Balmy summer days are all very well if they’re spent lounging by a pool or snoozing in the shade. But what if you have to battle on the underground in rush-hour or attend a summer event in the sizzling heat? The good news is that your summer beauty regime doesn’t have to suffer if the mercury rises. Whether you’re home in a heatwave or trying to stay cool on holiday, we’ve rounded up nine summer beauty essentials to cool you down, help you stay comfortable in the heat and keep your make-up looking flawless.

Avene


Thermal Water Spray, £13
Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray

Avene’s thermal spring water spray is a life-saver in hot weather. From soothing heat rash to instantly refreshing make-up, it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and even babies, delivering a fine mist of cooling spring water with anti-irritating properties. Buy it here.


Megababe


Thigh Rescue, £8
Megababe Copy

Megababe’s ‘anti-friction’ stick instantly makes wearing dresses in warm weather more comfortable. Forming a protective barrier for a smooth glide, it stops chaffing and irritation with skin-soothing aloe and healing pomegranate seed extract. Buy it here.


Aroma Active


SOS Forehead Balm, £8
Aroma Active

A great one to keep in your bag if you’re travelling in the heat. With peppermint, eucalyptus and lemongrass, it calms as it naturally cools, like a breath of fresh air on the go. Buy it here.


Nars


Pore And Shine Control Primer, £30
Nars Copy

This mattifying primer from Nars will be your summer best friend. Not only does it blur open pores, but it controls shine and prolongs the wear of your make-up. Perfect for summer weddings and events to ensure your make-up lasts as long as you do. Buy it here.


Revolution


Pro Fix Oil Control, £5.99
Revolution Copy

There is no smudging or budging with Revolution’s new setting spray. Formulated to fix make-up and give a natural matte finish whilst controlling oil throughout the day, it’s a great additional last step to your summer make-up look so you can ‘set and forget’. Buy it here.


Garnier


Over Make-up Super UV Protection Mist SP50, £6
Garnier Copy

A genius addition to Garnier’s SPF range, this lightweight yet full protection mist can be applied over your make-up. We still recommend applying your morning SPF to a clean face as part of your daily routine, but this is a great summer handbag essential to keep you topped up throughout the day without ruining your make-up. Buy it here.


DHC


Oil Blotting Paper, £4.99
DHC Blotting Paper 100 Sheets Copy

Don’t clog pores with powder to dull your shine. Instead, use these 100 per cent natural hemp blotting papers from DHC to absorb excess oil without disturbing your make-up and leaving a fresh, matte finish. Buy it here.


Clinique


Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, £33
Clinique

For summer in the city, this lightweight jelly is brilliant for delivering 24-hour hydration repair, with the added benefit of anti-pollution protection. With hyaluronic acid and cucumber fruit extract, it’s the perfect skin-quenching formula for a dewy summer glow. Buy it here.


Neal’s Yard Remedies


Lavender and Aloe Cooling Cream, £7
Neal’s Yard Remedies

If you’re looking for an all-natural treatment cream to cool and soothe stings, bites or sunburn on holiday, Neal’s Yard’s Lavender and Aloe cream is packed with organic plant extracts, ironically including nettle tincture, to immediately relieve sensitive skin. Buy it here.


5 Tips To Keep You Cool In Summer



1. Look for jelly, water-based or lotion textures rather than oils and balms to allow skin to breathe in warmer weather.

2. Make friends with your fridge. Store your eye cream, toner and a hydrating treatment mask in your refrigerator to boost their depuffing and calming abilities.

3. Getting your hair off the back of your neck will immediately make you feel 10-degrees cooler; opt for silk or no-snag hairbands to prevent breakages.

4. Try adding some ice globes to your summer skincare routine. Cryotherapy is great for boosting circulation, lymphatic drainage and depuffing overheated skin.

5. If you’re worried about your mascara slipping in the heat, opt for an eyelash tint instead. Not only is it guaranteed to stay put – even in the pool – but it can last up to two months for a low-maintenance summer make-up routine.

By Lydia Mansi
June 2022