It’s the time of year where people are starting to get ready for their summer holidays. I’m going to Budapest in two weeks and I’m so excited for a bit of sun! The weather there is way better than it is here at the moment. This means that I have to plan for sunny weather and make sure I have the right summer sun essentials.
Summer sun essentials
I’m starting to think about what I am going to be packing in my suitcase to take to Budapest. I will also be using these items for the rest of the summer as well.. hopefully Britain is getting a heatwave at some point. When it’s hot and sunny, you don’t want to be worrying about protecting your skin, so it is better to buy these things in advance.
SPF
For myself, as a ginger-haired, pale-skinned individual, I really need to think about using a high SPF. Previously, I have only used SPF on my body and have just ignored my face hoping that my makeup that claims to offer SPF protection will be enough. However, after many hours of research, I have come to realise that I need to be putting a lot more thought into it. You should be using an SPF on your face every day. Not just when it is sunny!
The product that I have chosen for my face is the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defence. This is specifically for your face, so you don’t have to worry about it being too heavy or overpowering. I know that I will be able to apply makeup on top of this and it will also not be drying. It also has an SPF of 50 which is perfect for my pale complexion.
For the rest of my body, I have gone for the Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection spray. I like this as it is really easy to apply and also smells great. Hawaiian Tropic is a trusted brand of suncare and you know that they will always work well. It is recommended that you reapply during the day, especially after you have been in water.
One body part that you can’t forget about when you are in the sun is your lips. Have you ever burnt your lips? It hurts like hell and the last time I did it, the pain lasted days. To avoid this, get a lip balm that has an SPF in which you can reapply during the day. I have the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick on my list.
Fake tan
Being naturally ginger, I don’t tan at all. So, I am a huge fan of fake tans. I have tried so many during the last ten years. Some have left me looking like tiger bread and others have given me a natural glow. The St Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse is one of the more pricey fake tans, but it works great. It applies evenly and has a guide colour so you can see what you’re doing. I usually put it on before I go to bed and wash it off in the morning.
Hair
Being out in the sun all day can take a toll on your hair. So, one of your summer sun essentials really must be a hair oil. I find that my hair can get so dry during the summer. So, I always make sure that I have an oil to put on it. I put it on when my hair is wet just before blow drying. It also works well on dry hair when I feel like it needs a bit of moisture. The Kérastase Elixir Ultime Regenerating Oil is perfect for taking away with you.
These are some great essentials, two of which I have with me always! The Elizabeth Arden sun protection lip balm and the Hawaiian Tropic suncream, both are my faves! I did the same with the suncream but found out that the SPF which is in your makeup is nowhere near enough. Finding an ideal suncream which doesn’t leave loads of residue is ideal.
I go a deeper shade of beige in the sunshine, but I just can’t bring myself to try fake tan, I worry I will turn into a wotsit hahaha x
I burn so easily so have to have a good sun regime. I have used Hawaiian Tropics for years, mainly due to the wonderful smell. I know it has great coverage, but it just smells soooo good.
By the way, Budapest is amazing and if you get a chance, I highly recommend a day at Szechenyi spa. It is divine!
I love false tan, I haven’t tried the express st stropez yet but I’ve tries the sensitive mousse and it works beautifully for a light natural tan xxx
I always neglect my hair in the sun. I forget that it needs as much protection as my skin.
I wear SPF every single day as I know I can burn quite easily and it’s a good thing for your skin. If it’s properly warm I always need really high SPF too x
The Kerastase hair oil sounds like a must. I’m off to the Caribbean soon and hair oil is an absolute essential for me over there, as the sun really dries out my hair.
I really need to figure out skincare. I don’t think I’ve ever put spf protection on my face! I definitely need something that you can put makeup on top of though, your picks sound great.
I think having good sun protection is so very important in this climate change we have. So many people don’t bother, I would not like to take the risk of uv damage.
I am so excited for summer and cant wait to spend time at the beach etc enjoying the sunshine! Great list of products, I will definitely check these out as my hair and skin always suffer in summer!
I cant wait for the warmer weather! This is a fantastic and very useful list, so thank you! I’m good at remembering to take care of my skin and hair in the heat, but I always ALWAYS forget a good lip balm!!