Summer Beauty Essentials

Often neglected in cooler months, legs and arms are in need of attention at this time of year. A great way to start is with a good scrub and some fake tan. We love the at-home tan from Amanda Harrington. But, if you can’t make time for an appointment, grab The Gradual from Tan-Luxe. Giving the whole body an ultra-natural golden glow, it develops in about an hour. For a little extra shimmer, or all on its own, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse feels amazing on the skin, smells great, and gives you just a hint of glow.

After trying a fair few sun creams over the years, these are our favourites. Easy application is a must, and it has to sink in quickly. Obsessives about suncream for the face, we have a whole post dedicated to our favourites here.

Biafine is a French pharmacy staple and is amazing stuff if you get too much sun. We always have a tube on hand for adults and kids as it both soothes and takes away redness quickly.

To maintain a tan after your holiday, this oil from Lancaster reduces the risk of peeling, smells great, and leaves a subtle shimmer behind.

The best way to keep your makeup from melting in the summer is to keep it simple – a little bronzer, lippy and mascara can go a long way.

Healthy Glow Bronzer from Chanel is a gel-cream formula and gives the perfect sheer tint.  For lips, something easy to apply is always a favourite and Fresh Lip Treatments come in a myriad of colours, all while moisturising and protecting your lips from the sun.  Glossier’s Lash Slick is a year round favourite, but especially great in the summer as it is water/sweat-proof and never flakes. A setting spray, like this one from Coola, will keep everything in place, but we still carry these sweet new blotting papers from Tatcha in our bags.

It’s time for feet to come out of hibernation. Margaret Dabb’s in Marylebone is the place to go for a serious pedicure that will leave your feet baby soft. Maintain that feeling with some of her fantastic products – we particularly love the cracked heel treatment for a quick improvement.

A brightly coloured nail is called for in summer – corals in particular look great with a tan. For something different, go for an icy blue or yellow. If you are doing a quick colour change, this Seche Vite quick drying top-coat is genius. Never a smudge.

Often forgotten, it is essential to protect your hair as the temperature heats up. Swimcap, by tress guru Philip Kingsley, offers much needed protection. Just run through damp hair and comb to protect colour-treated hair from going off after too much time in chlorine. Sachajuan’s hair perfume smells great and protects your hair from UV rays while also controlling frizz.

A deep conditioner is also a must have. Formulated particularly for hair ravaged by the sun, this Aveda conditioner works on all hair types, is all natural, and has a lightly tropical scent.