Hydration is key
Moisturiser:
Think light not lavish with moisturizers as skin doesn't need anything too rich in the summer, lotions or gel-based moisturizers will keep you from getting oily but still leave the skin feeling fresh! I'm loving Clinique Pep-Start £15.00 which doubles up as an SPF20 and leaves you looking glowy af.
Eye Cream:
Hayfever and late nights are generally not so kind on the eyes so I beat the morning puff with Origins Ginzing Eye Cream £20.50. Not only does this feel amazing, hydrates and makes me look a little more alive but brightens up and really stops concealer from creasing! It even includes caffeine as an energy boosting ingredient so it's like an espresso for your eyes.
Lip Balm:
This grounded body scrub lip balm has all the makings of a perfect summer product. Mango Scented,, Enriched with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, vitamin E and cocoa butter, Palm tree packaging. What more could you want?
Summer Serum
If you have not yet tried this serum I suggest you run to your nearest Superdrug and buy them in bulk before they go! It has been accredited by the Guardians beauty editor Sali Hughes (it sold out promptly after the article was published) and received raving reviews from beauty bloggers but the best thing about it? It's only £2.99. I use this every single night and I genuinely feel my skin has hugely improved since using it, it feels plump, smooth and hydrated. This is down to the impressive ingredient list with Ceramide and Glycerin, both ingredients that you find in much higher end serums. Probably my top beauty find of this year, Simply Pure Hydrating Serum .
Exfoliate your troubles away
We all know we're meant to scrub our body and face but I have recently come across the phenomenon which is exfoliating your lips. I suffer chronically dry lips and for a gal who loves matte lipstick that is not cool. Incomes the Grounded Apple Lip Scrub £4.95 and I feel like a changed woman, Not only does it remove the horrible dry flakes but it boosts the circulation in your lips which ultimately makes them more plump! Plus it is edible which is actually really handy, who has time to wash things off anymore.
Protect Yourself
We are so lucky to have finally got some sun in England, I mean 34 degrees? Really! But it is clear we are not so equipped for this weather as a recent study shown 78% of women aged 18-24 never wear sunscreen... Yet women are starting to use anti-aging products a lot younger. This is counteractive as the sun is the main cause for visible signs of aging on the face meaning you gotta protect it whilst you're young! And facial SPF products have gotten so much better, I use Clinique Super City Block SPF 40 £18.50 as a primer underneath makeup or worn alone on really sunny days to ensure I'm completely protected. It is non-greasy, protects from city pollution and even helps makeup stay on! I'm not saying you need to walk around with a parasol and slather SPF 50 on at 5 min intervals but being a little more conscious will definitely pay off. (You can even get a moisturizer with an inbuilt SPF to save time & money)
Spritz n Go
Ever been so hot you wanted to spritz yourself with water? But can't because it would ruin your perfectly made-up face? Girl, this is the product for you. I've been using the Grounded Facial Toner £12.50 throughout the day to cool down, refresh and add a glow. It smells incredible and pretty pink packaging will always get my vote, but my favorite part is how many uses it has. Use to tone before bed time, at the start of your skin care routine as a base for other products and to set makeup! It absorbs excess oil as well which is perfect after a long trip on the tube.
Beach Babe
It wouldn't be summer if I didn't whack out ye old faithful Bumble & Bumble surf products, I don't know if its the beachy smell or the volume it gives my hair but I just adore this haircare! The idea is that surf gives you natural volume and texture without using any heat so you're pretty much good to just wash 'n' go and let the sun dry your hair naturally. The surf spray is perfect for getting that tousled texture that you can only achieve from a day at the beach (which living in London literally never happens, dip in the Thames anyone??). It also looks amazing on guys as we know they love to steal our products, no matter how masculine they think they are. Surf Foam Wash Shampoo £20 & Surf Spray Mini £10
Slick it Sister
One thing the sun and sea definitely aren't good for? Our hair. All that heat damage and salt can really wreck havoc causing breakage and drying out the ends. A way to prevent this is by using a nourishing hair oil to replenish moisture and add shine to lackluster strands. I use Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil £35, which is very lightweight (as the name suggests), tames frizz, detangles and protects against breakage. It leaves your hair feeling almost too soft! Don't be put off by the hefty price tag as I got this bottle in October 2015 and it is still almost full as 2 drops is all you need, a definite investment for something that works and will probably last nearly 3 years!
The Perfect Duo
Hands up if you've ever tried to achieve that elusive 'Summer Glow', I have many times but end up either looking too glittery or just a bit sweaty. But not anymore now I've found my perfect summer base makeup for under £20! The Freedom Strobe Cream £8 has the perfect balance of dewyness and a subtle sheen to give you the perfect glow and it really helps to keep foundation on throughout the day. Then cult favorite Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum £10.99 gives enough coverage and enough plumpness to fake that healthy skin glow. Truly a match made in heaven.
Fragrance of the Summer
I never stick to one fragrance, I like to try a different one each time and then every time I smell it I'm reminded of a certain time in my life! Like last summer I wore Estee Lauder bronzed goddess and now it always reminds me of the sunny walk to work in Bristol. I'm loving light, fresh and floral scents this year so The Marc Jacobs Daisy blush £55 is perfect for this and the bottle is completely lust-worthy.
Thanks for reading,
Sadie xoxo
