Summer loving

Get a natural glow this summer with our expert tips

Flawless face

“Summer is the time to swap the heavy moisturisers for the light facial oils,” says Janey Lee Grace, author of Look Great Naturally without ditching the lipstick (www.imperfectlynatural.com). “To get a great summer glow, a little coconut oil goes a long way. It’s also a great multipurpose product as you can use it to moisturise your whole body and as an aftersun lotion.

“Before you head out from your winter ‘hibernation’, make sure you exfoliate and give your winter skin some TLC with a nourishing, antioxidant-rich face mask. It’s easy to make your own using foodie ingredients. If you want all the indulgence without the guilt, make a chocolate face mask with a tablespoon of raw cacao powder mixed with a spoonful of coconut oil. And if you want a more exfoliating texture, add some coarse sea salt. Apply and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing off.”

Hair flair

Look after your locks this summer, with this advice from celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith:

• Always wear a hat to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if your hair is coloured. This will prevent any damage and will also aid in the prevention of colour fade.


• Saturate hair with a conditioner before hitting the sun, which will mean hair will absorb fewer nasties. Wet your hair, then carefully comb through a conditioner which will act as a block.


• Ditch your hairdryer and heated tools as these are also the culprit for damaged hair. Instead, opt for letting your hair dry naturally. Once your hair has been washed, either scrunch or sleep with it slightly damp and wear it in a low plait so you have natural, beachy waves when your hairband is removed in the morning. This is a great alternative to using a curling wand.


• It’s always a great idea to see what you have in your kitchen cupboards which you can use on your hair. Coconut oil is a brilliant alternative to a deep conditioning treatment. Use on wet hair and leave for 15-20 minutes as an added boost of moisture.


• Cleanse and detangle hair easily with vinegar! This method has been used for decades as a natural hair rinse. It removes product build-up caused from hairspray, mousse and gel, and also helps prevent your hair from tangling. Mix equal parts of vinegar together with water. After you’ve washed your hair, apply your normal conditioner and rinse. Then add the vinegar mixture and work it through the hair to the ends. Rinse out and then style your hair.


• It’s a simple solution which many of us forget, but drink plenty of water! In the same way as we feel thirsty, our hair does too.

Mineral magic

“Mineral make-up is great for all skin types and just because it’s mineral doesn’t mean you can’t get good coverage out of it if that’s what you need,” says Bridget O’Keeffe, make-up artist and founder of Blush + Blow (blushandblowlondon.com).

“The key to applying mineral make-up is using good quality brushes or sponges. The finish is important especially if you want the make-up to have a natural flawless ‘second skin’ look to it.

For liquid, personally I like to use a beauty blender. Making sure the sponge is wet and squeezed out, push the product into your skin rather than moving it around your face with the sponge. For powders, build the coverage up slowly by thinly layering the product, making confident large strokes, making sure you blend the powder well into your hair and jaw line. I think you will be seeing lots of glossy, glowing make-up this summer. Highlighters and illuminators aren’t just for your cheekbones. Play around with them as eyeshadows too, and finish off with blacker than black mascara!”

Fake it!

Fake tan is a quick and easy way to get a summer glow, without having to spend hours baking in the sun’s rays, and putting your health at risk. Remember to look out for natural and organic fake tans that are free from chemical nasties such as parabens and artificial fragrances. Instead, look out for products containing natural skin-soothers such as avocado oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. When it comes to applying your product, preparation is key.

“Before applying fake tan, it’s important to not apply any deodorant or perfume to prevent the tan from sticking to this or turning a different colour,” says Leah Durrant, owner and director of Leah Durrant Hair Salon and Beauty Re:Treat. “Also, carry out any hair removal 24 hours prior to tanning, as fake tan can tend to stick to loosened pores and can create dark spots on the skin. I’d also recommend exfoliating 24 hours before tanning too in order to get rid of any dead skin and to provide your tan with the perfect base.”

“When applying fake tan it’s all about the application,” adds Vivienne Curran, Senior Beauty Therapist at KAM Hair and Body Spa. “It’s extremely important that you use a tanning mitt to apply your tan, which will prevent your hands from becoming a dark orangey colour and to make your tanning application as smooth and easy as possible. Start from the bottom up and apply the tan in circular motions, starting with a little bit of product at a time and adding more product as and when required. Ask a friend or family member to help with your back to make sure it’s covered and even. To allow your tan to last longer, maintain it by exfoliating gently every couple of days and moisturising each day to keep the skin looking its best.”

Read previous Your Look articles here...

Read articles from our latest issue here...