So, I don’t know if any of you have noticed but the weather has finally taken a turn for the better. I, for one, am thrilled. And it seems the rest of the UK is pretty thrilled too: all it takes is the temperature creeping up above about 10 degrees, one peep of sun and everyone is sitting outside in sunnies and t-shirts, pint in hand. But, just like most good things, with great weather comes great responsibility. Unfortunately for us, sun and heat bring skin damage and beauty-related struggles along with them.
But, funnily enough, I am not the first person to have discovered these issues. Many beauty brands out there have developed a myriad of products ranging from moisturiser to foundation that will cater to all of your summer beauty needs and protect you from skin damage along the way. Here are some of my picks:
For those of you with sensitive or very pale skin, who burn as soon as you leave your house in summer, I feel your pain. Nobody wants to be slathering on smelly sun cream every single day from as early as April, when you don’t even feel like it’s that sunny! What I’d suggest is using a moisturiser with a high SPF on your face instead. Regular sun cream, when applied too frequently, can lead to breakouts or greasy skin, which I’m guessing you want to avoid. But that doesn’t mean that the only alternative is to leave your skin unprotected!
Neutrogena may have just solved all your problems. Their Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer is extremely protective (it’s SPF50!) as well as being lightweight and non-greasy. You can apply this daily before any makeup and it will keep your skin protected and hydrated all day without adding that shiny sun cream look that makes you look like a Brit-abroad. At only £9.85 I’d highly recommend it.
(Photo credit: Neutrogena)
If however, like me, you have oily, shiny or acne-prone skin and therefore want to avoid applying any additional moisture to your face, you may want to try opting for a foundation with a built in SPF. Mac’s Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation will give you excellent coverage, without appearing cakey or forming streaks after being in the sun. Plus, it’s got SPF30 in it already so there’s no need for sun cream! Granted, at £25 a bottle, it’s a bit pricey, but trust me it’s worth it. If you’re trying to save on your beauty purchases, maybe only use this on days where you’ll be exposed to the sun for a long period of time and keep whatever foundation you normally use for the other days – let’s face it, we haven’t seen the last of the rainy days just yet!
(Photo credit: maccosmetics)
And finally, for those of you who find that wearing most makeup in summer is uncomfortable and heavy and would prefer letting your skin breathe a bit more, there is still a way of achieving a small amount of coverage, without making you feel overheated or uncomfortable. bareMinerals is a brand that focuses on producing natural products which allow your skin to breathe. Their SPF15 Touch Up Veil is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: a light powder, which simply ‘touches up’ your coverage, ‘veiling’ any redness or spots (see what I did there?). If you have relatively clear skin, but just want to avoid looking overtly shiny on a hot day, this product is ideal.
(Photo credit: bareMinerals)
So, instead of fearing what the sun will do to your skin this summer, be prepared and embrace it. Who knows, maybe all that vitamin D will even turn you into a radiant, glowing, spot-free goddess!