12 summer beauty essentials for your warm-weather regimen

Retinol is often considered to be the cornerstone of any solid skincare regime – it’s the gold standard in sun-damage repair. Not only does it support collagen production, reduce sun damage and lighten pigmentation, it also softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As the name suggests, Medik8 r-Retinoate Day & Night cream is gentle enough to use both morning and evening, but is so effective that it leaves skin supple and radiant after just one application.

Next on the list of summer beauty essentials is cleanser. Finding one that’s right for your skin type can sometimes feel like a challenge, but Cosmydor’s cold-pressed botanical skincare is the perfect antidote to a stressed-out complexion. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skins, the brand’s Botanical Regenerating Face Cleanser soothes and helps improve elasticity and moisture with ylang-ylang and olive oil – ideal after a day in the sun to wash away SPF and impurities.

Tired of looking tired all the time? The eye area is the first feature to show signs of ageing as regular daily movement, accumulated sun exposure, and the inevitable march of time bring with them the breakdown of collagen and elastin. But the good news is that there are targeted solutions that work tirelessly to counteract such issues. Susanne Kaufmann Eye Rescue Stick Line A is one of those. Rich in minerals, AHAs and caffeine, this roll-on serum packs a potent punch and works double-duty to de-puff, brighten and soothe the delicate under-eye area.

Of course, no summer beauty kit would be complete without an uplifting scent. In just one spritz on pulse points, Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum from cult fragrance house Byredo quickly commands your full attention. The overtly aromatic and bewitching elixir combines notes of fresh lemon, pepper and juniper berry with a heady and sophisticated base of smoky incense and warm amber. The contrast of notes makes for an impactful finish to create a scent that is undeniably hypnotic.

If you’d like to cheat your way to a natural-looking summer glow, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Responsible for tanning and contouring the best bodies in the business, A-list tanner Amanda Harrington’s body brushes have become synonymous with a flawless self-tan. Each body brush allows you to buff, blend and stipple self-tan into the skin to enhance bone structure and coax out contours for a more sculpted finish – it makes it easier to control the results, too. Pair with Harrington’s transfer-resistant Body Mousse in Natural Honey – a fast-drying self-tan with a velvety finish that won’t transfer onto clothes or sheets. It’s like an Instagram filter IRL for the body.

To support your skin all year round, a vitamin C cream should be a staple in every routine. Why? Because vitamin C works two-fold; it not only helps with the production of collagen and therefore the health of skin cells, but it also happens to be a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin from sun and damaging free radicals. And when you increase the amount of vitamin C topically, you increase collagen production. Which is why a daily dose of Kat Burki Vitamin C Cream, which contains a highly stable form of vitamin C, can make a noticeable difference to skin tone. From reducing pigmentation and protecting from daily aggressors to softening fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, your skin will never look so good.

For when you need something that little bit more potent, the Niod Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid should be your go-to. What makes this serum stand out is that it delivers a shot of 12 forms of hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate the skin at all levels. Ideal for those prone to fine lines and parched skin, the serum quickly soaks in, providing a smoother, tighter canvas for makeup.

And it would be remiss to forget your summer makeup. When it comes to mascara, there are so many ways to hold the brush for different effects – it’s all about the angle of application. So, for long, defined lashes, layer a coat of highly pigmented but nourishing Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara in and out of the roots and pull the lashes out and up to totally change the finish of the eyes. The result? Beautifully feline lashes.

A bright lip may be a prerequisite for summer but dryness isn’t, which makes Macrene Actives’ High Performance Lip Filler a must. We know the plumping affect that hyaluronic acid has on the skin but, when applied to the lips in a more concentrated form with a host of peptides, ceramides and antioxidants and oils, it can naturally boost both the color and plumpness of the lip. What we love about this roller-ball treatment is just how quickly it plumps and nourishes lips – one application of the serum really does make a difference.

It’s become the norm for women to abandon their eye creams and simply use their normal skincare around the eyes. Unfortunately, it’s just not enough: the eyes need targeted, specific products. Which is why eye masks have become the unsung hero of the beauty world, as they can transform the look of your skin instantly and are small enough to take with you on a summer vacation. MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Masks are gold-infused, meaning they contain nano gold particles to add radiance and glow. Add to the cocktail collagen, hyaluronic and seaweed – which work hard to brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, firm and hydrate – and it’s a beauty win-win.

Nothing beats the mood-boosting appeal of sun-kissed skin but, in the pursuit of that natural glow, a soothing aloe vera gel should always be kept close to hand. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Aloe Vera Gel does exactly what you expect it to, intensely soothing, hydrating and cooling skin post-sun. Containing freshly picked, 90 percent pure organic aloe leaf juice along with purslane and vitamin B, this gel is a triple threat for calming irritated skin post-hair removal or after a day in the sun.

Natural makeup that looks good and lasts in the heat has always been hard to get right, so when makeup artist Kirsten Weis, founder of Kjaer Weis, launched her gluten-free, organic cosmetics in slick packaging, far from being all style over substance, it was designed to be sustainable and practical. A cream blush palette that you can refill over time, Kjaer Weis The Cheek Collective in Suntouched creates the prettiest of skin finishes – use the warmth of your fingers to pat into cheekbones and under the brow for a healthy flush of color in summer months.