Not much makes us happier than the prospect of a summer holiday and with that comes the need to pare down our beauty routines – nothing more strenuous than smoothing on SPF, twisting our hair up and hitting the beach. If we’re honest though, there are some beauty essentials we just can’t do without no matter how streamlined we’d like to be. Let us introduce you to the must-have products we’ll be toting in our circular straw bags this season . . .
Complexion Protection
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, skin-saving, everyday must, and even more important at the beach. Before you head out apply a specific facial sunscreen to get both skincare benefits and protection. If your skin is reactive try Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF30, which uses grape stem cells to fight photo-ageing and works to calm thanks to soothing chamomile. For invisible protection that looks great alone or under makeup, try By Terry UV Base Sunscreen Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50. The easiest way to top up (every two hours) is the mist-on Soleil Toujours Organic Set & Protect Micro Mist SPF 30 – no beach bag is complete without it.
Stay Sun Safe
Even waterproof sunscreen only lasts approx. 80 minutes on skin, so choose a texture that you like and reapply, reapply, reapply. The feather-light, fine oil-mist from Coola is a good choice if you don’t like a tacky feel, as it sinks in ultra-fast. With a matte finish and a unique mousse texture, Evy Technology Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50 can be applied to face and body, even over makeup. Better still, it doesn’t clog pores or leave a residue on skin, it stays on if you towel off vigorously and it’s sweat-proof too, so is ideal for sporty beach visitors.
Lip Service
Don’t let your lips suffer in the sunshine, treat them kindly and you’ll see the dividends at the bar come evening time. Making it into our beach bags this summer are two silky balms, first up – Ultrasun SPF 30 Lip Protection with its high SPF and soothing, moisturising texture. Then, just in case you take a trip to the beach bar for a sangria or two, Laura Mercier Lip Balm SPF 15 which has a universally flattering rouge tint and a semi-gloss finish that looks great with sun-kissed skin and a chic top knot.
Hair Saviour
Your scalp is closest to the sun’s rays, so don’t neglect it. As well as causing long-term damage, if it burns it will flake and itch so always ensure you mist sunscreen onto your parting. Salt and chlorine can damage and dry out hair, while colour can oxidise and fade in the sun. Combat this by stowing Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer in your bag. The light, spray-on formula combines UV hair protection with lightweight moisturising oils to keep hair silky and soft.
Brush It Out
If you have any style longer than a crop, then a day at the beach almost always means knotty locks. Pulling a brush through wet, sandy tangles can cause more breakage, so avoid the damage by keeping a Tangle Teezer in your beach bag (its flexible teeth mean less damage on wet or dry hair) and gently give hair a brush after each swim.
Cool It
A refreshing face mist will help cool you down in the heat and restore essential moisture to sun-parched skin. Look for a mist that contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to lock in water for lasting hydration. We love Emma Hardie Pump & Glow Hydrating Facial Mist.
Waterproof Wonders
If you prefer being bare faced at the beach then simply keep the all-natural RMS Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes to hand to rid skin of salt, sweat and sand before you hit the bar. But if you can’t go without, we recommend Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara which lengthens lashes and won’t budge even if you’re swimming all day. Bright eyeliner is fun on holiday and looks great if you go from sand to supper. Try Chantecaille Waterproof Eye Liner in Orchid.
Glow On
Replenish dehydrated skin after a day in the sun as quickly as you can. As dusk arrives swap your SPF for a seriously hydrating and nourishing moisturiser like the cooling, refreshing Hampton Sun Aloe Continuous Mist. Then, boost your tan with a flattering, shimmering oil – with its summer-time scent Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse Or is always in our beach bag.