There comes a time in every girl’s year when we can no longer hide behind a nicely groomed exterior of makeup and flattering clothes. It’s called hitting the beach.
The security of flaw-masking foundation or a flatteringly blended smoky eye shadow is of little use to us when heat, humidity and swimming pools come into play. Happily, we’ve got some sneaky summer beauty tips for women who want to ensure they still look luscious on their lounger. The natural make up look – only better.
Stage One: Flawless and Protected Complexion
A natural look sun-kissed face is the holy grail of summer beauty. Who doesn’t want to look good make-up free? The key here is not to be totally bare but pretending that you are. Creating a natural make-up look doesn’t mean feeling awkward bare faced but keeping what you do use subtle, whilst knowing it can withstand the effects of heat and water and will protect your skin in a hot climate. Heliocare Colour Compact (which comes in two skin tones) is ideal to even out the skin, cover blemishes and give excellent SPF50 protection.
Oil free and non-comedogenic, it won’t block your pores and but will leave your skin looking fresh with a matte finish, it combines make-up coverage and sun protection in one handy travel friendly compact (with a mirror and sponge) and can be used alone or in conjunction with your other make-up products. Also fab for hiding small veins and blemishes on any part of the body.
Stage Two: Pool Perfect Eyes & Brows
Another great way to look polished is by upping your brow game. On hot days there is little point in defining your brows with your regular powder or pencil as both will melt away. For those who want to create a long-lasting brow in the heat our Cherryblooms Fibre Brow Kit uses a combination of natural fibres and smooth powder to fill and enhance. The Semi –permanent formula won’t absorb into the skin or fade during the day and the natural fibres will fill out gaps and extend length where needed. Sweat-proof and splash-proof it is perfect for those hot days by the pool or on the beach.
We can also do a lot of the hard work for you at Strip; adding an eyebrow tint and eyebrow shape to your appointment can maximise brows in a longer lasting fashion. The sun will also turn brows and lashes lighter so consider a lash and brow tint as a way to protect the natural colour pigments in your hairs.
Most cosmetics ranges for the summer include waterproof mascara, but choose wisely as they can be hard to remove (we love Talika Lash Conditioning cleanser) for a very gentle, nourishing product that removes even the most stubborn eye make-up, without dragging the eye and enriched peptides to condition the lashes). For extra va-va-voom Cherryblooms Fibre Eyelash Extensions give a natural look, up to 300% amplification and are water resistant. (But not waterproof, so don’t be expect to do the 1000 metres in it).
If you do want to swim, eyelash tinting is also a great way to still feel glamorous for anyone who likes a bit more drama around the eye. For those of us who were not blessed with long, lush lashes, get started asap on the revolutionary Revitalash, and after just two weeks your lashes will be fuller and longer so you can hit the beach fluttering those natural beauties.
Stage Three: Get Bikini Ready
Sunless tanning never gets old as a winning tool in battle to look your bikini best. It can disguise an uneven sun tan, make you look slimmer and give you a quick confidence boost with the peace of mind you aren’t damaging your skin. We love the South Seas Tanning products, you can either choose an instant Tahitian Tan Mist or a lighter gradual tan with the Tahitian Tan extender; both dry quickly and will provide a long lasting streak free tan . (Also check out their Uh Oh Fake Tan Remover in case you are prone to the odd application mishap).
If you prefer us to do the hard work for you, we have an excellent spray tan service that will have you out the door in 15 minutes. (With our express tanning option we can transport you into a golden goddess in just two hours).
Full tan body sprays start from £30 at our Soho, and Notting Hill salons. And of course, don’t forget to wax to make sure you feel relaxed in your flattering swimwear (a well chosen piece of swim wear can have the effect of some clever body contouring), take a look at our edgy ranges Salinas and watch this space for the new Heidi Klum and Stella McCartney Swimwear collection. Our unique award winning waxes will leave you silky and fuzz free for longer.
Now you’ve got the look sorted, take advantage of our 50% off bikinis or book one of our face saving treatments.
