Summer might be my favourite season, but it’s not always kind on the beauty front. There’s the SPF that needs topping up, the hair that refuses to behave, the skin that suddenly feels parched, and the small matter of trying to look vaguely alive after a late night or long-haul flight. From glow-giving skin heroes to frizz fighters, travel saviours and the scent that smells like a holiday in a bottle, this is my summer beauty survival kit.
The Sweat-Proof SPF
Green People ‘Scent Free Sun Cream SPF50’ – £30
I’ve tried countless SPFs over the years, but I’ve officially found my new go-to. Lightweight, fragrance-free, and actually comfortable to wear, it delivers high-level UVA and UVB protection without the sticky, suffocating feeling that so many sunscreens leave behind. Whether I’m heading out for a morning walk, chasing the kids around the beach, or spending a day outdoors, it stays put thanks to its water-resistant formula, while soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and pro-vitamin B5 help keep skin calm and hydrated. The fact that it’s suitable for sensitive skin, is ocean friendly, and doesn’t leave a chalky residue is just the icing on the cake.
The Heatwave Hydrator
Dr Dennis Gross ‘Alpha Beta PH Balance Replenishing Cream’ – £64
When temperatures rise, rich moisturisers can quickly start to feel too much. This lightweight gel-cream is perfect for when my skin needs hydration without the heaviness. Designed to deliver 24-hour moisture while supporting the skin’s natural pH balance, it helps keep everything calm, comfortable, and in check — even when heat, humidity, and layers of SPF threaten to throw skin off balance. Packed with barrier-supporting ingredients and electrolytes, it helps reduce redness, curb excess oil, and prevent dehydration, leaving skin fresh, balanced, and healthy rather than shiny or overloaded. It’s the ideal summer moisturiser for anyone prone to sensitivity, congestion, or that familiar heatwave-induced skin meltdown.
The Frizz Fighter
Maria Nila ‘Gloss Coat’ – £24.50
Summer and good hair don’t always go hand in hand. If humidity tends to leave you looking more Monica Geller in Barbados than effortlessly beachy, this is the product to know. A heat-activated smoothing treatment that keeps frizz at bay without sacrificing movement or volume, it leaves strands noticeably sleeker, shinier, and far more resilient to humid weather, with results that last for days rather than hours. Alongside protecting against heat damage up to 230°C, it also helps preserve colour and boost shine, making it ideal for holidays, weddings, and those days when your hair has other ideas. Obsessed with the glossy finish and it’s fruity-floral scent.
The Handbag SPF Top-Up
Hello Sunday ‘The Retouch One Reapplication Mist SPF 30’ – £20
This is the SPF I’d keep in every handbag, beach bag, and carry-on. Designed for easy top-ups throughout the day, this ultra-fine, aerosol-free mist makes reapplying sunscreen feel less like a chore and more like a quick refresh. It goes on clear, works over makeup without disturbing everything underneath, and leaves skin looking hydrated rather than greasy. Alongside SPF30 UVA and UVB protection, it’s infused with niacinamide, vitamin E, and carnosine to help support the skin barrier – ideal for hot days, long lunches, and those moments when you know you should reapply, but really can’t face another layer of cream.
The Post-Sun Saviour
Caudalie Vinosun Tan Prolonging After-Sun Lotion – £24
An after-sun-meets-tan-booster, this holiday hero from Caudalie cools and nourishes from top to toe while preventing dryness and peeling – perfect if a sun-kissed glow is what you’re after. Speaking of which, it actually prolongs the life of your tan and promotes radiant, glowing skin thanks to a blissful blend of organic grape water, coconut oil, and aloe vera extract, which feel wonderfully cooling and soothing on the skin. Just the ticket if you’ve gone a bit overboard on the sunbathing.
The Holiday Scent
Diptyque ‘Eau des Sens Eau de Toilette’ – £155
Eau des Sens has always been one of my favourite summer scents, but even more so now thanks to this stunning limited-edition summer design. Part of the Diptyque’s Summer 2026 Jardin des Eaux collection, it’s inspired by a water garden: ancient stones, umbrella pines, flowering shrubs, orange trees, and fountains sparkling in the sun. The scent itself is fresh, bright, and transportive, with notes of juniper berry, angelica, and patchouli that make it feel crisp and green rather than obviously sweet or citrusy. The bottle, created with contemporary mosaic artist Mathilde Jonquière, is just as stunning – a little piece of summer beauty for your dressing table.
The Carry-On Hero
Gingerlily ‘Silk Eye Mask’ – £58
I never travel without a silk eye mask. Whether it’s a long-haul flight, a bright hotel room, or simply trying to squeeze in some quality sleep while away, it’s one of those small luxuries that makes a surprisingly big difference. Not only do they look incredibly chic, but they’re also gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes. Unlike cotton, silk has a naturally low absorption rate, meaning it won’t draw moisture away from the skin while you sleep, helping to keep the eye area comfortable and hydrated. It’s also naturally antibacterial, making it an ideal travel companion when you’re navigating airports and recycled cabin air. I love ones from Gingerlily, and they make matching silk neck pillows for the ultimate travel get-up.
The No-Makeup Makeup Product
By Terry ‘Tea to Tan Golden Glow’ – £42
I’m obsessed with looking bronzed year-round, but summer is when I really up my game. This illuminating aqua-bronzing serum gives skin the most believable sun-kissed glow, with a lightweight, water-like texture that blends seamlessly and never feels heavy or greasy. Wear it alone, mix a few drops into your moisturiser, or layer it under makeup for an extra hit of radiance. Infused with antioxidant-rich tea extracts and hydrating ingredients, it leaves skin looking fresh, healthy, and luminous. Perfect to wear alone or with other makeup for that just stepped off the sand glow.
The “I Haven’t Slept” Fix
Sweed ‘Peptide & Ice – Lift & Firm Hydra Gel Eye Patches’ – £50
Whether you’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight, had one too many late nights, or simply aren’t looking as refreshed as you’d like, these eye patches are my secret weapon. Infused with vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine, they help tackle puffiness, dark circles, and dehydration in just a few minutes, leaving eyes brighter, smoother, and noticeably more awake. They’re also incredibly easy to throw into your handbag or carry-on, making them perfect for everything from 35,000ft touch-ups to lazy afternoons on a sun lounger. My top tip? Keep them in the fridge for an extra cooling, de-puffing hit.
The Body Product
Phlur ‘Beach Skin Shimmering Body Oil’ – £45
Some products smell like summer. This one looks like it too. Infused with Phlur’s addictive Beach Skin scent, it combines salty air, fresh coconut milk, and bright bergamot with a silky body oil that leaves skin glowing rather than glittery. The golden shimmer is subtle and sun-kissed – think just back from the beach, not disco ball. Lightweight and nourishing, it melts into skin thanks to barrier-supporting lipids and floral oils, leaving limbs looking healthy, luminous and holiday-ready. I love applying it to shoulders, collarbones, and legs before summer dinners or special occasions for that effortless, golden-hour glow.
Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl
