Top beauty tips for a hassle-free summer
I applaud those who spend their summers looking like Hollywood film stars; I truly do. However, for me, the warmer months are about freedom, minimalism, and, above all, relaxation. That all comes with an ultra-paired-back beauty routine – one that does the bare minimum but still ensures I feel like my best self (albeit a very low-key version of it – the heated rollers and red lipstick are firmly locked away until the cooler months).
These are my well-honed summer beauty prep essentials that work for the summer and any holidays you might be taking. While any beauty prep is entirely optional – we can all enjoy beach holidays and the summer exactly as we are, in our glorious natural form – these are just some of my time-saving options so you can dedicate more time to relaxing in the sun, cocktail in hand.
Consider a keratin treatment for your hair
When the Brazilian blowdry, a smoothing salon treatment, first launched, it came with controversy. The treatment often contained formaldehyde (and other aldehydes) which were released during the heating stage, noxious fumes that could affect both the client and the stylist when used incorrectly.
Newer versions of this blowdry are now known as keratin treatments and still take 1-3 hours, with results lasting around three months. They still contain ingredients that smooth the hair but pose less risk to the client and stylist when inhaled. So, what are the benefits? “Keratin treatments are perfect for controlling frizz, reducing puff, and generally making the hair feel the best version of itself,” explains Sally Brooks, Creative Director at Brooks and Brooks, who uses the Fabriq system. “They are particularly useful in humid climates to reduce styling time as the hair dries quicker, and they keep the hair looking great for longer too,” she adds.
In terms of aftercare, Sally recommends using the Fabriq Hydrate shampoo and conditioner range, which is sulphate and sodium chloride-free – essential when having keratin treatments – and helps to extend how long your treatment lasts. “Keratin treatments can be life-changing as part of your hair care regime and take the stress out of managing your hair when travelling.” If you’re looking for a short-term treatment for a festival, try the Keratin Complex System Express Blowout, which is a brilliant entry point into keratin treatments, takes around an hour, and lasts about a month.
For a less intensive smoothing option for summer hair woes, a leave-in lamellar water might also help. This lightweight treatment deposits ingredients like amino acids (which help with hair strength) and conditioners to your strands, temporarily filling in any gaps along the hair shaft. They’re instantly smoothing and softening. Need some serious help with flyaways? Although aimed at static hair, for humid climates, Staticjam Seriously Good Styler will become your climate-proof go-to for reducing frizz, flyaways, and maintaining your blow dry, no matter where you are in the world.
Forget about brows for the summer
You may be blessed with brows that need very little attention, but the summer months don’t make things easy for anyone who uses brow make-up. Keeping them intact when faced with sweat and water is a real chore, which is why brow tinting before the weather heats up or before you travel can cut down on the need to use a brow product at all.
Anu Khapung is a highly sought-after celebrity brow and lash expert in London. “I’d recommend having an eyebrow tint before your trip, which generally lasts about 10-14 days. They’re ideal for the summertime when we’re hotter and tend to sweat more, and your brow artist will do a patch test, then work out the ideal shade for you depending on your skin’s undertone, hair colour, and personal style,” she says. To maximize your brow tint, use an SPF on your brows to prevent the sun from bleaching it, making it less likely to fade. A powder SPF like Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30 makes it easy to protect your face and brows alike.
You might also consider a brow lamination treatment, which sets your brow hairs upwards to create a fuller look. If you’re looking for a DIY option to add colour to your brows, the Maybelline Brow Tattoo is a paint-on gel that tints the brows and lasts for around two days. Additionally, the Eylure Dybrow is an easy-to-use at-home kit to tint your brows – this can last for up to a week.
For brow products, mimic the look of a brow lamination with Refy Brow Tint – which has excellent staying power in the heat. For the best instant brow thickening results, Merit Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade adds colour, hold, and thickens the brows in a swipe. Whatever you’re doing, getting your brows in great shape before you do anything is crucial.
Leave the curlers and mascara at home
For ultimate low-maintenance lashes, try a lash lift and tint at the start of the summer. Lash lifts use a chemical solution and curling rod to create bend in the lashes and require much less maintenance than extensions or false lashes. “A lash lift delivers stunning results perfect for vacations and lasts for around six weeks. That means you can enjoy swimming and outdoor adventures without the need for mascara or worrying about your make-up running,” says Anu.
Teaming your lift with an eyelash tint can be a real time-saver. Most clients get an eyelash tint every three weeks, making it an excellent option for people with light eyelashes who would otherwise use a lot of mascara.
If that doesn’t feel like the right option, then getting a brilliant curl-boosting mascara with a curved wand can help lift the straightest lashes. Waterproof mascara like Beauty Pie the Perfect Waterproof Mascara can help them last throughout the day.
Invest in your skin before, during, and after the summer
One way to prep your skin ahead of the summer is with a professional facial. It helps address skin issues and boosts confidence for going relatively make-up-free for the rest of summer. Of course, looking after your skin with the right sun protection and ensuring it’s well hydrated is essential. But to take it further, you could also invest in an LED mask that travels easily for on-the-go skin maintenance.
By the summer’s end, hyperpigmentation or sensitivity may appear, so I tend to have a more intensive expert facial to restore my skin. As facialist Mariam Abbas explains: “Sun exposure causes free radical damage and deprives cells of their antioxidants, slowing down cell turnover. UVA and UVB rays can reach different layers of the skin and break down cells, causing DNA damage and decreased water content in the stratum corneum, which damages and dehydrates the skin. Treatments and facials after your trip can help repair the skin barrier, replenish moisture levels, and detox the skin from pollutants and free radical damage.”
Nail your protection kit at the start of the summer
The SPF routine many of us follow often includes panic-shopping at Duty Free, but it’s worth stocking up on sun protection as soon as the weather heats up, to ensure you’re fully protected from the sun.
Your ideal summer protection kit should cover everything from head to toe. A lotion SPF for your body is ideal for morning application, followed by an easy-to-use top-up spray, which adds high protection minus heaviness. A daily SPF lotion for your face is non-negotiable too, along with a stick SPF for easy touch-ups on sensitive areas like the nose, lips, and ears.
Always prioritize sun protection throughout the summer to maintain healthy skin. Ultimately, investing in the right products and treatments will keep your skin looking radiant and rejuvenated, allowing you to embrace the season with confidence.
