A liquid bronzer
Exercise-skin” is the buzzword this summer. Basically it means a complexion that’s dewy, glowing and healthy, just how it looks after a workout. The quickest way to achieve this is with a liquid bronzer.
Avoid the ones with glittery particles and opt for a product that can be mixed in with your foundation or moisturiser for an all-over golden glow, or use simply to highlight cheekbones.
I’ve been testing Stila StayAll Day HD Bronzing Beauty Balm $79 which, because I’m quite fair, I’ve blended with MAC Strobe Cream $35 for a luminous, lightly-tanned look.
On darker complexions it would be fine worn alone. For fans of natural products there’s The OrganicSkin Co SunkissedBronzer $51 which has a bit more iridescence and looks good on cheeks. And to brighten the skin Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights$36.95 is hard to beat.
Tip – A bit of shine is fine, so don’t powder over the bronzer. Instead use blotting papers or invest in a skin refiner like Benefit Dr Feelgood $47.
Hair accessories
On catwalks, hair jewellery has been a hot trend and – whatever your hair length – it’s one worth picking up on.
If you’re crafty, then look out for vintage brooches that can be adapted into hair bling for parties. For poolside or on the beach, QVS have a range of practical and affordable clips, bandeaus and combs.
QVS Bandeau Narrow Shell $5.99, Large Side Combs in Clear $5.99 and Bandeau Wire In Black $6.50.
Hydration
Skin and hair need extra hydration when they’re exposed to sun, sea and sand. The golden rule is any time you wash them, condition afterwards.
For bodycare, I’ve really been loving the Sunescape Hydrating Body Butter $36.50 as it sinks in fast, smells amazingly summery and leaves skin soft. Apply after you’ve showered and towel-dried, as the dampness will help trap in the moisture.
If you don’t have time in the mornings to bother rubbing on cream, Nivea has come up with an In-Shower Body Lotion $9.49. You just have to step out of the stream of water for a few seconds while you apply it and then rinse it off.
Treat hair to regular masks or deep conditioning treatments – at least every seven shampoos is recommended but you may want to up this over summer. Always apply to towel-dried hair and leave on for the time advised.
Try Matrix Total Results Repair Strength-Pak Treatment $18.50. Or for a faster hit of hydration try Schwarzkopf Dry Oil Mist $7.99. It’s enriched with argan oil for nourishment and shine, but light enough for fine or thin hair, plus it’ll help control flyaways.
