Finally, the sun has arrived here, and after neglecting my skin, body and hair all over the Winter, I am so NOT READY ! So, I have put together my top seven summer beauty tips to prep for Summer so that you can be top to toe ready for the sun!
Summer beauty tips – seven steps to prep for Summer
Read our summer beauty tips below to see how easy it is to prep for summer with just a few beauty tweaks.
Summer beauty tips – seven steps to prep for Summer
Head to Toe Beauty routine tweaks
1) For shiny, healthy hair
My hair is looking dry and limp after months of central heating and neglect, so in order to prep for Summer, I add a nourishing hair mask and an oil into my haircare routine.
I love these products by Kerastase. I have started using a mask twice a week, and am applying an oil on a regular basis to the ends. I am currently using the oil below, but Kerastase have recently bought out a beautifying oil mist which I am going to look into for next time!
Also, your hair needs sun protection just as much as your skin, so remember to take a sun protection/ UV spray, a scarf or a sunhat on holiday with you. I’m really bad at the sun protection part though so it’s a case of ‘do as I say not do as I do’ here !!
Another great idea is a leave –in conditioner as this can save you a lot of time and you can carry it around with you to use at the beach or whenever you need it. It’s also a good idea to apply some before swimming to protect your hair from the salt water or chlorine
2) For a golden glow
I want to start the Summer with a light, golden glow, but I’m not keen on UV beds and I have a strong (probably unjustified) mistrust of fake tanning products on my face.
Also, I want to go golden very gradually and be able to stop when it’s enough. So, I’ve started using this ‘Golden Glow booster‘ by Clarins, which is a ‘self-tanning’ lotion and as you just add 1 -2 drops to your daily moisturiser it feels like I’m much more in control. You simply add 1, 2 or 3 drops to your daily moisturiser according to how bronzed you want to be, and it is 99.8 percent natural, which is another major plus point for me!
I’ve been using it for about 3 days and can notice a definite golden glow so far! Don’t forget to exfoliate first! I also have the Clarins exfoliator and I love the ‘Pixi’ exfoliating tonic lotion.
By the way, the Golden Glow Booster also comes in a formulation for the body, which you can mix in with your body lotion.
3) For long, dark lashes
I can’t be bothered with using mascara every day at the beach, and I certainly don’t have the patience to mess about with false lashes, so I’ve started using this maxi lash serum to stimulate eyelash growth. This serum is organic and 100% natural and totally paraben-free and can be used even if you have sensitive skin. This serum encourages lash growth in terms of length and density and protects eyelashes from falling out. I have only just started using it, so I can’t comment on the results yet as they are not noticeable until after 30 days.
My lashes are reasonably dark already, but I’m going to look into getting them tinted so I won’t have to worry about them on holiday! I’m a bit scared of getting the dye in my eyes though! Has anyone tried this and how did you find it?
4) For a brilliant smile
Nothing looks better than white teeth against a suntanned skin! If you remember, I did a review of ‘Smile Brilliant’ last year (see here) and I’m planning to do a couple of sessions just to top the results up!
Smile Brilliant are offering my readers $ 25 off tray sets, using the code VELVET25
5) For a toned, tanned body
For the toned part, I think I should have started going to the gym a long time ago! However, I am a great fan of the advice ‘fake it ’til you make it’, and will be adopting the necessary measures to fake a toned body this Summer! Maybe, I’ll start the gym for next Summer…..
So, in order to look slimmer I will start by using a toning cream over the next few weeks, and given that a tanned body always looks more toned, I then plan to use a fake tanning product (strangely, although I’m wary of using these on my face, I have no qualms about using them on my body!
I have started using St Tropez shower gel as its seems ‘foolproof’ and is very quick – just 3 minutes in the shower , and these two factors are crucial to my choice! It’s very easy to apply and it contains sweet almond oil which hydrates your skin for 24 hours, so there’s no need to moisturise afterwards, which is perfect if you’re in a rush.
You apply daily until you have the depth of tan you want, and if you stop using it or for extra pampering then you can apply a body lotion/ cream.
