The summer heat shows no signs of slowing down, and with the hottest day of the year recorded yesterday in many places, remaining polished and pristine is only getting harder.
1. Anti-chafe balms
Summer dresses are a highlight of the hot weather – but the uncomfortable chafing that comes with them can put a dampener on the day. Whilst wearing bike shorts can always work, sometimes you don’t need that extra layer. Incorporating an anti-chafe balm into your summer routine is a must for comfort, but can also stave off unfortunate sweat marks.
Gone are the days of DIY ‘hacks’ of applying anti-perspirant or lube to your legs and arms – brands such as Megababe have dedicated balms, creams and sprays to save you this summer. If you’re still on the look out for a cheap trick however, Asda’s liquid talcum powder for £1.50 has made waves. One fan tweeted: “Fellow thicc thighed queens who suffer from the auld chub rub: liquid talc from the baby aisle in Asda. You’re welcome.”
Weleda Skin Food – 75ml, £14.95, Look Fantastic
2. Setting spray
More integral than any powder, the product that single-handedly smudge-proofs your make-up look is setting spray.
The two best on the market are renowned for a reason. The Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray does what it says on the tin – it’s a fine spray that genuinely lasts 16 hours is worth the hefty price tag, and one bottle will last a good half a year to get you through the hottest of the summer months.
One Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray Duo Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray Duo Holiday Gift Set, £48 (was £96), Qnnus
3. Cryotherapy
You may have seen this trend recently circulating on TikTok. While typically used for medicinal purposes and as a powerful pain reliever, cryotherapy has recently become a cosmetic trump card – following suit from the cold plunges endorsed by Wim Hof.
Cryotherapy has been taken up by a range of celebs such as Made In Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh, who wrote on her Instagram: “I do a combination of hot and cold therapy once or twice a week, I find the mix really helps to lift my mood and gives me more energy.”
Cryotherapy can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots by increasing collagen production. While traditional cryotherapy can be an expensive, there are more accessible and effective ways test the treatment.
Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber With Soothing Allantoin, £13, Beauty Bay
4. Microbiome-friendly deodorant
Finding a deodorant that actually works and doesn’t smell like a public changing room is tricky. But with more on offer than ever before, we’ve sourced the best kind-to-skin formulas that aren’t packed with aluminium toxins, and they smell as good as a duty-free fragrance.
Brands like Sol de Janeiro and Salt + Stone ensure no nasty ingredients are used in their deodorants – an essential feature when applying something daily so close to your lymph nodes.
Salt and Stone Santal & Vetiver Deodorant 75g, £20, Sephora
5. Heatless hair kit
If you’re wanting to cut down on heat either for hair health, time management or just sheer laziness (no judgement here), then a satin heatless curling set is the way forward. Washing your hair in the evening will also help keep you cool throughout the night, and using an overnight styling tool will cut your morning routine by at least 15 minutes.
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Redken Max Hold Hairspray for Extreme Hold – 300ml, £21.42, LookFantastic