Typically, high summer spells clouds of glitter and palms muddied by fake tan. But in the spirit of our spring issue, which offers an idiot-proof guide to streamlining your wardrobe and champions multi-purpose beauty formulas, this season I’m downsizing my washbag. So here’s a dutifully curated set of fresh, high performance products that do the job well with minimal fuss.
Fresh Cosmetics Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 (£18)
Swap heavy lipsticks for the natural blush of this buttery soft lip sunscreen range, packed with grapeseed oil. I’m a sucker for Fresh‘s shea butter-rich vegetable-based Oval Soaps (£12) too, which come wrapped in artisanal paper.
Available at Fresh
Label M Organic Moisturising Lemongrass Shampoo (£13.95) & Conditioner (£17.95)
Invigoratingly citrusy, this range nourishes without build up thanks to its all-natural concoction of quince, oats, rice milk powder, and jojoba oil.
Available at Label.M
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Couture Eau Fraiche (30ml, £39)
A refreshing summer spin on the original scent combining rose petals, mandarin, and the mellow nuttiness of pistachio.
Available at The Fragrance Shop
The Jojoba Company Intense Overnight Renewal Cream (£34.95)
Gorgeously smooth, this restorative marine collagen cream melts into skin without leaving any greasy residue. Try mixing it with a little of The Jojoba Company’s 100% Natural Australian Jojoba Oil (from £11.99) for an extra silky boost.
Available at Holland and Barrett
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (from £13)
A cult favourite since the 1950s, this uber-gentle multi-tasker can be used as a primer, moisturiser, make-up remover, repairing mask, and after-shave cream.
Available at Boots
Sheer Cover Conceal & Brighten Trio (£24.95)
For my money, the most reliable concealer on the market, with dual shades to blend efficiently and a highlighter to illuminate cheeks and brow bones, all in one tidy little compact.
Available at Sheer Cover
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (£28)
Airy and lightweight, this soft-focus blush comes marbled with transformative highlights to give a natural depth of colour.
Available at Space NK
Words: Mary-Jane Wiltsher