingredients like rose water or cucumber extract. Elemis superfood is my go to, it smells amazing, you feel like you have stepped into a spa.
Cold Compresses: Use a cold compress or chilled jade roller to depuff and refresh your skin, especially after spending time in the sun.
6. Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Your lifestyle plays a significant role in the health and appearance of your skin. Adopt these habits for a glowing complexion:
Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to nourish your skin from within.
Regular Exercise: Exercise boosts circulation, helping to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin, giving it a healthy glow.
Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate.
Sanua/Steam: If you have it available to you get into the sauna to help detox and sweat out those toxins.
Achieving a radiant summer glow involves a combination of proper skincare, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle choices, but we know that, however if we can find makeup that can help our skin looks its best, then I am here for it. Hope you find some of these tips useful. Let me know if you have any great summer tips you want to share. S x