Our Beauty Editor’s 9 Favourite Summer Beauty Buys

After twenty years researching, trialling and writing about the great and the good of the beauty world, I have finally distilled my own perennial summer buys into a hallowed list of must-haves. Each one has been purchased as an almost Pavlovian response as the mercury rises, signalling the promise of salty hair and sun-kissed skin. Some are holiday heroes that come in my suitcase on every jaunt, whilst others simply deliver that sunshine feeling, whatever the weather holds.

Diptyque

Philosykos, £153


One spritz and you can almost hear the cicadas. The scent of a Greek grove in the shimmering midday heat, with warm wood, milky fig and green, wild herb notes woven into one ‘wish-you-were-here’ spritz.

Gatineau

Tan Accelerator Lotion, £55


A relatively new addition to my canon, I used this daily in the month leading up to my holiday last summer and noticed my sun-sensitive Celtic skin tanned quicker and without any damage. It’s not a substitute for lashings of SPF50 obviously, but the formula activates the skin’s natural melanin production accelerating and prolonging your tan’s glow.

Avene

Thermal Spring Water, £12.40


My aforementioned Celtic skin is also susceptible to prickly heat rash in summer months. I carry this cooling can of spring water mist with me as a natural fire extinguisher, relieving the heat and itching from troubled skin, instantly.

Ultra Violette

Queen Screen SPF50 Luminising Skinscreen, £38


I have tried a LOT of sunscreens over the last two decades and this is one I return to season after season. Not just for its high SPF protection, but the silky serum texture acts as an amazing luminising primer under make-up, with no piling, white-cast or chalky finish.

Chanel

Nail Polish, £29


I stand by the girl maths that buying Chanel nail polish actually saves you money. A long-time convert, I have calculated that so hard-wearing are their polishes that they actually last longer on my toes than a professional pedi. Like a kid in a sweet shop, I pick up a new shade at the airport each year. This season: Activiste.

L’Occitane

Almond Shower Oil, £36


Nutty, and not too sweet, nourishing yet non greasy, L’Occitane’s Almond shower oil dissolves into a milky veil that leaves the skin so soft and gently scented. It’s the perfect post-beach skin restorer.

Elemis

Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, £46


I have a very specific ritual with Elemis’ Frangipani Body Oil that I have sworn by through two pregnancies (and beyond). Leaving the frosted red bottle submerged in a sink of hot water whilst I shower, it turns the solid tropical-scented oil to a warm, ultra-hydrating body treatment that I slather myself in for glowing limbs that smell like a Polynesian paradise.

Living Proof

Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, £12


My festival days may be over (RIP), but I am firmly in my glamping era and Living Proof’s dry shampoo is the only formula I have found that doesn’t leave a white dust residue in my dark locks. Hair feels soft, not gritty, and smells fab too.

Hourglass

Ambient Lighting Bronzer, £29


I don’t think Hourglass’ bronzer and highlighter pigments can be beaten for that diffused, lit-from-within skin luminosity. I love the its diminutive travel size compacts for popping into holiday luggage to enhance a golden-hour glow.