5 STEPS TO A SUMMER GLOW

While some of us are booked and busy for the foreseeable, others are using the sunnier weather as an excuse to lounge around doing the bare minimum. And either way, good for you. But the one thing we all have in common once the sun comes out? The pursuit of an effortlessly glowing complexion. The good news is, there are tons of incredible products out there that do all the heavy lifting to this end – so you can keep your skin protected from UV rays and still look like you’ve hopped off a plane from Ibiza. The bad news? With so much choice, sorting the glow-givers from the gimmicks can feel like more effort than it's worth. But fret not. We’ve collated the hottest drops to keep you looking even hotter – no sunshine required.

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Stick, £30

 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know blush is the product of the moment. We’ve moved from winter berries to summer’s pinks, peaches and dusty rose tones – the kind that mimic a post-spin-class flush, without the sweat. Whether you’re team blush-blind or more precise with your placement, Charlotte Tilbury’s new blush stick is the ultimate glow-up for your cheek routine. The balmy formula blends seamlessly onto bare skin or over makeup, and with six flattering shades, there’s one for every vibe.

e.l.f. Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50, £18

 

For those of us who like a little coverage but can’t bear the thought of packing on a full-face in the heat, skin tints are the answer to our summer prayers. This lightweight skin tint from e.l.f. offers sheer, buildable coverage with a luminous finish and SPF 50 – so you’re getting protection, hydration and glow in one easy step. Blend with fingers for a fresh, skin-like look or amp it up with a brush – it’s basically no-makeup makeup, but better.

Isle Of Paradise Sunny Serum Tanning Drops 30ml, £16

 

We’ve all learnt to shield our faces from the sun, but that can mean sacrificing a bronzed finish. Thank goodness for tanning drops, that’s all we’ll say. If you’re looking for a last-minute leg-up on the tan front, these instant drops from Isle of Paradise are your new secret weapon. Add to moisturiser, use as a primer, or mix with foundation – however you wear them, they leave your skin looking like you’ve spent the weekend beachside. Added niacinamide even helps to improve your skin's tone and texture, squalane brings hydration, and jojoba oil helps to reduce redness. This might just be our new desert-island product.

Lancaster Golden Tan Maximiser After Sun Oil 150ml, £27

 

It’s easy to let your face steal the spotlight, but your body deserves a glow-up too. While SPF is always a must, slathering on a thick, white suncream isn’t always an indulgent experience – all the more reason to treat yourself to a little post-sunshine TLC. This Lancaster After Sun Oil blends seamlessly into the skin with an oil-to-serum texture that won’t leave an unwanted residue. Plus, it’ll ensure your summer glow lasts long after the weather changes – and packs a serious punch on the shimmer front, too.

Hello Sunday SPF50 The Illuminating One Glow Primer 50ml, £23

 

No glow guide is complete without SPF. We get it, facial suncreams are often heavy-duty and certainly don’t do your makeup products any favours. But this Hello Sunday Illumination Primer is a little different. Not only does it protect your skin with SPF 50, it also smooths, hydrates and adds a subtle radiance under makeup. Lightweight, glow-giving and makeup-gripping? It’s a yes from us.