Summer swap
If your skin is oily in summer, try a gel cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean and cool. Follow this with a mattifying moisturising lotion that will control oily outbreaks and prevent make-up from caking and streaking. If you usually use a cream cleanser in winter, switch to a lighter, milky cleanser in summer followed by a moisturising lotion. Products containing alcohol can make the skin sensitive to the sun and cause hyperpigmentation, so be careful when choosing products.
Cover up
In our climate all skins, no matter how dark, require sun protection. For dry, normal, dehydrated and mature skins, use a moisturising SPF. For oily and combination skins use oil-free SPFs and for sensitive skins, use hyperallergenic SPFs. Look for products that contain antioxidant vitamins A, C and E to combat premature ageing and minimise damage caused by free radicals.
Workout tips
To prevent SPF from running into your eyes, use a protection product suitable for lips (thicker and less likely to melt ) on the temples and sides of the eyes. A lip protection product will not harm the sensitive eye area.
Clean break
Keep facial wipes in your beach bag or in the fridge at home and use to freshen up when you have sunblock overload.
Walking on sunshine
Uncool odour is a sure way of getting your feet noticed for the wrong reason. Prevent bacteria from breaking down perspiration and causing odour by using a foot deodorising spray in summer. Wear a different pair of shoes every other day to give your shoes a chance to breathe, and avoid nylon pantihose if you can.
Sand is a great natural exfoliater for your feet, but is certainly not kind to nail enamel. When painting your toenails, press down onto the edge of the nail enamel when it is slightly damp to prevent it from chipping easily. Always touch up the tips of chipped enamel to prevent your feet from looking shabby.
Carefree hair
Scrunch in your conditioner or hair treatment and leave it in when you go to the beach for a tousled mane. Rinse and wash hair thoroughly when you get home. For no-fuss hair, leave conditioner in and pull hair back into a ponytail or bun using a covered, thick hair elastic to prevent damage to your hair. Add a pretty accessory for summertime fun. Look after your highlights and colour in the summer. Set aside half an hour a week for at least four weeks before you go on a summer holiday to condition your hair with deep moisturising treatments.
Meltproof make-up
In summer it takes less make-up to look good, but it also has to withstand the heat. Remember that make-up with an SPF must be applied regularly to be effective in combating the effects of the sun. Protection rather than perfection should be your mantra for summer beauty.
A hint to tint
Switching to a tinted moisturiser rather than using foundation feels lighter and adds a glow that says "summer". To cover up spots and under-eye circles, use a light concealer only where you need it.
Combat the glow
Cream blusher looks more believable on glowing skin. Rosy lipstick can double up as cream blusher. To take down shine, blot with a tissue and apply a light dusting of translucent powder. Avoid overpowdering in summer it makes the skin look dull and lifeless.
Be water-wise
Waterproof mascara is essential for deep-sea babes. Splash-pool girls should opt for water-resistant mascara that is easier to remove. Remember to remove it with an eye make-up remover specifically for waterproof make-up to prevent eye irritations and unnecessary tugging at the skin with a product that cannot do the job efficiently.
Don’t forget your lips
Remember, though, that lip stains offer less sun protection and should be applied over a sun protection product for the lips. Lip stains are easier to maintain in summer than are opaque lipsticks.
Top tips
Hot and bothered? To refresh after a hot day, keep a water spritzer in the fridge. A spray bottle of mineral water set on the finest mist will do the trick.
No time to drink water? Rush-hour traffic is the perfect time. You have little else to do and the heat in the car will make you thirsty.