Your Summer Beauty Questions, Answered

Make-up artist & SL columnist Adeola Gboyega answers your make-up questions…

My base keeps sliding off in the heat – how can I stop it?

“Start with your skin prep and use a light gel-based moisturiser so that your skin is hydrated but not too wet. Then, use a mattifying primer to control the oil in the areas where you tend to get oily, like the T-zone. It’s also important to use the right make-up products, so choosing a long-wear, oil-free foundation is best. Set it with a translucent powder and finish it with a setting spray that’s designed to keep your make-up in place. Throughout the day, I like to have a compact pressed powder or blotting papers to hand to absorb excess oil without disturbing my make-up.”

How can I hide blemishes without wearing heavy make-up?

“Use a lightweight, buildable concealer. Apply a thin layer directly on the blemish and blend the edges with a damp make-up sponge or brush. Set the concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder to ensure it stays put. For an even skin tone, consider using a tinted moisturiser or BB cream instead of full-coverage foundation, then use concealer only where needed, so you can get the right amount of coverage without your make-up feeling cakey and heavy.”

How can I prevent my liquid liner from smudging when it gets hot?

“I like to use a gel-based waterproof eye pencil first to trace the shape of the line you want to create. Then, go over it with your usual liquid liner. The prep is also key as most of us have oily eyelids so, before applying your liquid liner, use an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base. Afterwards, I like to set it with a matching eyeshadow over the line to lock it in place.”

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A-list hair stylist George Northwood answers your haircare questions…

During the summer my roots get oily, but my ends feel dry. What can I do?

“Use a deep cleansing shampoo and sulphate-free shampoo to get your hair really clean without drying it out. Then, use a moisturising conditioner and really rub it into the ends, avoiding the roots. A nice trim will also help keep your ends healthy, and remembering not to expose your oily roots or dry ends to too much sun will also keep things feeling more balanced.”

I don’t like using heat on my hair on holiday but how can I air dry it without it going frizzy? 

“Wash it with something that’s gentle but is also going to give you a deep cleanse, then follow up with a rich conditioner to properly hydrate your strands. Towel dry your hair, and style it into the shape you want with a generous amount of something like my Moisturising Cream, then just let it air dry. Once that’s on and your hair is drying, do the minimum to it and try not to touch it too much as the oils in your hands will create more frizz. If it’s showing signs of frizz on day two, there’s no need to wash it again, just spray it with a little water and add more moisturising cream where needed.”

How can I protect my colour from the sun and chlorine without resorting to a hat?

“Just like your skin, hair will benefit from using protective products to shield it from UV and chemicals that can exacerbate colour fade. Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask is a good all-rounder. Once you’ve applied the product generously from root to tip, style your hair into a sleek bun, making sure you wrap the vulnerable ends into the bun itself to ensure they’re not exposed to anything damaging.”

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SkinCeuticals expert & aesthetic doctor Dr Ana Mansouri answers your skincare questions…

I’m careful about wearing SPF but it breaks me out. What can I do?

“Wearing SPF daily is a must and there are formulas to suit every skin type. There are plenty of non-comedogenic sunscreen products on the market now which are formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for a lightweight, residue-free formula with mattifying properties to minimise skin oiliness and breakouts.”

I’m in a good routine with my skincare but I’m nervous about using vitamin C and retinol during the summer months. What should I do?

“Using vitamin C during the summer is essential, so go for a high-quality formulation that has been clinically proven to protect against UV damage. Always follow up with a protective broad-spectrum sun protection in the morning to protect against free radical damage. Retinol can also be continued during the summer months, as this is also a protective measure against UV damage. I recommend it in combination with safe sun habits such as daily SPF application and avoiding active tanning.”

I want glass skin this summer but don’t want to look shiny. What products should I try?

