Gatineau
Facial Tan Serum, £12
Gatineau’s gradual body tanner is my summer staple, so I was excited to try this facial version. And wow – *chef’s kiss* – it’s just as brilliant, with seven molecular weights of hyaluronic for instant deep hydration; marine bio-retinol for radiance; and Gatineau’s signature magic gradual tanning elixir. This heavenly scented, light-as air-serum gives the best ‘hint of a tint’ with a warm, natural glow. The best, and safest, way to tan this summer. Buy it.
Benefit
Hoola Cream Bronzer, £33
I have been a die-hard Chanel cream bronzer fan for decades, but this summer I’ve defected to Hoola’s buttery soft balm version. I love that it comes in a wide range of colours and has a long-wear formula that is water- and sweat-proof. Perfect for a quick kiss across the cheekbones for instant summer glow. Buy it.
Aerate
Mouth Tape, £10
Yes, the algorithm got me too. I have succumbed to the cult of mouth taping and do you know what? I think there’s something in it. I practise yoga and, with the mouth tape in place, I automatically switch to the deep nasal breathing I do on the mat. Instantly relaxing. I have been taping for a month now and my sleep data doesn’t lie: I’m getting more deep sleep and waking less through the night. Fad or not, I’m a convert. Buy it.
Refy
Setting Spray, £22
A ‘skincare mist’ rather then just a make-up fixer, Refy’s ‘Face Setter’ has Polyglutamic Acid to instantly hydrate and Arginine to support and strengthen the skin barrier. I’ve been keeping this on my desk as a refreshing spritz and I’ve definitely seen my make-up stay dewy for longer. Buy it.
Byoma
Brightening Body Lotion, £12.99
In the days when I’m not self-tanning, I like to use this as my cheap and cheerful, ‘slather it on head to toe' lotion (yes that’s a category). It may be a high-street buy but there’s no scrimping on the formula, with its tri-ceramide complex and niacinamide to brighten and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. It’s the perfect gel-lotion lightweight texture for summer and, unlike many perfunctory body lotions, I’ve been impressed with the difference in my skin texture. Buy it.
Miller Harris
Melody, £180
Melody from Miller Harris is the perfume house’s latest floral – think a warm blend of rose, lavender vanilla and creamy musk. It is light and ethereal, like a handful of crushed rose petals, yet somehow grounding and comforting. A perfect, romantic summer scent.?Buy it.
Ole Henriksen
Banana Bright Instant Glow Moisturiser, £42
When there’s ‘Instant Glow’ in the title, I’m sold – and this creamy, yet light-weight summer moisturiser delivers. With hydration, vitamin C to brighten and niacinamide to smooth, it’s the tub I reach for first in the morning for an instant skin wake-up. Buy it.
