Summer Skin Prep
When the hot weather comes out, I feel like its engrained in us all to want to be shiny goddesses in our new holiday clothes and flip flops. After 22 years I think I’ve finally mastered getting my skin ready for the warmer months, including shaving, tanning and using makeup to add a radiant glow! Here are a few tips and tricks on how to prep your skin for summer! You don’t have to follow all the steps, just take what applies to you and let us know your fave tricks for summer skin in the comments section below ?.
Exfoliation
The first step to glowing skin in any routine is regular exfoliation. The most important thing is to find a method that’s best for your skin type and doesn’t cause any irritation. The traditional exfoliator is a physical scrub that has bits in to increase cell turnover and help reduce ingrown hairs.
If you have sensitive skin, go for a light gel texture that’s not too *scrubby* but still makes you silky smooth. If your bod can handle coarser scrubs, then find one you love and use up to 2 times a week to keep the dead skin away. A more sustainable way to exfoliate is by using exfoliating gloves or a konjac sponge. They’re so easy to use and all they need is some soap and water (they’re also my secret ingredient for removing fake tan and prepping for a fresh application).
Like skincare, there are also chemical exfoliants you can use on your body! These are really handy if you struggle with ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris, or body acne. There are really good ones on the market at the minute and are really affordable, but if you don’t fancy buying a separate one just for your limbs, why not try the acid toner you use in your existing skincare routine for this step?If you’re new to exfoliating, try it 1-2 times a week to see how your skin reacts first, especially if you’re going with the chemical exfoliant method.
Top Tip: always moisturise after any form of exfoliation, to nourish the skin and prolong the silky benefits.
Fake Tan
If you like a bronze during shorts and vest season, then fake tan is your best friend! It’s come a long way since orange toned gradual tanners and dry mousses, and now the aisles are filled with different textures and tones. Gradual tanners are great for a glow you can build up over time without having to worry about streaks or patchiness; alternatively, you can now buy tanning drops to mix in with your moisturiser, for a customisable colour that doesn’t dry out the skin.For the difficult bits like hands and feet I love to use a facial tanning spray, it gives a natural colour you can build up and you’re less likely to get wotsit hands from it. Make a bit of a claw and spray from a good distance across your hands and over your feet.
How to use: either using a mitt or your hands, apply in circular motions until absorbed (realllly rub that in for an even application).
Top Tip: when shopping for a tan they usually range from ‘light’ to ‘extra dark’. Choose the one that’s closest to your skin colour for a natural finish, you can always build up the layers if you want a deeper tan.
How to be a pro tanner: exfoliate, (shave here if you’re a hair remover) and moisturise a few hours before you tan. Try and use a body lotion/butter every day to prolong your tan and make sure it fades evenly.
Hair removal tips
We’re pro freeing the hair at G&V, but if you want to tame the mane, here are some tips on how to do it safely and effectively. Annoyingly hair removal is a trial-and-error situation. Whether you use a razor, creams or wax it’s important to follow the directions on the packaging so you do it correctly.
Shaving: exfoliate regularly to prevent in grown hairs and shaving rash; use a shaving foam or cream to get the best out of your shave (conditioner also works wonders); moisturise afterwards to prevent the skin from drying out and soothe the skin.
When using hair removal creams or at home waxing kits, make sure you follow the instructions! This is so important as you don’t want to burn your skin or cause any nasty irritation. Waxing is tricky, so if you can, support your local businesses and go to a professional for effective and long-lasting results.
How to add the GLOW
You can’t deny it, having something shiny on your shoulder when the sun’s out just hits differently, it gives you that POWERFUL feeling and really adds to your summer looks.
Liquid highlighters are a staple for me in the summer, they can be used on the face, shoulder, and even your arms and legs for an extra boost if it’s a special occasion, or just your standard Monday.
If you’re not a fan of tanning your face, there are lots of brands that offer bronze tinted drops to add into your moisturiser/spf/foundation. They give such a lovely glow as well as adding coverage, meaning you don’t have to do a full face in the summer if you don’t want to.
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