Summer Beauty: Routine Update
It’s the last couple of weeks of the school summer holidays and whether you’re willing to undertake the Covid paperwork needed for a week of quality beach time or are just making the most of some R&R on home soil, we’ve whittled down the no-nonsense hair, skincare, and beauty products you need this August.
There is no doubt about it the effects of climate change have been pretty obvious this season. From gloriously hot sunny days to flash flooding…and everything in between. While our beauty routine probably comes pretty low on the list of priorities when discussing global warming - we do need to consider protecting our skin and hair from the elements. So without downplaying the seriousness of the situation we caught up with a few experts to find out which products we should be adding to our beauty arsenal.
Ensuring you have adequate SPF is essential for keeping your skin in check, wherever you summer. “UV rays are one of the leading causes of premature ageing, and can also lead to serious skin conditions”, stresses industry influencer and beauty editor, Chloe Burcham. “To combat this, I use a SPF50 on my face every day—even in the UK and when it’s not sunny.” After years spent trialling hundreds of SPF face creams, which gets Chloe’s vote? “I can’t live without The Body Shop Skin Defence SPF50. Its thin consistency is lightweight and a dream on your skin, plus I find that it’s really one of the only facial SPFs that doesn’t block pores. I layer it with IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Cream; the shades blend seamlessly with the complexion, while boasting SPF50 as standard. Keeping your face as protected as possible is paramount as far as I’m concerned.”
Sensitive skin isn’t, however, reserved for the face. In Britain, on overcast days, the skin on our bodies can be just as susceptible to harsh UV rays through the haze. “For my body, I always use NUXE sun cream. Not only does it smell amazing, it hydrates the skin and makes it soft to the touch. The coverage is unrivalled and there’s zero sticky residue, so it's ideal for wearing underneath everyday clothing, as well as beachwear.”
Defence doesn’t stop with skincare, though. Few realise that our hair also requires protection from the sun—without it, prolonged sun exposure can cause irreversible damage to the follicles. “Not many people know this, but there is such a thing as SPF hair protecting spray, and most professionals can’t recommend it highly enough,” reveals editorial hairstylist Gary Lees. “Be sure to apply the first spritz at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, then reapply every few hours, or immediately after swimming or showering.” You needn’t have to visit a salon to find such a thing either—you can order Ultrasun’s UV Hair Protector online. Simply spritz throughout the lengths of your hair and you can bask in the sunshine confident in the knowledge your tresses are being looked after, too. Similarly, if you do have plans that involve spending as much time at the beach or by the pool as possible, you’ll also need to take into consideration the harsh effects of salt water and chlorine. “I always tell my clients to apply Philip Kingsley Swimcap Treatment to damp hair before they even leave their hotel room,” says Gary. "The water-resistant cream acts as a shield and seals each fibre with a protective veil. As a bonus, it’ll also leave your hair shiny, soothed and exceptionally soft when you wash it out at the end of the day.”
Gary also believes a good hair oil should be in every woman’s kit. "A great serum is my go-to. It acts as a heat protection spray as well as a finishing oil, and can even be used to soften dry skin and soothe cuticles.”
As for our vanity bags, Chloe suggests keeping the skincare quota high and the make-up ratio low. “Admittedly I find it hard to scrimp on skincare but, as we tend to spend more of our holidays without make-up on than with, it’s worth it. A cleanser is essential for tackling the build-up of SPF and sweat, and I’d also take a La Roche Posay moisturiser. Sheet masks are ideal for days when you feel like your skin needs a hydration hit. Plus, they don’t count as liquid so they’re a no-brainer for cabin bag trips.” We love the range at Kosame Beauty, everything from soothing, anti-redness, plumping, firming and more.
As for make-up, Chloe insists products need to be versatile to make the cut. "I usually take one red lipstick and one Charlotte Tilbury brown eye pencil, which you can smoke out and use instead of eyeshadow. Then there’s my IT Cosmetics CC+ cream, Chanel's creamy bronzer (which doubles-up as an eyeshadow), a cheek tint (which I’ll also slick across my lips), a brow gel, and a mascara.”
Final fortnight, let’s be having you!