Healthy, glowing skin is only 6 easy steps away...
The temperature is rising, which means, we’re about to show a lot more skin.
But before you trade your winter sweater for an off-the-shoulder blouse and ankle boots for catwalk-approved mules, there are a few skin issues you should probably address...
Facial-In-A-Box
Want to know why French and Korean women have such a flawless complexion? Because they book in facials like we book in a night out with the girls - routinely and frequent.
A regular deep cleanse will get rid of dead skins to help unclog pores and eradicate blemishes.
Can't make it to the clinic? Become your own facialist.
Sarah Chapman’s brilliant Facial-In-A-Box comes with her cult favourite, Clean & Glowing with Ultimate Cleanse (if you've ever had stubborn black heads, this will sort you right out), as well as a plump and hydrate mask, Eye Recovery lotion and Overnight Facial gel.
But a facial isn't just for cleaning your skin, it's also essential if you plan on fake tanning.
'Always deeply cleanse your face prior to tanning', says Fake Bake Founder, Sandra McClumpah. 'A great tip is to rub an ice cube over your entire face after you've washed it, to tighten your pores, which will stop any product from clogging them up.'
Brighten Your Skin By Exfoliating
There's only one way to make your skin look brighter and that is to exfoliate. This gets rid of dead skin cells, which can make your complexion appear dull.
Invest in an exfoliating scrub that uses natural ingredients, like sugar and salt (not beads) and apply all over your face and body while you're in the shower. Keep in mind that the skin on your face, neck and chest is thinner than the rest of the skin on your body, so use something that's more gentle in these areas.
Once you're done, replenish your skin's hydration by applying moisturiser - and don't forget your heels! It's one of the most shown off areas during summer, yet one of the most neglected,
St Tropez’s Jules Heptonstall says: “If you haven’t been exfoliating over winter and you’ve neglected your skin, I’m sure you’ll need a good scrub to remove any dead skin cells and unveil a new summer coat! Exfoliating is also great for giving your skin a natural glow.”
Try & Other Stories Arabesque Wood Body Scrub. It's smells like ginger beer (delicious!) and is one of the most effective scrubs we've tried.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
You know how you get thirsty when it gets hotter, well so does your skin.
Make this your morning (and nightly) mantra from here on in. Your tan will last longer and even if you’re not a fake tan addict, your skin will instantly look fresher. With shoulder-baring tops and midi skirts dictating our look for the next few months, it’s time to slather on that lotion.
“Adding moisturiser after exfoliating will give your skin that natural softness in texture and locks moisture in. By switching your moisturiser to one that contains self tan, you’re not adding any extra time to your beauty regime but you’re gaining a sun kissed glow,” says Jules.
Give your body a nice big drink with Grown A;chemist's Intensive Body Cream.
Smooth Dry Spots
If you don't have a few dry patches on your elbows and feet after winter, you're one of a kind.
If, like the rest of us, you do get a few dry patches, smooth them out with a body brush. This tool comes in all shapes and sizes – from mittens to long wooden back-scratchers – and while they’re cheap, they’re also one of the most effective products you’ll ever own.
Use before or during your shower (depending on the sensitivity of the skin) for silky, soft skin. Even if you do nothing else, this step will instantly make you feel ready to show some skin. For an added new season skin refresh, pick up a tin of petroleum jelly and rub into dry patches pre-tan.
Spring-Ready Legs
It’s an unspoken new season rule that our legs are the first to break out of winter hibernation. With culottes creeping in and tights getting pushed to the back of the drawer, it’s time to think about applying a gradual tan.
St Tropez has rather handily just launched the new Tinted Everyday Body Lotion.
“For the most natural looking result, apply in an upward circular motion, ensuring all areas are covered – not forgetting to wash hand thoroughly afterwards,” says Jules.
Alongside the gradual glow (exactly what we need), the formula provides your skin 48 hour hydration and even uses blurring technology to minimise any skin imperfections. We’ll take 5, thanks.
Pedi And Polish
If there’s just one beauty rule to live by, it’s this: no pedi, no sandals. It really is as simple as that.
We’re firm believers that one of the areas you shoudl never skimp on is your feet. After all, there really is nothing worse than a dry, crusty (yep, we went there) unpedicured foot, tapping at you on public transport.
At home, invest in a great heal cream to top up the beauticians hard work. You won’t shy away from breaking out your sandals if you treat your feet to a super-creamy balm. Look for balms that contain Grape seed oil and shea butter, known to soften callused heels and give winter-tired feet a nice pick-me-up.
To finish, swipe a lick of polish from Smith & Cult’s chip-resistant polishes with the best names in town.
If your approach to beauty is a bit more DIY then Leighton Denny’s Ready Pedi Go kit is for you. Containing everything you need to moisturise and care for your feet, leaving your skin looking and feeling beautiful, it’s an all-rounder that’s perfect for now and right through summer.
