These Are My Essential Switches for Spring

Forgo The Foundation

In the warmer months I crave lighter base formulas that feel a bit less ‘done’ than foundations. It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Rose Inc range, but the latest product I’ve tried – the Tinted Serum – might just be the best yet. With one foot in skincare – thanks to its beautifully hydrating formula – and one in make-up – expect a sheer, airbrushed finish – it gives polished spring skin, fast. It’s also available in 14 shades so covers a good spectrum of tones.

Go Big On Bodycare

This is the time I up the ante on my bodycare too – after all, I don’t want my spring dress debut to be upstaged by scaly shins. I recently did my first proper tanning session of the season and I can’t tell you how much better it made me feel. To prep properly for tanning you need a thorough exfoliation to get rid of any dry, flaky bits. I need a hard-hitting formulation when I emerge from winter, so was thrilled by the body version of Kate Somerville’s iconic ExfoliKate scrub. It uses physical, chemical and enzymatic technology to reveal baby-soft skin, so it’s the perfect pre-tan option. When it comes to colour, I tried the excellent new Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Oil Mist Formula, which contains the brand’s genius colour-correcting technology for the most natural-looking tan. If you don’t like oils, Vita Liberata (a brand I’ve used and rated for years) has just launched its colourless (and therefore stain-proof) Heavenly Elixir Untinted Tan which slowly releases colour over three days. To keep any faux glow locked in for as long as possible, a good moisturiser is essential. I can’t get enough of the gorgeous scents and rich textures of Neom’s Magnesium Body Butter collection, which elevate something as everyday as moisturising no end.

Spring Clean With A Scent

My spring switch-up doesn’t just stop at my body, I’m a stickler for changing the scent of my space to match my mood. I’ve been layering home fragrances for years because it allows me to create my own bespoke blends. One of my long-time favourite combinations is the result of burning Diptyque’s Coriander and Tuberose candles together, a duo which fills the room with the most gorgeous heady, herbal scent (side note: I love this latest turquoise limited edition). A newer and no less divine discovery is pairing Athletia Beauty’s Switching Aroma Room Mist / Feel the Wind with Ginori 1875’s Gin La Dama Purple Hill candle. So punchy is this candle’s white flower and lavender fragrance, it prompted a friend to ask if I’d spring cleaned my house. Incidentally if you’re a fan of room sprays, try spritzing them (at a distance) onto fabrics like sofas and curtains which hold the scent particles much more effectively than the air.

Try New Textures

Right about now is the time I look to swap out heavy layers of blush (the brightening effect of which is still very much needed, FYI) for something which offers more of an imperceptible healthy glow. Jones Road has nailed it again, this time with Miracle Balm. It gives my skin just enough colour while also imparting a dewy sheen that feels more appropriate for this time of year. The shade Tawny is lovely on deeper and olive complexions but the latest shade Flushed (a warm pink with gold flecks) would be gorgeous on paler skin. To use it you need to break the seal of the wax with your fingers, then use as much or as little as you like on cheeks, and even lips and eyelids too.

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