The 6 beauty products you need this summer to look 'just young enough'
Today is the first official day of summer. By now, it’s likely that you’ve updated your fashion look with a jaunty, floral piece or two. You’ve probably acquired a pair of slip-on mules and a wide-leg pant. You may even have a jumpsuit on order. Yet, it is as affirming to update your beauty wardrobe as it is your clothes closet, especially if you are over 40. I say this because, as a woman in her mid-forties, I am finding that how I adapt to the seasons is even more confidence forming than it was in my twenties and thirties. It is those few discerning pieces, a handful of stealth updates, that keep me just current enough. After all, the art of looking youthful is all about feeling youthful and this is a fine balance of not losing oneself to the trends while being open to spontaneity and newness.
As a magpie who’s drawn to shiny new things, this has taken some practice, but the formula that works for me is this. I replace a few strategic items across skincare, fragrance and cosmetics that offer practical solutions to the weather, my travel plans and the current state of my skin/hair/mood. Plus, one or two decorative additions ‘just because’. You don’t want to be the person who buys up a whole trend make-up collection and wears each piece at the same time. An up-to- the-minute scent on your wrists, a lighter texture of foundation or a shampoo shake-up is just enough to refresh your look.
The 6 items every woman needs this summer
A freckle-enhancing foundation
We have the Duchess of Sussex’s gorgeously dappled complexion to thank for the death of contouring and a newfound respect for the natural vibrancy of a real woman’s skin. A healthy splattering of freckles is not only very summer 2018, it is also youth promoting. So it is worthwhile investing in a sheer foundation with just enough coverage to ensure your face looks its best. If your skin is fairly even in tone, a new generation skin tint like L’Oreal Paris Bonjoir Nudista Awakening Skin Tint ￡9.99 is all you need. If you want a little more coverage, as I do, with a second-skin finish, try Dior’s new backstage Face and Body Foundation ￡29, that seamlessly blends into skin. Plus, it is available in 40 shades making it suitable for almost all skin tones.
Summer holiday beauty essentials
A gender fluid fragrance
Gender neutral is where it’s at with fragrance now. Make no mistake, these are not to be confused with the unisex scents of the 90s, which sat indistinguishably in a citrus-y cologne comfort zone. The new gender fluid fragrances are sophisticated blends that are to be chosen on taste and personality alone. Chanel Les Eaux, a new collection of three gender neutral fragrances is a good place to experiment. Perfect for summer, each fragrance in the collection is inspired by a different destination, Deauville (green & outdoorsy) Biarritz (fresh & floral) and Venice (warm and sensual). My money’s on Biarritz, a sophisticated take on fresh sea air with the merest hint of sweetness. Available from July 13.
A pollution mist
Pollution is the new silent ager, clogging pores and damaging our skin’s protective barrier as much, if not more, than UV. A new ‘worry zone’ in the market creates a lot of hype over performance, so don’t over buy on pollution-proofing. All you need is a potent pollution sheild. I’m hooked on Allies of Skin Molecular Savoir Mist, an alcohol-free non-evaporating spray rich in antioxidants and probiotics. Ideal for summer, it protects from pollution while quenching thirsty skin and reducing the effects of jet lag and lack of sleep. Bonus.
A pastel nail shade
Natural is on-point this summer and nails are no exception. While nail art made a minor comeback at the spring summer shows, it was mainly seen in the form of a delicate motif stencilled onto naked unpainted nails. This is cute for holiday. But, to my mind the chic way to update nails this summer is to opt for one of the new pastel nail shades, which lends a playfulness to your look while remaining office and age appropriate. Pink is a solid choice as it is universally flattering, but I am drawn to Essie’s Nail Lacquer in Empower-mint, a tan-enhancing green that acts as a background accessory to this season’s flowery frocks.
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A smart shampoo
Each time I visit the US I bring back a stash of the shampoo, Dreamcare by Pantene. While there’s plenty of great shampoos in the UK, as budget haircare goes there is something about this one that gives hair a premium finish without feeling greasy or stripped. Now, it’s available in the UK under a different name, Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect. A smart formulation with wash-in nutrients that penetrate inside the hair shaft to strengthen and reverse damage, the result is bouncy, easy breezy hair that radiates youth and radiance. Plus, it’s big enough to last the duration of a two week break holiday abroad. The conditioner is epic also.
A cool make-up collab
Every wardrobe update needs one trend piece for fun. Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Limited Edition make-up collection is the perfect place to pick a hero item to update your make-up bag. The collaboration with fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu, who’s known for his bold yet timeless colour palette and romantic vibe, is full of vivid lipsticks, soft blushes, and garden inspired eye shadows. There are two stand-outs I suggest you try: Carnal Carnation Lipstick, ￡22, a sheer raspberry red. And, Poison Rose Lip Powder Palette, ￡35, complete with a travel lip brush, lip primer and four shades from petal pink to rose red and grown-up purple. Wear with or without clear balm.
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