6) For smooth, soft legs
Hairy, stubbly legs are never an attractive feature on the beach, so first of all, you need to start by making your legs a ‘hair-free’ zone. Different methods (laser, waxing, shaving, cream hair removers…) all work best for different people. So, choose the method that suits you best, and then, hydrate and apply fake tan to your legs too!
For hydrating, I’m a big fan of the iconic Nuxe oil. This beauty dry oil is made using seven precious plant oils (camellia oil, sweet almond oil, macadamia nut oil, borage seed oil, argan oil, hazelnut oil and tsubaki oil). It is highly nourishing and anti-aging and it is a great multi-tasking product as it can be used on the face, body and hair! I especially love the smell! (It is also said to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, so could be a useful oil in pregnancy.)
It also exists in a golden shimmer form, which contains tiny shimmering mineral particles, and it nourishes, softens and illuminates skin and hair in one go.
I also use the Boots No. 7 “bronzing silk legs”, which I love as it gives an instant tan, which can be washed off, either at the end of the day, or straight away if I mess it up! However, this product is currently unavailable and I don’t know if or when it is coming back! You can use the St Tropez tanning shower gel on your legs too or any other product you like!
7) For a perfect pedicure
And finally, don’t forget your feet! We put so much pressure on our feet every day and yet they are probably the most neglected part of out body!
I am going to start off with a good salon pedicure to get my feet in tip-top shape, and then to keep them like that I plan to do a weekly foot mask – this almond oil foot mask from Sephora comforts and nourishes dry feet and softens rough areas with almond extract. (It also exists in lavender to sooth tired and aching feet so this one could be good at the end of a day’s shopping!). Then I will finish off by applying a bright, summery nail varnish! I’m loving bright fuchsia pinks and scarlet reds for Summer! What’s your favorite color?
Finally, remember that the sun is a great source for vitamin D, but that strong UV rays can not only damage the texture of the skin but over exposure to these rays can result in skin cancer. So, buy a minimum SPF 15+ sunscreen for daily use, ideally a sunscreen with no fragrance or oil.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Summer Beauty tips and have a look here for more of our beauty features.
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With love,
I am already sold on the nuxe oil, I use it daily on either my hair, face or legs and I love the smell too 🙂 Never knew about the claim for stretch marks though 🙂
Rosy
Thank you Rosy!
Hi, just wanted to say, I liked this article. It was helpful. Keep on posting!|
Thank you
Ahh I love Kerastase! Its one of my faves! I love to leave mine on over night or put in my hair for a hot yoga class, for some multitasking! hehe!
Love all the tanning tips too girlie!
Hope you’re having an awesome weekend girlie!
xx,
Cynthia
Thank you Cyn. I never think to leave it on overnight, so thank you for the great tip xx
I definitely need to take care of my hair over the summer as it tends to get dry. Also need to remember to reapply my sunscreen, especially on my face! Hope your summer is off to a good start!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Thank you for reading Rina! I know what you mean about sunscreen – I always put it on at the start of the day, and then forget to reapply! xoxo
I love Pixi Glow Tonic and I would love to try that Clarins Booster. The Foot mask is also very intriguing as well. I’ve never tried anything like that before. x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Thank you Ann-Marie! The foot mask is great at the end of a long day! xo
Great product review Julia,
I am especially excited to real about the Clarins Golden Glow booster, and the mascara!
Happy summer!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Thank you Elle! Hope you’re having a great summer! xx
Love this brand
Aly In Wanderland | <3 | New Post
Thank you Aly
Lovely tips, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Marta xo
Some great Summer beauty tips! Thanks so much for sharing them with us! Those nail shades are just gorgeous!
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Thank you Laura! I’m glad you like them xo
totally love clarins!
xoxo
style frontier
Me too xoxo
oooo! these sounds intriguing.
I have been after a gradual tanner, so i might give the tanning mist a go!
Great post!
