9 beauty products you’ll need this summer
Just as we might pack away sweaters and swap them for shorts to adapt to the changing seasons, so we should do the same for our beauty products. Make sure you’ve got these to hand for warmer weather, to keep you skin looking its best…
1. Facial exfoliator
Oil can build up and clog pores during the summer, so exfoliation is a must to remove dead skin cells and grime to keep your complexion at its best. However, scrubbing off a layer of skin in the morning can make you more susceptible to sun damage during the day, so stick to night-time exfoliation, followed by a rich night moisturiser, such as Olay Regenerist 3 Point Night Anti-Ageing Moisturiser.
2. Body scrub
Don’t forget to use an exfoliating scrub on your body, too. Improving the tone and texture of your skin can seriously change the way you look and feel in a bikini or bathing suit, giving you a great glow. Regular exfoliation sloughs away any dead skin and helps with circulation, too.
When using your scrub, pay extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles and toes. If you’re a fan of fake tan, make exfoliating part of your weekly beauty prep to ensure you achieve a smooth, natural-looking colour.
3. Face mask
Pampering yourself is an absolute must when it comes to summer holidays, especially when it’s so easy because face masks are now fuss-free. With Olay’s Clay Stick Masks, you’ll no longer end up with your mask stuck under your fingernails, as they simply glide on to remove impurities and micro-exfoliate your skin.
You can go for the full reset or target-treat your dry and oily patches without having to apply everywhere. Choose from Pore Detox, Glow Boost and Fresh Reset– whichever best suits your skincare needs.
4. Sun protection
Getting out in the sun is not only good for the soul, but it’s good for the body too. Vitamin D, known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is essential for boosting your immune system, bone health and helping to prevent osteoporosis, a common problem for women as we get older.
But you still need to protect your skin from the effects of the sun’s rays. Even if it’s overcast, during summer you should wear sunscreen with at least SPF30, and which offers UVA and UVB protection. Try Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Firming Moisturiser SPF 30, a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser brightens and hydrates skin, as well as protecting it from damaging UV rays.
5. Hair protector
Your hair colour needs protection from the fading effects of the sun, whether it’s dyed or natural. From spring onwards, use a shampoo and conditioner for colour-treated hair that contains UV-absorbing filters and extra moisturising ingredients. This will keep your hair looking its best by preventing it from becoming dull and dry.
And if you suffer from summer frizz caused by humidity, try a treatment such as Pantene Pro-V Intense Hydratation Surge Sorbet Hair Mask, which will revive dehydrated hair and keep it smooth and glossy. If you dye your hair, check 5 Ways to Prevent Your Hair Colour Fading This Summer.6. Skin primer
For those days – and nights – when you’re dressing up and wearing heavier make-up, use a primer after your moisturiser and before making up your face. It will stop your make-up from sliding off when your face gets sweaty in the heat. Choose one that leaves the skin matte and refines pores, so you’ll look less shiny and more polished.
7. Tinted moisturiser
Foundation can get sweaty or builds up in facial creases in the heat, so try a tinted moisturiser with a complexion corrector instead. This will even out your skin tone and cover redness while looking as natural as possible. Despite being lighter than foundations, a really good tinted moisturiser can provide fantastic coverage and works on different skin types and shades.
8. Bronzer glow
If you’re fair-skinned, it can be tempting to try to get some rays on your face for a sun-kissed glow. But this is a seriously bad idea! Your complexion will age super-fast if you expose it to the sun, and you’ll end up with hyper pigmentation spots and sagging skin.
Instead, wear a high sun protection on your face every day – for example, Olay Total Effects Whip SPF30 – and fake that glow with bronzer. Brush a little matte bronzer that’s a couple of shades darker than your usual foundation across your forehead, cheeks and jaw, where the sun would naturally hit your face.
Alternatively, pick a double duty product like Olay Complete Every Day/Night Sunshine that will give you a sun-kissed glow, as well as SPF15.
9. Foot scrub
Wearing cute sandals or your favourite flip-flops can make you feel a little self-conscious if you have dry, calloused heels, so you need a good exfoliating foot scrub and a cooling foot cream to keep them in tip top condition.
To soften calluses, use a metal file on dry feet once a week before getting in the shower. Move the file from the outside to the centre of calluses to avoid creating rough edges. The rest of the dead skin will come off when you use your foot scrub.
After filing, moisturise your feet with a cooling foot cream. And if you can’t make time for a pedicure, at least make sure you keep your toenails clipped and shaped. Then add a few coats of summery pink varnish, and rock those sandals in confidence!
For more, check out our article on 5 Summer Holiday Beauty Must-Haves.