The Summer Beauty Essentials We Can't Live Without
From multi-tasking mists to hair tools designed to make swapping from beach to bar a breeze, these are the summer beauty essentials we can’t get enough of.
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While you may not exactly be embracing the “new year, new you” philosophy, there is something to be said for revamping our beauty routines when the weather heats up.
Our makeup routines may be more minimal in the warmer months, but keeping skin (and hair) protected and hydrated should still be at the top of the list when looking for products to add to your everyday mix.
From low-fuss hair tools to glow-inducing skincare and multi-tasking mists, these are the summer beauty essentials we’re obsessed with this season (and will continue to use all year round).
Sunset Daze Liquid Rays Bronzing Drops, $59
The Sunset Daze Liquid Rays Bronzing Drops are like sunshine in a bottle. Natural, vegan and cruelty-free, this formula combines skincare with makeup to achieve a natural, glowy face base that's perfect as-is or underneath makeup. Acting as a face oil, bronzer and Blue light-protecting serum all-in-one, this is the ultimate summer essential for those who dislike wearing makeup on hot, sweaty days, but still want to feel put together.
A little bit goes a long way with this product. Combine two to three drops (seriously, that's all it takes) with your moisturiser, sunscreen or primer and watch as it spreads like butter, evening out your skin tone and giving you a gorgeous lit-from-within glow.
Lust Minerals Hydration Glow Mist, $48
This limited-edition multi-tasking mist is the ultimate shortcut to radiant, refreshed skin this summer. With hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and help improve skin elasticity, skin is left feeling plump and rejuvenated, while watermelon extract helps brighten skin complexion.
Bangn Body Firm and Glow Bundle, $114
Featuring two of Bangn Body's best-selling, cult favourites, this set is sure to deliver summer-ready skin all year round. The award-winning Firming Lotion hydrates and boosts radiance, while the Firming & Brightening Beauty Treatment instantly brightens skin. Plus, it comes with a free tube key so not a single drop of product goes to waste.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydration Skinscreen, $52
There's a good reason this has become a cult beauty classic. Heralded as the "lazy gal's approach to SPF", this is your sunscreen superstar, thanks to its hydrating, high-protection formula that serves as a moisturiser, primer and sunscreen in one. Plus, it's perfect for normal to dry skin.
Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser, $82
A "facial in a bottle" this luxurious cleanser removes dirt, makeup and impurities while leaving behind healthier, more nourished skin. With 23 synergistic active ingredients, it detoxifies without stripping the skin or leaving an oily residue. Consider it your secret to beautifully dewy, radiant and healthy skin.
Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer, $559
Go from wet to dry in a flash with the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer, which delivers a high-gloss finish in minutes with no heat damage. Perfect for those times when days on the beach turn into sunset drinks at the bar, the Shark SpeedStyle intelligently adjusts heat and airflow settings when any of the 5 stylers are attached. A salon-style blow-dry or perfectly lifted curls at home? Count us in.
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic, $49.95
There's a reason why this 6-in-1 exfoliating treatment is Alpha-H's most re-purchased product. The BHA treatment is designed to decongest pores, control excess oil and minimise bacteria that lead to breakouts - all without drying the skin. The ultimate multi-tasker, we're using it this summer to combat shine during the day, and clear our skin of the sweat, dirt and sunscreen we've lathered on throughout the day before bed.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautyverse Palette, $120
Summer and shimmer go hand-in-hand, and this limited-edition palette from makeup queen Charlotte Tilbury is perfect for special occasions. With 9 shades - from eye-popping golden hues to pink, lilac and silver shades - in a mix of matte and metallic finishes, it's perfect for creating any look to suit your style.
Smooch Body Janey Fine Fragrance Mist, $36
Looking for a new signature summer scent? This fine fragrance mist from Smooch Body serves up immaculate tropical vibes with notes of roasted almond, toffee, white flower, creamy vanilla and coconut. Just spritz a little (or a lot) all over for an instant mood boost.
Plendi Outback Mud Mask, $58
A true multitasker, the Plendi Outback Mud Mask exfoliates, decongests, hydrates and brightens the skin for a healthy glow in as little as 10 minutes. But there's something different that has earned this mask a cult following: it's a powerful solution for "buttne" and other body breakouts, making it your summer bikini bestie. Its clinically proven formula is comprised of 99.7% natural origin ingredients, including a host of powerful botanicals and native Aussie extracts.
Eye of Horus Second Skin Foundation, $85
Less is more when it comes to warm weather makeup, so the Eye of Horus' Second Skin Foundation is perfect for those wanting coverage that feels like...well...a second skin. The forward-thinking formula contains skin-benefiting actives for a smooth and buildable colour and is available in a variety of shades.
Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirene Hair Oil Mist, $58.50
Sun and surf can wreak havoc on our hair, but this irresistible lightweight leave-in spray helps make the most of salty strands. Enriched with Vitamin E oil, it provides instant softness and defines hair's natural shape for shiny, luminous locks. Plus, it contains a UV filter to help absorb UVs and minimise their effect on the hair fibre.
Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream, $79.95
Fast-absorbing and fragrance-fee, this luxurious water formula is designed to drench and replenish the skin's moisture levels. It provides intense hydration that lasts up to five days for an instantly plumper, bouncier-looking complexion.
Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara, $59
Certifiably life-proof, this next-generation mascara lifts, fans out and volumises lashes for an intense eye-opening effect. The perfect addition to your "no makeup makeup" kit, the clump-free formula is waterproof for up to 24 hours so you can splash, sweat and shimmy the night away.
Now that your summer beauty essentials are sorted, it's time to embrace the sun-soaked season from head to toe. Check out the resortwear buys we're lusting over right now and pick a pair of shoes from our summer guide to match.