“For glass skin radiance, try the new SkinCeuticals P-Tiox serum, £130 (available 16th July). It’s a daily peptide serum that’s proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while improving skin texture and radiance. P-Tiox is formulated with an Advanced Peptide Complex and is amplified by potent actives including 5% PHA, which is known to promote skin cell turnover and reveal glasslike skin in as little as a week, minus the shiny complexion.”

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Lucy Xu, skin specialist & founder of Premier Laser, & Jules Von Hep, creator of Isle of Paradise Tan, answer your body & self-tan questions…

How do you stop your spray tan melting off in the heat?

“First of all, your spray tan should never ‘drip’ off your skin. If this is happening, then the tan artist has likely applied too much of it. To remedy the situation, sweep an applicator mitt all over your body to buff, blend and speed up absorption. I also recommend asking your tan artist to dry the tan after you’ve been sprayed. They’ll do this with warm air from the tan gun, and it will help the colour settle and prevent any movement in the heat. Finally, ensure you wear loose clothes for your spray tan. This minimises the chance of any transfer and smudging of colour.” – Jules 

Is there a way to stop tan from settling into pores?

“This is a common bugbear, especially if you’re going away. When a spray tan settles into pores, it’s usually because the tan has a guide colour. The guide colour is the cosmetic finish and dye that some self-tanners have. If the dye is of concern – particularly if you have a spray tan done at home – try using a clear, water-based tan instead. Our Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Water is transparent, fast drying and won’t settle into pores. I recommend blending and buffing the formula once you’ve applied it, using both a brush and a mitt for a seamless finish. Another golden rule for preventing tan from settling into pores is to remove hair and exfoliate at least 12 hours before application. If you do either too close to your appointment, your pores won’t calm or close, so they remain open for the tan to gather around.” – Jules 

How can you hide ingrown hairs while still bearing some skin in summer?

“If you’re prone to ingrown hairs and they make you self-conscious, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. First, regular exfoliation is essential. Gently exfoliate the affected areas to remove dead skin cells and unclog your hair follicles. Doing this stops hairs from getting trapped beneath the skin, reducing the number of ingrown hairs overall. Another factor is the clothes you wear. Tight-fitting clothes increase friction and irritation on the skin, leading to more ingrown hairs. Choose loose and breathable fabrics during hot weather. If shaving is causing the issue, make sure you’re using a sharp razor and always work in the direction of your hair growth – going against this will cause ingrown hairs. If this still isn’t yielding results, consider exploring alternative hair removal methods – from laser to waxing, sugaring and depilatory creams, there are many options out there less likely to cause an issue. Finally, avoid picking or squeezing ingrown hairs. This will only lead to further irritation and redness.” – Lucy

Any tips for treating sunburnt skin fast?

“To soothe a skin burn and prevent peeling, you need to act fast. Cool the skin with water for 10-20 minutes and always avoid any heavy oils or butters – this can suffocate your skin and delay the healing process. Instead, apply creams and gels that are dedicated to sunburn. Aloe vera and petroleum jelly are both great remedies. Stay hydrated – and I don’t mean just a little, keep the water flowing to encourage better hydration throughout your body and speed up the healing process.” – Lucy 

Are there ways to prevent heat rash or at least stop it getting worse?

“To quell heat rash or prevent it altogether, you need to keep your skin cool and dry. Avoid hot and humid environments, and look for air-conditioned spaces or use a fan to improve air circulation. Lightweight, loose clothing is your best friend. It will help prevent friction and allow for sweat to evaporate. On the topic of sweat, it’s key you pat it away gently with a clean towel and apply talcum powder or corn starch in and around skin folds so that excessive moisture is absorbed. Heat rash loves humid, damp areas, so it’s essential to dry things out. Finally, choose water-based moisturisers over heavy creams or ointments to avoid clogging up your pores – this will only aggravate heat rash.” – Lucy

Visit LondonPremierLaser.co.uk & TheIsleOfParadise.com.

Follow @AdeolaGboyega on Instagram and visit GeorgeNorthwood.com, DrAna.co.uk, LondonPremierLaser.co.uk & TheIsleOfParadise.com.