Summer beauty is all about a lighter touch, a luminous, glowing complexion and a fun punch of colour. Here are the essentials to get you there.
MAKEUP
The Beauty Blender Sponge, $26, Sephora
An absolute must for sheer, luminous, perfect summer skin, this makeup artist must-have has achieved cult status for very good reason. With its unique “cell structure” that mimics the size of your pores when wet, a flawless complexion is the result when foundation is applied with the BB Sponge. Other amazing summer skin uses? Blend blushes, highlighters, lipsticks, and smokey eye makeup for a seamless and impeccable look.
Rodial Instaglam Skin Tint, $44, Murale
Looking for that elusive tinted moisturizer that is neither too sheer nor too chalky? And boasts the perfect amount of dewiness without adding shine? Look no further than Rodial’s Instaglam Skin Tint. Providing the perfect amount of medium coverage, it contains “hyaluronic acid and hydromanil to increase the skin’s moisture levels. This helps to plump the skin to smooth out lines and wrinkles and provides a smooth base for make-up application.” Skin is left even, beautiful, and summer fresh.
Yves Saint Laurent Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm Powder, $60, The Bay
A summer skin must, bronzer is the epitome of a sun-kissed August complexion. YSL Beauty’s innovative and gorgeously addictive rendition, Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm Powder, is an absolutely summer skin essential. Creamy and smooth in the palette, this balm goes on sheer, can be built up for more colour payoff, and finishes as a silky powder. Refining pores and boosting radiance, a stunning, sun-kissed glow is imparted. Just as good? The gorgeous packaging – its brown and gold case is emblazoned with YSL’s insignia and opens up to a gold framed mirror. Public touch ups are almost a necessity.
SKINCARE
THEFACESHOP Hydro Gel Mask Sheet Vita B, Vita E and Vita C, $3, THEFACESHOP
Unlike other flimsy sheet masks, these babies are sturdier and adhere to the face in a much less precarious way, which is important as they stay on for half an hour. Delivering a mega dose of moisture (essential when the sun dries and damages skin), skin is left supremely smooth and radiant. Best for toning, the Vita C mask is enriched with blood orange extract and leaves you feeling fresh as a daisy. Need a little extra nourishment? Go for the Vita E variation. And for extra luminosity and softness, the Vita B mask is your best bet: formulated with moisturizing star fruit, skin is left healthy and glowing.
Mereadesso Travel Ease Kit, $45, Mereadesso
Summer travel plans? Duh. Get your essentials all perfectly pre-packed and measured (read: no messily globbing products into TSA-approved minis) with Mereadesso’s genius and skin-enhancing Travel Ease Kit. Specifically designed for on-the-go convenience, each product is housed in a foolproof resealable satchet. The kit includes the brand’s signature and very well loved All-In-One Moisturizer, their Face + Neck Cleanser and a cleansing cloth all snugly arranged in a reusable pouch. Extra packing space and a flawless complexion? Yes please!
Dermalogica Retinol Overnight Repair + Buffer Cream, $110.50, Dermalogica
Truth be told, there is hardly anyone who wouldn’t benefit from using Retinol. Problem is, some sensitive-skinned beauties can have an adverse reaction to the treatment; it can be a little harsh. This is why we just lovelovelove Dermalogica: genuinely solving skin issues, they pair their highly effective Retinol formula with a Buffer Cream. The two can be mixed in up to a 1:3 ratio for the gentlest (yet still effective!) application, and everyone can enjoy the complexion enhancing benefits.
“Accelerating skin renewal and reducing the appearance of skin aging overnight, Active microencapsulated pure Retinol helps increase collagen production and cell turnover. Powerful peptides and antioxidant Vitamin C help fight signs of aging including uneven skin tone and discoloration. Formulated with a clinically-proven bioenergized Copper amino acid complex shown to reduce visible wrinkles and improve skin firmness.” Meaning, your beautiful summer skin will positively glow.
Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary Bio Affinity Skin Tonic, $59.73, Pai
There are seldom things that feel better than a refreshing, soothing mist spritzed onto skin on a hot summer’s day. What’s even better than that is when the mist soothes, tones, revitalizes and purifies skin. Specifically designed for sensitive skin ” and whose skin isn’t sensitive in the heat of August? ” Pai uses an organic, alcohol-free formula, and packs the beautifully fine and delightfully scented mist full of skin-enhancing vitamins, minerals and amino acids to rebalance the skin’s pH and tone the complexion splendidly.
MEN’S MUST HAVES
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 with Blue Algae Extract & Sea Parsley, $38, Nordstrom
The likeliness of your petit-ami adopting a multi-step skincare routine is about as great as resisting poutine at 3 am on a Saturday night. This is why Jack Black’s one-and-you’re-done moisturizer is an award winning, all-around champ for your BF’s handsome face. Lightweight and packing an antioxidant and vitamin-rich punch, his skin will benefit overall while the broad spectrum SPF will keep him safe and wrinkle-free.
Inspired Soap Works Deluxe Shave Set, $33.95, Inspired Soap Works
Men’s skin can need a little extra care in the summer sun, too. Treat his sensitive skin to a top-notch shave with Canadian favourite Inspired Soap Works’ Deluxe Shave Set. Starting with the Olive Oil Shaving Soap made from Italian Olive Oil, Shea and cocoa butters and scented with Italian orange, French rosemare, Italian lemon, patchouli, and juniper essential oils, his face will be instantly softened and ready for a closer shave thanks to its creamy lather and the included shave brush.
Afterwards, his skin will be treated with the deliciously hydrating Aftershave Salve. Made from a unique combination of sweet almond, jojoba, rosehip, cocoa butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and Canadian beeswax blended with essential oils, you won’t be able to stop smooching his super soft face.
