Beauty: Simple summer beauty swaps
Give your bathroom a new-season refresh with these tips
Many people’s winter beauty regimen calls for a combination of rich lotions and masks. Once the hot weather hits, though, applying these is often the last thing you feel like doing.
But don’t let your routine slip in the summer! If you’re looking to ditch the comforting coldweather creams, stock up instead on refreshing lightweight formulas that do the job without the heavy-duty application.
1 Swap hair conditioners for foams
We don’t think twice about slathering on a conditioner after shampooing, but for those with short or fine hair, excessive use can leave it looking limp. Lee Stafford has created a solution in the form of his Sea Salt Foam Conditioner, £7.99. The foam is quickly absorbed into the hair shaft, and you’re left with smoothed hair without it being weighed down by a dense formula. Apply as normal, varying the amount for length and thickness, and rinse.
2 Swap moisturiser for aloe water
Slathering on a face cream couldn’t be less appealing in the heat. Due to increased humidity, thicker formulas risk blocking pores, causing breakouts and rendering the product inefficient. L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Aloe Water, £9.99, is similar to a gel but also packs a moisturising punch.
3 Swap body butter for mist
Using a body butter is like wearing a coat in a heatwave. Our skin can still suffer from the drying effects of the sun, though. Try a spray-on lotion, with skin softeners packed into an aerosol can. Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist, £7.50, is good for sensitive skin.
4 Swap powders for mattifiers
Prone to shiny skin? Normally, powders mop up excess oil but, come summer, they can leave a chalky effect behind. Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Facial Water, £18, should be applied before moisturising to mattify the skin. For an on-the-go solution, Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector, £32, is a liquid-to-powder compact that leaves behind a silky, mess-free finish.
5 Swap foundation for CC cream
The range of alternative bases to foundation is enormous. CC creams are nothing new, but finding one offering coverage and SPF without feeling caked-on can be an ask. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50+, £30, acts as skincare as well as make-up, hydrating parched summer skin while protecting from the sun. Apply to the middle of your face and smooth outwards to blend in.