We hate to break it to you, but there’s more to summer beauty prep than remembering to book a manicure before jetting off on holiday. It's about tweaking our makeup bags and skincare routines in good time so they can survive – nay, thrive - in the heat and sunshine. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to ensure our beauty arsenal is equipped for the good weather and all that entails – and our Editors are already on the case.
First and foremost, extra sun means extra SPF protection. A high-quality sunscreen is a non-negotiable even on overcast days to keep our skin shielded from harmful UV rays (and looking all the more youthful for it). There have been endless new SPFs to land on the market in the past year alone to the point they’ve becoming a trending item – but not all of them and built to layer with make-up, keep your eyes from streaming, leave no white cast and actually do their job. Luckily, we know the ones that are.
But summer beauty isn't just about ramping up protection – it's also about achieving that coveted sun-kissed glow. Save the rays and think glowy, faux-bronzed complexions and pops of colourful blush that mimic the sun’s natural kiss. A solid primer will also become your best friend, ensuring your makeup stays put no matter how high the temperature climbs. And let’s not forget about haircare either, from UV-resistant shampoos primed for pool days to salt sprays that nail the ‘just back from the beach’ vibe without the need for a 2.5 hour flight.
Whether you’re packing for a tropical getaway or simply enhancing your at-home beauty routine, we’ve done the right thing and put all the beauty products worth their salt in one handy list below. These have been tried, tested, repurchased time and time again – and better still, you can buy each and every one from Harvey Nichols. Forget the beauty salon – for us, the true first stop before any inkling of sun is the luxury retailer’s famous beauty hall. If time is on your side, it’s worth the trip in person to test shades up close and make the most of the in-store treatments (a visit to unbeatable Shavata Singh for eyebrow threading is a must). If you’d prefer to boost your beauty regime from the comfort of your home, you’ll find perfect SPFs, bronzing powders, blushes, body oils, and hair saviours right here.