From the spa-grade facial products to the lazy girls body lotion and the most believable bronzing mist – here are the summer buys you need to have on your radar that are on sale right now.
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BC (Before Corona) I was a frequent visitor of The White Room, a small beauty space tucked away behind Harrods. They provide hard-working Valmont Facials, the Swiss-led range that heralds from Lake Geneva.
Since lockdown, I haven’t been able to get anywhere near the place – and to be honest, probably won’t for a long time to come.
So, I’m investing in the science-backed formulations that can be delivered to me. It’s eye-wateringly expensive, but the products are super concentrated – so a little goes a long way.
One of my favourites is Hydration Hydra 3 Regenetic Cream – its velvety texture remedies dry and dehydrated skin and instantly soothes by increasing hydration rates by up to 55%.
Valmont Hydration Hydra 3 Regenetic Cream, was £224,now £148.95 – buy here
By Terry Bronzers Tea to Tan Face and Body is a water-like formula that sinks into skin instantly.
Shake the bottle to release the glittery particles for a sheen, or leave to settle for more of a matte look. I spray it onto a sizeable bronzing brush first and buff into face and neck. You can re-apply for a darker coverage and it gives skin that translucent hit of a believable bronze colour without the sun’s rays.
It’s non-transfer too, so even if you get sweaty and hot this won’t budge until you smother it with soap at the end of the day.
By Terry Bronzers Tea to Tan Face and Body Water Mist, was £58, now £44 – buy here
Although during lockdown it’s ever so tempting to skip the sunscreen, it’s not a great idea. Don’t forget, the sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes often attributed to ageing, you know: brown spots, bumpiness, lines and wrinkles. And it can still affect you whether you’re inside or out.
I always aim for broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher, like Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF30. It’s super-easy to use as it has all the pro-ageing benefits (it was recommended by one of the top dermatologists in NYC), and contains line-busting, skin-smoothing ingredients alongside a decent SPF – it keeps skin hydrated all day long.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF30, was £125, now £99.95 – buy here
Don’t allow summer 2020 to be entirely cancelled because of Covid-19. Take in the Amalfi coast’s fresh sea breeze, fig groves and Italiano joie de vivre with a spritz of Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi.
The fresh scent that combines bergamot, fig, jasmine and benzoic – a spicier version of vanilla, is made even sweeter by the sale price. Spray liberally onto the skin and go for a walk in the sunshine – it’s guaranteed to restore flagging spirits.
Summer days can also mean the onset of congested skin; self-tanning and SPF, along with pollution, can cling to sweaty skin and get stuck into the pores.
I use Murad’s Hydration AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser a couple of times a week to give skin a deep clean. The dual-action formula enlists the help of biodegradable jojoba beads to physically clear skin. At the same time, the chemical exfoliants, salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids, provide gentle exfoliation and encourage cell turnover, thus helping skincare to work more efficiently. It will also help to clear any acne-prone patches too.
Murad Hydration AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, was £38, now £32 – buy here
The Clarins Body-Smoothing Moisture Milk with Aloe Vera is excellent for people who like everything from the chin down to be easy.
The pump bottle quickly dispenses a lovely lingering scented lotion that has the floral aroma of neroli. It sinks in straight away and skin feels instantly cocooned and soft thanks to aloe vera and shea butter formula (and you don’t have to grapple with any greasy lids.) Works for everyday use, or as an after-sun too.
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