Summer Beauty Staples

Looks like summer is finally here to stay (fingers crossed..), and recently Boots – my favourite high street one-stop beauty stop for make up, perfume and everything in between – got in touch and set me the task of curating an edit of products perfectly suited to the warmer months of the year (long may they last!).

I’m feeling pretty good about my picks; I’m not doing any festivals this summer (as much as I love a glitter make up look!) so I wanted to keep things simple, as honestly messing around with 101 steps is not something that my morning routine allows for, least of all in the hot weather!

New to my make up stash are lightweight textures from start to finish – I always stick to creamy, easy-to-use formulas when it gets warmer and these products are perfect for the job.

For me, it’s all about the glow – nothing helps my confidence quite like a fresh, dewy complexion – it’s the base (heh) for every look I love to wear. I feel good when my skin looks healthy, even if I do have to fake it a little with the help of some great beauty finds!

To prep, I’ve been using the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops in Medium, which are brilliant for achieving a sun-kissed glow overnight. Simply mix a few drops into your moisturiser in the evening, look considerably more well-rested by morning. It takes the edge off of my dark circles and I just generally look a million times better after using it.

My skin has always been on the drier side, but in recent months I’ve definitely noticed more shine making itself known throughout the day – so the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer has been lovely to use. The citrus scent (rather than banana, strangely) makes for a pleasant application, and the formula gives a soft focus effect and seems to work well with whatever is applied on top.

I do tend to wear a lighter base year round – even during the winter months I won’t really go near anything too high coverage – and so it’s no surprise that the Clarins HydraQuench Tinted Moisturizer is right up my street! I really like the texture, which is somewhere between a gel and a cream, and it melts into the skin like butter.. but I would love to see the range expand in the future, as I can just about get away with the lightest shade (I’m using 01 Sand).

Another great discovery comes in the form of the Sleek Highlighter Palette in Solstice – it has three powders and one cream, the latter of which I’ve been using on the high points of my face, and I love it; it’s so easy to blend with fingers and a little goes a long way.

Last but not least, I’ve been using the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mighty Mimosa for low-maintenance colour and shine; no mirror required!

What do you think of my summer beauty picks?