Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to get beach ready so you look like a babe by the water. Check out my tips on how to get glowing skin, glossy locks and fuss-free make- up so your beach-worthy!
Top 10 Super Skin Fixes
These pre-summer, beauty buys are all you need to keep you looking cool all summer long.
Cooling gel cleaner
Celebrities such as Uma Thurman and Gwyneth Paltrow love this trusty Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, $20USD, as it’s packed with silica and high concentrations of the Avene thermal spring water which gives you a cool sparkling cleanse.
My favorite “After experiencing a bath at the Avene Thermal Spa in France my skin felt as smooth as silk. It’s all about the thermal spring water being their key ingredient in all their products.”
Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, $20USD
Hydrating toner
An often forgotten skincare step is sweeping skin with a toner after cleanser. It removes residue from your cleanser, neutralizes the acid mantle (the protective skin barrier) and closes pores preventing clogging. This divine smelling Kerstin Florian Caviar Rose Damascena Mist, $45USD, can be used on all skin types (especially sensitive) and is ideal as a pre-make-up step to leave skin supple and smooth. A step not to be missed I say!
Kerstin Florian Caviar Rose Damascena Mist, $45USD
Gentle Exfoliator
Sloughing off dead skin cells doesn’t have to be irritating thanks to the great new formulas that have tiny micro beads that roll gently over the skin. Exfoliate once a week for natural glowing skin. La Prairie, Cellular 3-Minute Peel, $225USD, helps to shrink the appearance of pores, improves elasticity, hydrates skin and protects against moisture loss. A real multi-purpose product that deep cleans and protects to keep skin clear.
La Prairie, Cellular 3-Minute Peel, $225USD
Soothing Mask
The quickest way to pep–up skin is with a mask. There are different types to suit each complexion. If you have oily skin use a clay-based mask to draw out impurities and if you have a dry, sensitive skin use a hydrating mask. If you have a combination skin (oily down the middle and dry on the cheeks) I would suggest using the clay mask down the centre of the face and then a moisturising mask on the cheeks. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask, $95USD, for a pack of four, is a hydrating mask packet that will fit in your summer holiday make-up bag.
Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask, $95USD
Vitamin C Serum
Serums are wonder products (I can’t live without them) as they can be used as a treatment to plump up skin by massaging a generous amount all over the skin and décolletage. If you want to brighten up skin look for serums with the ingredient Vitamin C and A. To nourish use concentrated extracts of shea butter and jojoba oil. Skin Ceuticals C+AHA, $135USD, has all of the above.
Skin Ceuticals C+AHA, $135USD
Eye roll-on wonders
A bestseller that works! I think it must be something to do with the roller action as its cooling touch de-puffs instantly! Look for brightening ingredient caffeine to take away dark circles. Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, $41USD, is a must-have makeup bag staple.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, $41USD
3-in-1 tinted moisturiser with SPF
The best anti-ageing advice for all of us is to wear sunscreen every single day of the year – not just summer. La Roche –Posay Anthelios XL Tinted SPF50+, $39.99USD, its lightweight, non-sticky formula leaves a veil of natural looking colour on the face making it ideal as a summer base. Jerry Hall told us so!
La Roche – Posay Anthelios XL Tinted SPF50+, $39.99USD
Nourishing lip balm
We all lust after soft kissable lips and yet it’s surprising the number of women who don’t use a lip balm. Without subtle smooth lips our lipgloss and lipstick look chalky and can have an ageing effect. Who wants that? So keep a lip balm handy at all times and stick it on when you think of it. I’m loving Eos Lip Balm, $3.49.
Eos Lip Balm, $3.49
Pimple buster
As it heats up our skin tends to sweat and break out. Once you feel a little spot zap it with a sulphur-based pimple cream like Ella Bache Crème Intex No 2, $22USD. It also has pimple-preventing ingredient resorcinol. I’d keep this in your tote for emergencies.
Ella Bache Crème Intex No 2, $22USD
Make-up sponges
Are perfect for applying dewy foundations and also removing makeup with your cleanser (a little beauty tip I learnt backstage). Look out for travel-size sponges like ULTA Beauty Wedges, $1.99USD to take on holidays. Also invest in larger sponges like Laura Mercier 4-pack Sponges, $15USD, for party season sexy skin. Just wash once a week with soapy water and let air-dry.
Laura Mercier 4-pack Sponges, $15USD
Get a golden glow – Give your skin a sun-kissed glow with these summer-smart top sellers and my insider tips.
Face bronzer + highlighter in 1
I love to sweep a bronzer over the high points on my face to add instant warmth and radiance to my skin. Remember to tap off excess powder from your brush before applying bronzer or you’ll end up with a muddy, uneven application. Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Earthy, $42USD will work as a double –duty blush and bronzer that will last you all day long.
Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Earthy, $42USD
Moisturising coral lipstick
This is my favourite lip colour right now. It suits every skin tone and makes lips look pretty and oh so kissable! Lancôme L’Absolu Lipstick in Beige Mirage, $30.60USD moisturises lips and is long-lasting.
Lancôme L’Absolu Lipstick in Beige Mirage, $30.60USD
Sheer purple shadow
The latest eye make-up look right now is the ‘halo’ effect and lavender hues work best as they make the whites of your eyes pop. Load up your brush and apply in firm circular sweeps. M.A.C Collection Purple Times Nine, $32USD is an eye shadow palette with an extensive purple range to choose from.
M.A.C Collection Purple Times Nine, $32USD
Fast drying polish to suit a glowing tan
Give your toes a twinkle with this eye popping Dazzle Berry from Creative Nails Creative Play Lacquer, $7:50USD and the best thing is that it dries in a flash!
Creative Nails Creative Play Lacquer, $7:50USD
Lustrous locks beach bag must-haves
We all want soft, silky, touchable hair that has a megawatt shine but how do we stop breakage and dryness during our summer days playing in the sun and surf? Easy! Here are my tips…
– Invest in a leave-in conditioner so hair is soft and manageable preventing split ends and dry, brittle hair, Kevin Murphy Smooth Again, $32USD, contains Brazilian capuaco seeds to protect, smooth and soften; immortelle essential oil to prevent damage and baobab seed oil to combat ageing making it a beach bag must-have.
– Another tip is to use non-snag elastic bands to pull hair back like Sephora Collection Quick Fix Hair Ties, $10USD
– And last but not least, keep hair smelling and looking fresh with Amika Perkup Dry Shampoo, $10USD. Its beautiful floral scent will make heads turn.
Kevin Murphy Smooth Again, $32USD
Sephora Collection Quick Fix Hair Ties, $10USD
Amika Perkup Dry Shampoo, $10USD
