Stick to solid, no-spill formulas of skincare for summer

For space-saving skincare products that won’t leak, be savvy and pick solid formulas

After one too many struggles with those little plastic bags at the security gate, this summer I’ve discovered the appeal of skincare that comes in solid form. Today’s smart formulas make it possible to now buy cleansers, toners and moisturisers in neat, glue stick-style delivery systems that melt upon contact with the skin, and won’t leak, explode in your suitcase or count towards your liquids limit. They also perform a quick facial massage as they’re worked over the skin – bonus. The cute Oh K! Chok Chok Cleansing Balm Stick

(£12.99; Superdrug) is a lightly scented oil-based balm made with Korean skincare ingredients. Scribble it over the face and it will melt easily into the skin before turning into a light foam when a splash of water is added.

One for oily or blemish-prone skin, Simple Daily Skin Detox Charcoal Cleansing Stick (£9.99; Boots and Superdrug) has a firmer consistency and contains shine-zapping charcoal powder, thyme, zinc and witch hazel. It recommends wetting the face before swiping on, but I think it’s most effective when applied to dry skin (it’ll leave a sickly, grey film, but try to look past that). Wait for a few minutes, letting the charcoal soak up any excess oils, then rinse off. Frances Prescott Tri-balm (£46; francesprescott. com) was one of the first solid, twist-up skincare products I tried, two years ago, and Frances, a facialist and make-up artist, is clearly something of a minimalist, as she has only felt the need to launch one other product (a mist) since. It’s a big, chunky blend of botanical oils and gently exfoliating pumpkin seed enzymes, and it fits comfortably into the facial contours. It markets itself as a three-in-one cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser, although oily skin types might find it a little too greasy used as the latter. As a make-up remover, though, it’s highly effective, and feels heavenly rolled over the skin.

Both the Milk Makeup Cooling Water (£20.50; cultbeauty.co.uk) and the Darphin Hydraskin Cooling Hydrating Stick (£25; darphin.

co.uk) have been a godsend during the recent heatwave, when

I have regularly been bare-faced, and are a more pleasant alternative to rubbing an ice cube over your face.

When compared, Darphin’s feels more water-like, while Milk Makeup’s could double up as a light, gel-like morning moisturiser. Most of Milk Makeup’s skincare comes in stick form and they look especially pleasing all lined up on the shelf.

We Are Wild is another brand specialising in skincare in firm form, combining probiotics, antioxidants and natural ingredients into a simple, three-piece collection. Its Solid Oil

(£22; victoriahealth.com) melts instantly into the skin, giving instant relief and a lightweight sheen to areas troubled by dryness.

Another oil-based one, MUA Pro Base

Softening Facial Oil Stick (£5; Superdrug) has a more noticeable look and feel on the skin, which is why it leans slightly more into the make-up category than skincare. I’d recommend keeping it away from the T-zone, where oil naturally builds through the day, but on the cheeks it gives a lovely glow under make-up.

Like the Tri-balm, Primark x Alex Steinherr Plump & Glow Facial In A Stick (£5; Primark) is a multitasker, working as a cleanser and quick skin hydrator, and contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. For something so small and lowpriced, it does a surprisingly good job at removing make-up, although its firm consistency and slim bullet does poke at the face a bit. It’s great as a second cleanse, though, removing any spots of make-up that may have been missed, or to instantly soothe patches of dry skin.