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After a month of heatwaves, city breaks and summer events, my beauty routine has had a bit of a seasonal shake-up – and with it, a fresh crop of products have earned their spot in this month’s favourites.
While last month’s edit was makeup and scent-heavy, featuring products like my Merit Tinted SPF and Phlur body mist (check out my June favourites here), July saw me finally assemble my second set of IKEA Alex drawers for my skin, body and haircare, and as such, there’s some products that have found their way into my wellness routine. I was originally going to wait until Jake and I got a house before I built and filled the drawers, but the hunt for a home isn’t proving to be very fruitful at the moment, and my bedroom was starting to look like Sephora at the end of a Bank Holiday weekend.
Organising my products gave me the opportunity to have a bit of a cull while adding some new picks into my wellness routine. As well as new bathroom heroes, I’ve finally got around to re-ordering one of my favourite bronzers for the warm weather and have been enjoying a new date night fragrance. From Kérastase to Tree Hut, here are the five beauty products I’ve been loving this month for head-to-toe pampering.
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder – Laguna 00 – £38
I’m a cream bronzer kind of girl most of the year, but during the summer months, I do enjoy a little flirt with a powder product to keep shine at bay, and my go-to for that affair is NARS. After my last one met a tragic end (completely smashed in my makeup bag), I finally repurchased it earlier this month. Coming in eight shades, I wear the lightest, Laguna 00, which is a beautifully soft, pale-girl friendly shade that gives just the right amount of warmth without looking muddy or orange. The silky formula blends like a dream to deliver a visibly blurred, soft-focus finish and golden-hour glow. I also love that the compact has a mirror, making it ideal for on-the-go or traveling. My top tip is to sweep it across the eyelids as an eyeshadow – perfect for those lazy summer days when minimal effort is key. It can be used as a light wash, or as part of a smokier, evening look, too. Buy it here.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Insta-Glaze Conditioner – £36.60
I’m notoriously picky when it comes to hair products – as someone with quite fine hair that gets greasy if I so much as look at a post-wash treatment – but this one from Kérastase really impressed me. The gloss enhancing conditioner is designed for long hair prone to frizz, and has been a lifesaver during the heatwave for keeping my hair sleek and smooth in the humidity. It smells gorgeous (a blend of citrus and floral notes), only needs to be left on for three minutes and makes my hair feel soft, swishy and glossy, without any build-up or greasiness. I’ve been using it a couple of times a week and my hair genuinely feels healthier and smoother. It’s a bit of a luxury, but if your locks need some mid-summer TLC, this is worth the splurge. Buy it here.
Maison Margiela Replica On A Date EDP – £62
I had a Boots voucher burning a hole in my pocket and after spritzing my way through a handful of Replica testers, On A Date came out on top. I picked up the 30ml bottle just in time for our trip to Dublin, and it instantly became my signature scent for the month. Inspired by ‘a magical date on a late summer’s evening’ it literally couldn’t be more perfect for the season. It’s romantic and juicy, with notes of ripe grapes and fresh roses, mixed with musks and patchouli for a scent that feels both fresh and sultry. It’s one of those scents that lingers in the loveliest way – feminine, flirtatious, and perfectly suited to date night. Buy it here.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Vanilla – £15.99
This month I booked my first ever spray tan (a practice run for my beach break next month) and needed a good exfoliant to prep my skin. I used the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in vanilla and oh my word – it smells divine. Think warm, creamy, bakery vibes without being too overpowering or sweet,with hinds of almond and sandalwood. The texture is gritty enough to get the job done but not at all harsh or irritating, and it rinses away without leaving a mess in the tub. The combination of natural oils, ranging from avocado and macadamia to sweet almond, left my skin feeling hydrated and soft, with my tan applying beautifully the following day. It’s a new pre-shave essential. Buy it here.
Bioderma Sébium Kerato+ Gel-Cream – £18
July wasn’t the kindest to my skin – stress, hormones and the heat led to one of the worst breakouts I’ve had in a while. While organising my skincare I set aside a section for spot treatments and during my breakout, decided to give Bioderma’s Sébium Kerato+ a try and was absolutely blown away. The anti-blemish gel cream is designed for acne-prone skin that promises ‘visible results in two days’. I found it worked overnight to either bring spots to the surface for faster healing or reduce them entirely. It helped calm my skin down fast without being too drying or irritating. As well as treating spots, it can help prevent them, too, so if you’re dealing with congestion or stubborn breakouts, I can’t recommend it enough. Buy it here.
So that’s everything I’ve been reaching for this July – a mix of skin saviours, scents and summer staples. What beauty products have been getting you through the heat this month? Let me know in the comments.
