This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
We are lucky enough to be swathed in summer sunshine, waking up each day in the sure knowledge that it will definitely be warm (even if a touch cloudy) and we definitely won’t need a cardigan (at all, even when the sun finally goes down). Bliss! Heaven!
Of course, we are also British, and so we may soon be complaining that our lawns are parched and flowers wilting, that we are too hot and sticky and, of course, suffering from sunburn from luxuriating in the midday sun like the Mad Dogs and English (wo)men that we are bred to be!
Or perhaps you are busy working and don’t have time to cultivate that all important golden glow. Whether real or fake, we need to protect our skin. So here are our personal beauty tips on how to be sunkissed, not sunburnt…
Bumble: New from Studio 10, their new Perfect Bronze Glow-Plexion is a super-lightweight fluid that comes in a flattering-for-all mid-tone. It offers the perfect balance of red and brown pigments for a ‘real tan’ effect and golden undertones for a radiant glow. The formula blends with a buildable colour for a deeper tan, without being heavy or caked. This multi-purpose, deeply hydrating formula can be worn alone, over makeup or mixed with foundation or moisturiser, for all-over bronzed skin. Enriched with ‘good’ ingredients and easy to buff into the skin… blending to give a natural, sunkissed glow. Don’t forget to finish off with a light wash onto the neck!
Marvellous-Mother-In-Law: I bought Vichy’s Ideal Soleil solar protective water because I fancied trying a water based tanning product. It gives you SPF30 sun protection for your face and body and I like the fact it also incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid. It is ultra light and absorbs quickly and doesn’t stain your clothes. Dermatologically tested so it’s even suitable for sensitive skin. Just apply generously before going out into the sun. £14.25.
Grace: The tube I reach for every single morning, not just in the summer, is Guinot Newhite Brightening UV Shield. It’s factor 50 sun protection but you wouldn’t know it because, although it is white when you squeeze it out, it absorbs into your skin quickly and the colour disappears leaving your complexion looking radiant. Annabel, Marvellous-Mother-In-Law and I all swear by it and keep replenishing our stocks, despite it being rather expensive. £44.50
Annabel: My go to product to give me a little colour on my legs if they have not seen the sun is This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle which is a tinted multi-vitamin serum to cover all the imperfections on one’s legs and give them an instant glow. It leaves the legs looking smooth and with a healthy colour, not at all orange or streaky. You can use it all over the body but I would be wary that it may rub off on clothes though it washes out. It is also a brilliant moisturiser as it is packed with vitamins. £29.75 at John Lewis.
Poppy: One of my faves is Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50. It’s designed to protect fair, sensitive and sun-intolerant skin against UVA, UVB and long UVA rays. Realy like the ultra-light face mist which can be applied over make up. £6.
Enjoy the sunshine everyone! For more Wellbeing tips, why not check out my How To Have Lovely Feet article.