Don’t tell the Leo babies, but as a Scorpio, summer just isn’t the season I thrive in. To be frank, I don’t know how anyone does when all forms of public transport become Swedish saunas.
However, with age I have found an appreciation for the season. Summer for me is all about stripping it back, and I mean that both literally and metaphorically.
The leggings are replaced with shorts (Dad at Disney is forever my vibe). The city is swapped for the coast (where you’ll find me and my friends hanging out with the retirees at the caravan site), and my makeup bag is seriously stripped back.
The reason for that is mainly practical, because my forehead is its very own Niagara Falls in the months June through September. But with the stripping back comes experimentation: a neon liner here, a bright fuchsia blusher there.
Then there’s the scents. Give me all the neroli fragranced body lotions and citrus-inspired perfumes. Plus, the change in temperature means I can finally explore different skincare textures because I’m less prone to dryness.
So, as much as I moan, I do love a good summer beauty launch. But with so many to choose from, here’s what has stood out to me so far this season.
1. Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint + Vitamin C, £10.39
I love a good skin tint come summer, but they always tend to be on the £££ side. However, Maybelline has not only come through with one that’s a little kinder on my Monzo account, but that also manages to last all day (yes, even with my sweaty forehead) and gives the most beautiful glow.
2. Dior Rosy Glow Blush in Cherry, £34
I have always loved the Dior Rosy Glow blush shades, so like all of TikTok, I was buzzing to hear there was a shade extension. Out of the new collection, ‘Cherry’ is by far my favourite. To me, it’s a more wearable NARS Exhibit A and gives the ultimate summer flush.
3. Verden D’Orangerie Hand & Body Wash, £35
Now, this isn’t technically a new launch, but it was new to me. I discovered it on a lush press trip to a beautiful hotel in the Cotswolds. It was in my bathroom and as soon as I washed my hands, I could not stop smelling them. Think summer oranges blended with the English countryside. Of course, I immediately came home and bought a bottle, which sits proudly in my much less glamorous bathroom.
4. The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum, £46
Turns out, Scarlett Johansson’s skincare line really does break the mould of mediocre skincare brands. I won’t bleat on too long as beauty editor Rebecca has done a full brand deep dive, but this serum has to have the silkiest texture I’ve ever tried, and I can’t stop using it.
5. Haus Labs Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer, £40
If you’ve read this column before or watched any of my videos, you’ll know I’m a cream girlie through and through, but it speaks to the quality of this bronzer that it’s pulled me back to the powder side. Effortless blending, and it comes in an impressive 12 shades.
6. Ffern Summer 23, £79
I’d never heard of this perfume brand before recently, when I received a sample and was totally drawn in by the beautiful, simplistic design and organic ingredients background. Ffern actually releases a new fragrance every season and there’s a wait list to get your hands on one. Made in Somerset with organic ingredients, this stone fruit-inspired scent is my go-to for this summer.
7. Nécessaire The Shampoo, £30
Greasy haired girls, trust me when I say I’ve found a new daily shampoo for us. Nécessaire has expanded from body care into hair, and this is just the perfect shampoo for regular washes that doesn’t weigh your hair down or strip it, and adds volume at the same time.
;
