Summer beauty products 2021
The lowdown on new and noteworthy products that you need to stockpile for summer
Instant energy without the caffeine | New Therapie Energy drops
Anyone else feeling exhausted? Life is gearing up a notch and as the diary gets filled with more engagements and outings, this little bottle will bring a lot of joy. Therapie's Energy Drops, £30, are small but mighty.
A combination of damiana, an adaptogen that increases neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin and dopamine. Ylang ylang reduces anxiety and increases optimism, and scents with benefits: Rose otto, geranium, tangerine and frankincense all help to uplift too.
They're made by London's modern-day alchemist, Michelle Roques-O'Neil, who says:
'The Energy Drops imparts joy, wonder, delight and enthusiasm. Raises self-esteem and self-confidence. Stimulates the brain, strengthening the intellect. Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression.'
Sounds hippyish, I know, but with just a few deep breaths, you can feel a tingle of optimism firing through your system. Try them for yourself and let me know your thoughts.
Therapie Energy drops, £30 – buy here
A hybrid skincare-grade-radiant blush | Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Drops
The clarity of my skin and glow has been boosted by using the correct skincare, courtesy of the skin consultation and prescription by Dr Fiona McCarthy and GetHarley – click here for more information.
The new glow drops that have just landed from Drunk Elephant – O-Bloos Rosi Drops, £30 – have amplified my newfound radiance even further.
The liquid gel-like formula is packed with good-for-your-skin omega fatty acids, antioxidants from white tea and grapeseed keep the complexion plumped. At the same time, the peachy-pinky glow offers the kind of luminosity you get from a facial.
Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Drops, £30 – buy here
New spa-strength scrub | Olverum Body Polish
This was initially developed for professional spa use, but now you can get your hands on it at home. It's a triple treat for dry, flaky skin: bamboo extract and pumice mechanically polish away rough patches.
At the same time, the papaya enzymes melt away any leftover dead cells so that you will have softer, smoother skin – just in time for swimming season.
It also smells so utterly spa-like you'll be wafting around the house like you've been on a retreat. Right now, Space NK has it discounted too.
Olverum Body Polish, £38 – buy here
Undetectable base | Monika Blunder Blunder Cover
This is a foundation, concealer and contour in one. The light creamy texture helps skin maintain a healthy glow while covering up sun spots, blemishes, or uneven patches.
The USP is that it looks like your skin and not foundation and is pretty undetectable. Plus, it's just the right size to throw in your beach bag for post-mask-wearing touch-ups. Love it.
Undetectable base | Monika Blunder Blunder Cover, £45 – buy here
Non-toxic sunscreen | The Organic Pharmacy and UnSun
When it comes to sunscreen formulations, I try to avoid any ingredients with potential carcinogenic, endocrine (hormone) disruptive, or neurotoxic activity.
And it's even better if they're also without parabens, sulphates, PEGs, BHT, ethanolamines, propylene glycol, mineral oil, silicones, or chemical sunscreens.
So these are my go-to products for summer 2021 as they not only tick the ethical, eco and wellness boxes, but they also are lovely to use.
UnSun Hand Cream SPF 15, £23 – buy here
The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sunscreen SPF 50, £39.95 – buy here
Make-up that won't melt | New Chanel Waterproof Eye Collections
Oh, don't you just love the British summer? Four seasons in one day mean there's a high chance of panda eyes – all amplified by mask-wearing too.
Thankfully, Chanel has a stylish solution for you. Its new ultra-durable range of 14 liners with silicone resins and a mascara that resists humidity and doesn't run – just what you need to avoid a make-up meltdown; plus, they do come off with relative ease when you use an oil-based eye make-up remover.
Stylo Yeux Waterproof, £24 – buy here
Hand sanitiser for your summer tote | Neal's Yard and Bioderma
I'll also be packing plenty of hand sanitiser. One of my all-time favourites is the Neal's Yard Natural Defence Hand Rub, £3.95, for its sweet, lemony freshness, but also vying for space is the new offering from Bioderma, the Biphase Lipo Alcoolique, £8. It's anti-bacterial, anti-viral and also includes 10% shea oil and squalene for the moisture-reaping benefits. Shake to wake, and once the ethanol has evaporated, the moisture layer kicks in.
Bioderma Biphase Lipo Alcoolique, £8 – buy here
Neal's Yard Natural Defence Hand Rub, £3.95 – buy here