So Fresh, So Clean: A Quickfire Guide To Looking Good In Summer

Link Copied

2 MINUTE READ

So Fresh, So Clean: A Quickfire Guide To Looking Good In Summer

Words by Ashley Ogawa Clarke

21 June 2022

The summer generally splits us into two categories: those of us who look inexplicably incredible when the sun comes out, and those of us who end up as huffing, sweaty puddles with bad hair and melting skin. If you’re part of the former cohort, then open a new tab and go and read about something else – this is for those of us who struggle when the mercury rises. Those who end up looking not so fresh, and not so clean.

Maintaining polish and poise in hot and balmy weather presents a challenge. There are summertime breakouts to manage, the whole sun protection situation to deal with, and that’s before we even get to the nightmare of sweat patches. But rather than slowly melting your way through the summer like a choc ice that’s fallen out of the freezer, there’s plenty you can do. Read on to discover some of our favourite hot-weather grooming tips and products to see you through the day looking and feeling cooler than a polar bear’s toenails.

01.

The Dr. Barbara Sturm SPF hack

Good grooming lore says that you can have the finest skincare routine in the seven kingdoms, but if you don’t finish it off with SPF, it’s a big waste of time. Protection against UVA and UVB rays is the best shield you can give your skin against ageing prematurely, but good quality SPF also comes with the caveat that it can feel heavy and greasy, especially in the summer. Still, great SPFs for the face do exist, and you’ll find few better than Dr. Barbara Sturm’s sun drops – non-chalky and non-greasy, this stuff can be mixed with your moisturiser, which should help to build the habit of using it every day.

02.

The easy Grown Alchemist deodorant

Sniffed your armpits lately? Make sure no one else has to. Good deodorant is as important as brushing your teeth, and it’s worth getting one that a) doesn’t make you smell like a teenage boy trying to get a date and b) actually works. Grown Alchemist’s roll-on is a good shout in this regard, and contains moss extract and sage complex to neutralise the summertime stink, plus glycyrrhizinic acid (try saying that out loud) to soothe any irritation.

03.

The Dr. Dennis Gross all-day serum

Like a cool drink of water for your skin, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s hyaluronic marine hydration booster serum absorbs smoothly into skin, and is infused with watermelon extract and evening primrose oil to lightly moisturise. It has a weightless formula that will keep your face looking and feeling fresh and hydrated without breaking you out, and is ideal for keeping on your desk applying as a pick me up you can use throughout the day.

04.

The Sisley summer skin shortcut

If you’re entering summer feeling like a sun-starved husk in need of a lifegiving glow, allow us to recommend a tinted moisturiser. Think of Sisley’s Phyto-Hydra Teint as a grooming routine upgrade ­– it’s undetectable on the skin and goes on like a standard moisturiser, but will give you an immediate appearance of healthfulness. It’s been cleverly infused with a mattifying powder, meaning it’ll keep summertime oiliness at bay.

05.

The sweat-proof Hanz de Fuko hair product

Summer weather can conspire against your carefully coiffed hairstyle to leave it deflated and lank-looking, so it’s a good idea opt for a product that can stand the heat and humidity. Hanz de Fuko’s Quicksand is a cult favourite for a reason – a hybrid between a styling clay and a dry shampoo, it absorbs excess oil from your hair and scalp and works to add volume to hair while providing a pretty impressive hold. It’s great for styling a quiff if that’s your thing, but will equally work well at adding some life and texture to a more casual look.