It's that time of year – legs are bare and the heady scent of summer is in the air.  My summer skin heroes guide below will hopefully offer inspiration for an unbeatable seasonal beauty regime.

There is something about the arrival of summer that sparks a beauty regime refresh. Whether its the change in air-temperature, exposure of skin to sunlight or more alfresco activity, this time of year seems to beckon a fresh approach to both skincare and makeup.

 Ever since I can remember and especially during my days as a Beauty Editor, I’ve had a lust for finding a cult seasonal product that ticks all the boxes. I’ve always sought out formulas that fulfill a simple objective, lighten the load of life and do what they say they will (rare in this day when the beauty market is crammed full of packaged promises).

 So summer is here and I long for a simple routine that is easy on time though effective in effortless chic. Smooth, glowing skin is a must for this time of year, along with a light golden tan and minimal makeup with a pop of colour.

Skincare Saviors

High on my list is a body moisturiser with a pump action dispenser – look no further than the inimitable Kiehl’s Crème de Corps. This is a creamy body lotion that is non greasy and virtually fragrance free, melting into the skin, keeping it ultra soft and subtle. The large 500ml size comes in a user-friendly pump – an absolute must for time saving and practicality. It is easy to apply and keeps skin moisturized all day long.

During the summer months, I love a light tan, though protecting my skin is also important. For this to be achieved whilst eliminating sun damage, I opt for Institut Estherderm Adaptasun Body Lotion for strong sun. This cleverly formulated product is based upon a unique and original concept: stimulating the production of melanin trains the skin to correct itself and create a faster, safer and long lasting tan. It is absolutely made for summer sun and will allow a deep tan to develop, so you can enjoy the benefits of the sun without any of the harmful side effects. This will be perfect for my road trip to California next month, where I'll be exposed to the sun high in the hills, as well as along the coast.

 It’s too true that clear skin starts with a good cleansing regime and they don’t come better than the cult classic Eve Lom facial cleanser – an original balm cleanser, formulated with aromatic plant oils to decongest and gently exfoliate the skin. This is a cleanser that will ensure summer-ready skin. Sold along with a 100% cotton muslin cloth, the cleansing action encourages skin cells to regenerate swiftly, ensuring skin is perfectly prepped to benefit from moisturisers, serums and masks.

If asked the age-old question‘which one beauty product would I choose, If stranded on a desert island, only allowed one? My answer would, without a doubt, be – Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream! It has been described as a ‘boring beauty essential’though honestly there is nothing boring about this cream. It has been my ultimate no.1 skin saviour for years now and I am not sure what I would do if it was ever discontinued. For those of you out there who aren’t familiar (where have you been), Eight Hour Cream is a multi purpose cream that can be used for all of manner of skin complaints, or of course, sheer luxury. It is first and foremost a skin healing cream that is super hydrating. It can also be can be used as a facial moisturiser or for a more intensive treatment to areas where skin is dryer, such as elbows and heels. It offers the perfect remedy for sunburn, windburn, minor burns, scrapes and abrasions and makes for a fantastic cuticle cream and the BEST EVER lip balm I have come across. So there you have it, one product that can be used in many guises. I am never without a tube of this cream nearby. Truly think I’d cope just fine, enjoying all things tropical, with a tube of Elizabeth Arden’s miracle cream to hand.

Effortless summer-chic makeup

During the summer months I like to opt for the barely there, ‘no makeup look’, ensuring my complexion has an everyday, healthy glow. With a consistent skincare regime and the right products, it is completely achievable, follow my simple tips to prepare to bare!

Following the trend of protection for your skincare, I can’t recommend Korean brand Erborian enough. I use the BB Crème au Ginseng daily to transform my skin with a velvety ultra soft, spotless finish for a ‘baby skin’ effect. Perfect for summer this crème is lightweight giving a ‘no makeup effect’ evening out skin tone and offering the comfort of an SPF 20. I honestly couldn’t be without this crème!

One word for natural summer glowing skin – NARS! If you haven’t already tried the original Laguna bronzer or the new diffusing bronzing powder, I plead with you to indulge in this as your one summer beauty bag essential - Innovation really does meet inspiration! I’ve lost count of the years I’ve been using this bronzer, it’s my absolute go-to, pick-me-up product and of all the blushes and bronzers I’ve tried over the years (believe me, there have been many) this one is CULT. It gives the most natural looking glow with the added benefit of a subtle shimmer, diffusing imperfections. Honestly, when I’ve been feeling at my worst - hungover, full of flu or in the midst of a migraine attack, once applied, this product allows my face to tell a different story.

 For the ultimate summer colour pop, there’s only one lipstick I’ll turn to – Lipstick Queen! Founder, Poppy King, really has hit on a niche with her wonderfully moisturizing and long-lasting lip colours. The Australian-born brand was formed from her quest to find the perfect lipstick. Her signature shades are transformative when applied to the lips – my absolute fave for a wash of happy summer colour is ‘Mornin Sunshine’  - a beautiful sheer coral pink that stains the lips, deepening in tone according to your natural lip colour so the shade is unique to the individual. Sunshine in a box!

Lastly, for the ultimate summer scent, I’ve switched to a hair perfume by of-the-moment brand, Byredo - Mojave Ghost, captures the soulful beauty of the Mojave Desert. I don’t know whether it’s the scent or the story behind this rare and exotic flower, known as the Mojave Ghost, that is prettier. In this xeric, a rare species dares to blossom above the baked, hardened ground. Its pale, almost translucent petals suggest a delicate fragile state.

Hair perfume is largely much lighter than eau de parfum and Mojave Ghost is a woody composition with a light and graceful character that slowly discloses its true intensity. Heady top notes of musky Ambrette combine with sweet Jamaican Nesberry, powdery Violet unfurls to reveal soft lingering sandalwood brightened with fresh Magnolia. Warm base notes of Chantily Musk, crisp Amber and elegant Cedarwood ensure the spirit of Mojave Ghost lingers long after the summer sun has gone down.

So whether it’s a thirst quenching moisturiser you’re after, a body balm or protective sun care product, a colour pop for summer lips or subtle sun glow, choose your summer heroes carefully and they could be your go-to product for years to come. I’ve put together a list of my summer skin saviors below. 

The cult beauty buys I can’t be without once summer arrives..

For Face

Eve Lom Cleanser

Kiels ultra facial cream moisturizer with SPF30

REN Youth Vitality Day Cream

REN Youth Vitality Night Cream

Institut Estherderm Sun Kissed Self Tanning Face Cream in light tan

Talika, liposils lash conditioning gel

For Body

Kiehls Crème de Corps

Institut Estherderm Adaptasun Body Lotion for strong sun

Bjork& Berries, Never Spring hand cream

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Makeup

Erborian Ginseng BB cream with SPF 20

Nars Laguna diffusing Bronzing powder

Lipstick Queen ‘Mornin’ Sunshine’ transformative lipstick

Fragrance

Byredo Mojave Ghost hair perfume

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