If you’re searching out ideas for early-summer sheen, whilst remaining keen to protect and moisturise your face, here’s our on/off guide. It’s the ultimate on/off relationship!
On a daily basis, we embrace all manner of formulations so that our faces can represent the devastating, dynamic and determined people we are on the inside… that’s on days when they’re not masking the gloom!
And yet, by the close of the day, we whisk away make-up, mascara and more; its purpose served.
The repetitive routine is one that our faces have to live up to, yet we can make the process easier.
What you put on:
Metallic eyeshadow and negative space eyeliner
While the simplicity of watercolour eyeshadow has dominated so much of the beauty market in recent years, the look for this summer is statement effects – notably metallic shimmers, and negative space eyeliner. The former is self-explanatory; the latter uses a simple outline and lets your natural skin tone peek through underneath.
Brow lamination
They say the fashion industry will make centre-stage the very looks it was mocking a decade previously, and this certainly seems to be the case with brow lamination, which is set to be a major feature again this summer.
Plumping up brows is nothing new, but using a chemical formulation to break down the bond between brows before flicking them up for maximum accentuation is a trend that many didn’t see coming.
Glitter lips
Since make-up artist Pat McGrath sent models out on the DKNY catwalk with lips that were painted, dusted with fine glitter then drenched in gloss, this trend has only gathered pace. Whether you like a little sparkle or a lot, it is a dynamic that will get you noticed, with now longer-lasting applications that are food and moisture resistant.
Mermaid eyes
Seafoam green is the shade of the season and will leave you looking as lovely as Ariel herself, although any green or aqua blue will work. The trick with this is to be bold, covering the lid and under the lashes with the same hue to create a bright and vibrant look.
Golden glow
If colour isn’t your thing, you’ll be delighted to know that au naturel will also be a hot trend again this summer. For a youthful, dewy glow, start with a cream foundation and use a highlighter or bronzer to contour cheeks. Keep lips natural but finish with a dab of eye gloss – another must-have product for 2022.
When you take it off
This summer will test our skin in all the usual ways. We know the routine – you’ve been wearing your SPF 50 tinted moisturiser every day, getting a regular dose of vitamin D and enjoying a dewy natural glow with just a dab of lip gloss and a lick of mascara. Then overnight, everything changes and you wake up with skin that’s flaky and unattractive, with your pores feeling as though they’re being attacked from all sides.
The trouble is that when your skin is healthy with its moisture barrier intact, it’s glowing and plump and easy to care for; but once that barrier is damaged it can feel like nothing will repair it, and even products you once found nourishing now sting and burn – this is because chemicals are absorbed easier, leading to a greater chance of irritation.
The secret to repair is through gentle nourishment and lipid replacement.
Firstly, get back to basics. Simplify your routine with a gentle cream cleanser and avoid alcohol-based products and scrubs at all costs. Find a moisturiser that boosts ceramide production like Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Age Defying Cream, or anything with omega oils. Rosehip oil is a great way to slowly start rebuilding your layer of protection and is best applied when your face is slightly damp to trap moisture. And when cleansing, use tepid water and try drinking green tea… and lots of water!
In addition, eating lots of berries and oily fish will boost antioxidants, whilst reducing inflammation within the body.
Once skin is healed, protect it by avoiding harsh products, and consider investing in a humidifier.
