Naturium
The Glow Getting Multi-Oil Body Butter, £22
To be honest, there are half a dozen Naturium products I can’t live without, but at this time of year, this unctuous, deeply nourishing, oil-infused body butter is what my parched limbs are soaking up with alacrity. It leaves them glossy, soft and ready to see daylight after a fallow winter.
Buy it.
Being
Bye Bye Frizz Shampoo, £8
I only discovered this curl haircare range recently by accident in the supermarket and I’m super impressed, as are my curls. No nasties, ethically sourced ingredients, it’s great in the heat to keep my coils defined and beat the humidity frizz.
Buy it.
La Roche Posay
Anthelios Dry Body Mist SPF50+, £27.50
Having lived in France when my boys were small, I still always veer towards the French pharmacy brands when it comes to the family’s SPF and this is a favourite that I buy in bulk at the start of summer. A lightweight mist that is super water resistant, doesn’t feel greasy or cloying on the skin, dries almost instantly and doesn’t stain clothes. The Holy Grail of SPF.
Buy it.
Philip Kingsley
Swim Cap, £39
I invest way too much in my hairdresser to let her hard work be ruined by my love of swimming – both in the pool and the sea. A good slather of this hair protectant before I hit the water keeps my colour fresh and ends protected. Goodbye summer frazzled locks.
Buy it.
Avene
Eau Thermale, £15.50
I know it’s a can of water for £15 but hear me out. This fine mist of soothing thermal water has saved me on many occasion; it soothes prickly heat, instantly refreshes you (and little ones) on long journeys, revives tired feet and, if I was pregnant in this heat, I would be buying it by the case load.
Buy it.
Marvis
Whitening Mint Toothpaste, £9
Do I buy it because of the pleasing branding? Perhaps. However, I do genuinely love the gentle, creamy texture and subtle mint of this elevated toothpaste. I’m yet to try the liquorice mint or cinnamon mint, but never say never.
Buy it.
Mediheal
Skincare Pads, £22
I discovered the K-Beauty brand Mediheal’s skincare pad range through a friend and now I use a few on rotation - the brightening ones are great for exfoliating and reviving dullness, the Watermide Moisture pad is a great hit of hydration and cooling on a hot day and the Collagen Ampoule Pad really firms and nourishes. One for every day of the week!
Buy it.
FAQs: Summer Beauty
Which summer beauty products are worth buying every year?
A hardworking SPF, a rich body moisturiser, an anti-frizz shampoo, a hydrating facial mist and a hair protectant are the products that tend to earn permanent places in a summer beauty routine.
How do I stop my hair going frizzy in humid weather?
Use a moisturising, sulphate-free shampoo and avoid over-washing. Applying a leave-in treatment or protective cream before heading outdoors can also help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz.
Is a body butter better than body lotion in summer?
If your skin becomes dry after sun exposure, swimming or air conditioning, a nourishing body butter can help replenish moisture more effectively than a lightweight lotion. Apply after showering while skin is still slightly damp for best results.
Do I need a separate sunscreen for my body?
Body SPFs are often formulated to be more economical for generous application and many are designed to withstand sweat and swimming. The important thing is choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapplying regularly.
How can I protect my hair when swimming?
Wet your hair with fresh water before getting into the pool or sea, then apply a protective treatment to help shield it from chlorine and salt. Rinse thoroughly afterwards and follow with a nourishing conditioner.
What is thermal spring water spray actually good for?
A fine facial mist can be wonderfully refreshing on hot days and can help calm skin that feels overheated or irritated. It is particularly useful after sun exposure, during travel or whenever skin needs a quick cooling boost.
Are K-Beauty skincare pads worth trying?
They can be a quick, convenient addition to your routine, with different formulas targeting hydration, gentle exfoliation or brightening. They are especially useful when you want skincare that delivers results in just a few minutes.
What's the easiest way to simplify my summer beauty routine?
Focus on the essentials: a good cleanser, antioxidant serum, lightweight moisturiser, daily SPF and one or two targeted treatments for your biggest concern. Summer skincare is often most effective when it stays simple.
