You beauty - your guide to summer essentials

With lots of hot days spent outside and under the sun, will mean different requirements for your skin and hair. You want to swap heavier products with things that are lighter and easier to use and you may need a few extra products to everything in check.

Mane event

Exposure to sun, salt water and chlorine can stress your hair, leaving it in less than ideal condition. Humidity also plays havoc with blow-dryed and straightened styles, rendering them dry, frizzy and uncontrollable. You need products that provide good conditioning, protection and manageability. The Original MoroccanOil Oil Treatment ($26.50 / 25ml) – Revives damaged hair, strengthens and conditions and reduces drying time.

Skin sense

If you’re out in the sun a sunscreen is obviously required. I’m not going to lecture you on application, strength or anything else – I think sunscreen is a very personal thing. I grew up in a family that considers Reef Oil a sunscreen, so perhaps my opinions on the matter are a little skewed. Le Tan Coconut 30 Oil ($10.99) – Get a natural glow with this coconut scented protective tanning oil. Hydrates and protects and smells devine.

Faux glow

If you’re not getting enough beach time, or you want a base glow before you leave for your holiday, it’s time to fake it. I often think fake tans get a rough time, there are plenty of great brands out there and with a little trial and error you will find one that works for you. My key tips for tanning is find a method of applications that works for you. There are sprays, lotions, creams, mousses and tints available, but you have to pick one that you can use properly to ensure good results. Santorini Sun Sunless Tanning Lotion ($29.95 / 250ml) – All natural ingredients keep your skin hydrated and radiant and give you a Greek island glow. Not to mention it smells amazing and contains slimming and anti-cellulite ingredients – a definite winner.

Body talk

Moisturising is important all year round, but it is essential during summer. What looks better than tanned and glowingly healthy skin in the summer? Korres Body Butter ($34.95) – A rich smoothing cream that’s perfect for dry spots. It’s full of good natural ingredients and the scents are to die for – Guava and Fig are definite favourites. Korres Yoghurt Cream ($52.95) – A super soothing cream for seriously dehydrated skin, it’s also got Vitamin E and olive oil – I’m sure my grandma would approve.

About face

A sweaty face covered in smeared and melting foundation is not a great look. Swap your heavier foundation for a tinted moisturiser (with SPF protection) with a hint of bronze or mix your current foundation with some moisturiser for lighter coverage. Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturiser ($69.00) – It’s pricey but it’s worth it. Sheer to medium coverage with a touch of bronze pearl to leave the skin looking dewy and youthful.

Scent of a woman

Push your heavy, woody scents to the back of the cupboard because summer calls for fragrances that are simple, fresh and vibrant. Calvin Klein Beauty ($68.00) – Fresh and floral, Beauty is perfect for summer with its notes of jasmine and lily.

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