Let me know what you think of it! xo
These are some lovely Beauty tips
and simply the best products for summer 😀
with love your AMELY ROSE
Thank you Amely! I’m glad you liked the tips xo
Oh thanks for all these beauty tips! I was just wondering how I can make my legs feel a little softer, so I’ll have to try out your suggestions. Have a lovely day! xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Thank you Andreea, glad you found the tips useful! xx
Great beauty post! Thank you for sharing:)
Bonne journee,
Natallia
Glad you enjoyed it Natallia xo
That eyelash serum looks pretty good, but have you ever tried using vitamin E and castor oil? It’s a lot cheaper as you buy it in bigger batches, but it’s proven for the healthy growth of hair, and doesn’t do damage (so long as you don’t get it in your eyes). My mum’s tried eyelash tinting and she loved it, but it was pretty pricey for something that didn’t last too long. If you have the funds for it then go for it though, as she looked amazing.
Amy;
Little Moon Elephant
Thanks for the tip! I tried the eyelash tinting but I don’t think I will do it again as I opened my eyes at the wrong moment and it was very painful!
some great tips! I love those Sephora masks.
Thank you! I love the Sephora masks too! xo
I ned all of these products ASAP! I love going in there but sadly I can’t get anything.
Camila,
My Vogue Style
Thanks for reading Camila x
Great post and tips! I would like to try them
thanks for sharing, bisous
Thank you Rita x
Awesome tips. I also use kerastase mask, and it’s such a good hair product.
Love this post. Very helpful!
http://www.lifeofardor.com
Thank you Yana! I’m so glad you found it helpful xo
thanks for sharing 🙂 I love Pixi Glow tonic! it really works for me too
http://www.pinkoolaid.com/
It’s great, isn’t it?! 🙂
You really thought of everything.
Thank you for sharing. I will try the Kreastase Haircare since I already heard so much good about it.
Have a beautiful week. Love, Esther
Thanks Esther! Let me know what you think of it 🙂
These are great tips, and great product recommendations. I’m obsessed with the Kerastase range as well, nothing leads to healthy hair quite like Kerastase.
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Thank you Siffat! Kerastase have such a great range of products xo
Thank you for these tips, I will be following some of these for sure
Filipa xxx
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
Thank you Filipa! Glad you found them useful xxx
I found myself nodding my head to every product you mentioned, especially Kerastase pixi glow Tonic and nuxe. Great picks one I would use myself ???
Thank you Esnath! The Pixi glow is great, isn”t it? 🙂
I haven’t tried a toning lotion for the body before as I am a little skeptical about them to be honest. Have you found that they make a difference? I love the sound of the Clarins Golden Glow Booster so I will definitely have to check that out 🙂 x
I didn’t find a great difference with the body toning lotion, but then I didn’t use it very regularly! The Clarins glow booster really worked for me though 🙂
Great summer tips. I love that Sephora foot formula. Have a great rest of the weekend.
http://www.fashionablyidu.com/
Thank you Idu xo
Great post 🙂 I read it with great attention.
https://venswifestyle.wordpress.com/
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
I love whitening my teeth! 🙂
Bright teeth always make us look better! I hate the actual process but I love the result 🙂
What lovely beauty tips, Julia, I love Nuxe oil, it’s so sweet on my body and hair…
Baci!
xoxo
http://www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
I agree – Nuxe oil is perfect! xoxo
what a lovely and informative post.
the Beauty tips are really good 😀
with love your AMELY ROSE
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you like it! 🙂
Summer is almost over in my country. I wish I’ve seen this sooner!
Angelie
Thanks for reading Angelie! You will be well ahead for next summer xx
Great Post!
Hadasah Love | http://www.styletolove.com
Thank you Hadasah x
Great post dear!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
http://www.instagram.com/iameleineblog/
Thank you!
Thank you for these tips, I’m obsessed with the nuxe oil but I currently use it in my hair 🙂
Rosy
I love it too and use it almost everywhere! 🙂
Thank you for these tips (I can use them)!! And those products look amazing! Thanks for sharing! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Thank you Susanne! I’m glad you liked them xo
I have been using MaxiLash serum for 5 months already and I can’t get enough of the serum. I’ve got nice results and no irritations at all. Great summer post! Keep up the good job! ❤️
Thank you for your comment! I’m so glad you liked the serum xo
This is very helpful for the summer months. Thanks for sharing! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you Cielo! Glad you enjoyed it xo
This was such a good read! Thanks for all of the tips, girl!!
xo,
H
Thank you – I’m glad you enjoyed the post xo
Such great tips for summer! Thanks a lot.
I also love a nourishing hair mask by Kerastase.
Thanks for reading! xo
I looooove the Clarin’s golden glow booster- I’ve been using it every day with my moisturizer to pump up my tan! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I love it too Ashley, and I’m mixing it in with my moisturiser to prolong my tan 🙂
Amazing products!
Emma
http://www.emmalovesfashion.com
Yes, they are, Emma! Let me know if you try any xo
Such a great tips and post!! Thanks for sharing!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
Thank you Monica xo
These are great tips for summer. I love taking care of the hair, smile, and skin. 🙂
Thank you Heather! Hope you’re enjoying Summer 🙂
You have mentioned so many great products, I will definitely check them out. I love all bright color nails for summer.
Nina’s Style Blog
Thank you Nina! xo
Going for the glow is always a good idea. I do have some whiteners left from smile brilliant that I can probably put to use again.
http://www.fashionablyidu.com/
Thanks for reading Idu! xo
These products all sound wonderful! I’ve used Kerastase’s spray for humidity, but have never tried this line you’ve shared here; I want to try out that mask! I also want to give that Glow Tonic by Pixi a go, I’ve heard nothing but great things! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you Jalisa! xo
I love Sephora and these products sound amazing! Need to check them out!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa! I love Sephora too xoxo
Great choices!
Have a nice evening!
Gil Zetbase
Thank you Gil!
This is a great beauty guide for getting summer ready. Most of these steps I already do except for the sun protection of the hair. I suck at that. I never ever think about it. I use leave in conditioner daily but not for the purpose of sun protection. Your post was a reminder to stay on top of things in that area.
LaToya
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com
Thanks for reading! I’m pretty useless at the hair sun protection too (even though I bought the product!)
Great post and tips! Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you Gemma x
I’ve always heard good things about Keratase products. That Nuxe oil is something I’d like to try! Thanks for sharing your favorites!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thank you Jill! The Nuxe oil is a definite favourite of mine xo
these are great tips and i love the Pixi Glow Tonic!
kileen
Me too Kileen! I couldn’t be without it! xo
I want to try the products for hair because my hair is so damaged. I need to try hair masks!
It’s a really good mask Katherine! I’m sure you will love it xo
I love anything from Pixi, so I need to try that exfoliating tonic lotion! I used to use a UV spray on my hair, but need to again! I also need that hair masque! Great post!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie! I think you will love the Pixi toner! xo
Your summer product sounds amazing!! I’d definitely love to try the Keratase oil and the tonning cream. Oh and looking forward to reading about the maxi lash serum! It would be awesome if it gives you good results!
xx
http://www.stylebydeb.com
Thank you for stopping by Deborah xx
Beautiful products! Especially the Golden Glow booster! I think I will try this one too!
Thank you Darina! I definitely recommend it! xo
I always forget to add sun protection for my hair
Kate
Me too, despite my good intentions!
Love this post, thanks for sharing!
Hugs Bella,
Thank you Bella x
Definitely try to work on my summer routine, I’m such a lazy person when it comes to that haha but great tips 🙂
Kenza
I feel you! I must admit that I didn’t actually manage to do everything ……
So many fun tips and products! Thanks for sharing.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you Amy Ann! Thanks for reading! xo
My skin usually gets dry and brittle during the summer but this year I broke out during the winter, I think it had to do with my bad breakup and stress levels. My skins finally evened out and I’m looking for tips to keep it looking healthy during these hot summer months. I’m dying to try this Golden Glow Booster, it’s always nice to be a little tan during the summer months. I also need to try this Teeth Whitening Gel, my teeth can never be white enough. I’ve never tried a foot mask but my feet are in desperate need of one.
The foot mask is soooo good, Mary, and I love the golden glow booster as it gives such a natural result!
I LOVE Kerastase, it’s one of my favorite brand for hair! I should give a try to the other products! Thanks for the tips!
Thank you Violette! I agree – it’s a great brand!
Love all these products and tips! I love Kerastase products and Pixi too. I need to try the Boots no. 7 bronzing product. So glad summer is finally here Julia!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Me too Kathrine! Hope you’re enjoying some good weather xo