Phew. A couple of days of bright sunshine and balmy weather and we’re all ready to retire our layers until Winter. When temperatures soar, it’s true that everybody is keen to look their best, and this has never been truer than during this most strange of years. Soon, socialising will be allowed once again, and it’s only natural that we all want to look our best as we get reacquainted with our friendship circles and families.
That said, with the changing of the seasons comes an impact on our beauty regimes, and Summer, in particular, can create significant issues with the health of your skin and hair. Whether it’s an increase in perspiration and the threat of oily skin, melting make-up, or simply having too much fun to be strict about your hair and skin care routines, there are plenty of potential pitfalls to watch out for.
So what do we mean by a ‘Glow Up’? Well, according to Urban Dictionary, “a Glow Up is a mental, physical, and an emotional transformation for the better”. And we’re starting our ‘Glow Up’ by giving our beauty routine a makeover.
We’ve put together some handy tips to make sure you keep looking your best during the warmer months. If you’re getting ready for a glow up, too, here are 5 DIY beauty makeover moves to make this summer.
FOLLOW A ‘GLOW UP TUTORIAL’
Beauty salons and hairdressers are set to reopen in just a couple of weeks time, but if you can’t wait until then (or, more likely, you’re finding it hard to secure a booking) then why not consider taking a YouTube tutorial at home to brush up on your ‘glowup’ makeover skills?
A welcome byproduct of this difficult time has been the democratisation of knowledge online, with everyone from personal trainers to nail technicians keen to stay relevant and active online. What were previously considered ‘insider’ tips are now available for all, with views of beauty tutorials on YouTube increasing by nearly 50% in 2020, with an ever rising number of people keen to learn the latest beauty tips and hacks.
Furthermore, the higher-ranked videos tend to be uploaded by content creators rather than by brands, so you’re more likely to get impartial advice than a branded advert.
Mexican beauty blogger Yuya, for instance, boasts an incredible 24.6 million subscribers, making her one of the most popular creators on the platform. You’ll need to understand Spanish to benefit from her content, though. In English, some of the best beauty vloggers going include Lisa Eldridge, who is a professional makeup artist sharing some fantastic tips, and Jamie Genevieve, known as a ‘Glow Connoisseur’ and provider of a whole host of useful DIY tutorials.
But perhaps our favourite of all during the last lockdown has been Britany Sullivan. According to Marie Claire, Britany Sullivan is “an Instagram-famous hairstylist and makeup artist known for her glow powers.” From using iridescent powder blush and highlighter to adding a dewy sheen across your lips with sheer glossy lip balm, they’ve made an awesome 60-second tutorial on how to create the glow up look on yourself with the exact products she used here.
CHANGE YOUR HAIR COLOUR
One of the fastest routes to a spectacular glow up (and an enjoyable surprise for friends who you haven’t seen in a while!) is to give your hair a new shade. For some people, exposure to the sun will naturally lighten the shade of their hair, which can bring about that carefree, sunkissed look which many covet.
If that’s not the case for you, or you’re keen to go against the grain and go for a darker shade for Summer, you could dye your hair several shades lighter or darker than you previously wore. For inspiration, check out Good Housekeeping’s guide to the 60 Best Hair Colours for 2021…nope, we didn’t realise there were 60 hair colours either!
Should you choose to experiment with a new hair colour, make sure you wear gloves to protect your skin from the chemicals in the product, and avoid dying your hands in the process, too.
MOISTURISE FOR GLOWY SKIN
Though taking good care of your skin is a year-round devotion, it becomes particularly pertinent in summer, when sun exposure, sun tan lotion, and a more active social life can all have an effect on your visage.
But what is exactly glowy skin and why is it so coveted in summer?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum explains in Elle that “Glowy skin is supple, healthy, hydrated skin,”, going on to explain that “In the winter, dry skin tends to build up, giving a dull appearance on both our face and our body. The dry air and heat take the moisture out—and since skin is the ultimate barrier between yourself and the environment, glowing skin really just means that you have healthy skin.””
Regular moisturising during the warmer months is essential, and reduces your chances of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. It can also help camouflage any blemishes. For sensitive skin, try an oil-free moisturiser. On the flip side, if your main issue is dryness, a nourishing cream may be for you. Check out these IDEAL products to add to your skincare routine this summer for more tips on the subject!
But perhaps even more effective than any product – and free, too – is good ol’ h2o. A more natural way of keeping your skin in good condition is to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can also boost your mental performance and mood.
UV PROTECTION
Some moisturisers also offer protection against the harmful rays emitted by the sun.
If your moisturiser doesn’t, it’s important to wear sufficient sunscreen with an appropriate SPF every time you step out of the house. Yep, even on those overcast days when the threat from the sun doesn’t feel strong. SPF 30 is the most common level for most people and skin types, but those with particularly fair skin may need stronger.
It’s not just your skin you need to protect, though. Wearing sunglasses can help limit the potential damage to your eyes, too. Prioritise a pair which boasts 100% UV protection from both UVA and UVB waves, ideally with polarised lenses to also protect your eyes from glare.
Both of these steps will ensure you’re looking as radiant, fresh and bright as can be when Summer rolls around.
Finding the right sunscreen is important here, as many creams are oily and can lead to breakouts. We’re big fans of Tula Protect + Glow daily sunscreen gel, which has a lightweight formula and helps protect against our pollutants and our dreaded blue screens.
The sunscreen’s probiotic formula helps to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier, while its pineapple and papaya help promote an even skin tone. Not only does it give a dewy glow, but it can be used under make up, too.
Supergoop’s Glowscreen is another product known for creating a totally dewy base layer while protecting against the sun. For something more affordable, Simple Protect ‘N’ Glow Triple Protect Moisturiser SPF 30 is an all-in-one secret weapon, protecting against UVA & UVB rays, pollution and blue light.
Even if you do suffer from breakouts, The Daily Struggle stresses that protecting yourself with sunscreen should still be a key part of your skincare routine for acne sufferers. Just look for a sunscreen that’s designed for sensitive skin and is oil-free so it doesn’t clog your pores.
WARDROBE TRANSITION
Since we’re talking about a makeover, it would be rude not to talk about beauty’s BFF – fashion! Marking the transition from Winter clothes to Spring and Summer with a few smart, savvy wardrobe additions can be a great way to freshen up your look and achieve that sense of a ‘glow up’ in an affordable, easy way. Check out these 6 items to freshen up your style for Spring 2021 for some top tips on the most on-trend, in-fashion items for April and May!
We’ll see you on the beach?
If you’re looking for another round of simple, affordable beauty tips, then check out these 7 of our favourite at home beauty hacks for a whole load more!
