Most of our summer beauty fantasies involve outstretched glossy-tanned limbs and bright pedicured toes peeping out of sandals. The reality is often less glamorous. As we endure a season of hot and humid weather, here and abroad, contending with sweat, frizz and clogged pores can be a daily battle.
From UV rays to air-con, many factors take a toll on hair, skin and nails when the mercury shoots up. To know which products to reach for, it’s important to understand how each part of our body is affected.
Finding an SPF your skin loves is also non-negotiable. Get in the habit of reapplying it rigorously and regularly (every two hours, or after swimming) while you’re exposed to the sun. Check the UV index on your phone’s weather app as a guide: if it’s above two, be even more vigilant.
Ready for your SOS? From all-star SPFs to hydrating hair care, these are the trusted hot-weather beauty buys to know, all tried and tested by me.
The best hair products for hot and humid weather
‘Sun and heat dehydrate hair and break down the bonds that hold it together, which can leave it frizzy and dull or rough in texture,” says hairdresser Hadley Yates. Dyed hair is worst hit by warm weather, he adds, as “UV rays break down colour pigments and oxidise dye molecules, causing fading”. Covering hair as much as possible with a sun hat or scarf – especially the fragile ends – is important, as is the use of heat-protection products, including those that add moisture back into the hair.
Philip Kingsley Swimcap water-resistant mask
Your hair is like a sponge, so if you’re heading to the beach or lido, make sure you at least saturate your locks with clean water before a swim. If dry, it will absorb the salty or chlorinated water. Even better, apply a mask, such as Philip Kinglsey’s Swimcap, to shield it. It doesn’t feel sticky or heavy when applied and will moisturise locks while protecting them.
Amika Frizz-me-not hydrating anti-frizz treatment
Blow-drying in 30C+ heat? No, thank you. To get a glossy finish from air drying, pick a product that tackles frizz while protecting your locks from the heat. Amika’s lightweight spray smells divine and leaves hair soft to the touch. Mist evenly on damp hair for best results.
Larry King flyaway kit
If you’re prone to flyaways even after using heat protection and serum, then stash this kit in your bag. The A Social Life For Your Hair finishing cream is lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast. Warm a little in your fingers and run through strays close to the root, or apply to the mini brush provided to slick back hair.
Ouai Detox shampoo
With sweat, SPF and pollution, your hair and scalp need extra help in hot weather to feel squeaky clean, so try using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove all the buildup. This Ouai formula is effective without drying out locks.
Davines SU hair mask
Using a moisturising mask once a week can help relieve dehydrated or damaged hair. Formulated specifically to mitigate the effects of sun, sea and sand, Davines’ cruelty-free SU version can be used in place of conditioner (leave in for up to 15 minutes) or applied as sun protection as a longer treatment during your session at the beach or pool.
Bouclème curl cream
If you’re a curly girl, then air drying hair with a curl cream will keep it in good shape. I like Bouclème’s hydrating formula with coconut fruit extract, castor oil and kukui nut oil; it’s lightweight and leaves no tell-tale crispiness once hair is dry. Apply it to wet lengths and scrunch upwards in sections to encourage natural texture.
The best skincare for hot weather
For skin, consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto says you should “prioritise lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing to remove sweat and sunscreen buildup without stripping the skin”. Fellow skin clinician Pamela Marshall notes that moisturisers with ceramides and PHAs help skin stay hydrated, particularly if it’s being parched by an air-conditioned office.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi anti-pollution sunshine drops
If you’re extra scrupulous with your face and neck SPF, you might notice they tan less quickly than your body. To even things out, pop a few drops of Drunk Elephant’s tanner in your moisturiser, or apply it straight on to skin in place of a powder. As well as giving a lovely dewy bronze glow, the product contains antioxidants to help defend skin against pollution and UV rays.
For more, read our guide to the best fake tans
The Inkey List Hydro-Surge dewy face mist
The Inkey List’s facial spritz is formulated to shield your skin barrier while cooling you down, and it’s light enough not to disrupt your makeup or SPF. Great to have in your handbag for sticky journeys.
Ultra Violette Sheen Screen hydrating SPF50 lip balm
Super-high protection and eight pretty shades to choose from? What more could you want from an SPF lip balm? Ultra Violette’s formulas are cult for a reason, and this balm feels smooth and glossy without being sticky. Helpfully, you’ll be reminded to top up when the colour has rubbed off.
For more, read our guide to the best lip balms
Lisa Eldridge cleansing and exfoliating cloths
To get off all that grime, makeup and SPF, you should use a clean washcloth with every cleanse. Lisa Eldridge’s reusable, washable version has two textures so you can gently remove all traces of product with the flannel side and use the other to polish skin.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ matt sun serum
Pick a non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), broad-spectrum (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) SPF in hot weather. The Guardian’s beauty columnist Sali Hughes rates Mecca Cosmetica’s mattifying serum. Always apply under makeup so it can bond with clean skin.
For more, read Sali Hughes’s guide to the best SPFs
Refy face sculpt
Refy’s face Sculpt is a multitasking moisturiser that’s great for summer. The formula feels rich without being heavy, and is suitable for acne-prone skin. The applicator has cooling rollerballs that feel heavenly gliding over the face and leave you looking dewy and lifted. Refrigerate before use to really reap the benefits.
The best makeup for hot weather
‘It’s all about lightweight, long-wear textures that fuse with the skin,” says makeup artist Ruby Hammer. Think gel-based formulas or cream-to-powder foundation, and run a mile from anything heavy. “Keep the skin fresh, the textures light, and let a little dewiness shine through – it’s part of the look, not a flaw,” she says.
Erborian CC Water lightweight tinted gel
The “water” version of Erborian’s viral CC Cream adds weightless coverage and colour. The bubble-like gel formula turns to cream when blended, adding just the right amount of dewiness while cooling down the skin. Start with a tiny amount, wait until it’s settled, then top up in places that need more attention.
L’Oréal Paris Panorama mascara in black
As well as drying out your lashes, I find waterproof mascaras claggy and the removal a pain. My mascara of choice in a heatwave is L’Oréal’s Panorama, which is smudge- and transfer-proof. Its separating and lengthening applicator makes eyes look wide awake: ideal when high temperatures are keeping you up at night.
For more, read our guide to the best mascaras
Supergoop!’s Unseen sunscreen stick SPF30
Small areas of skin prone to sweat or that are extra sensitive may need more SPF top-ups throughout the day – and this Supergoop stick allows you to easily do it on the go. It’s perfect for everything – hairline, parting, tops of ears, tattoos, lips, nose, you name it.
Tatcha Aburatorigami blotting papers
These are makeup artists’ secret weapon to ensure products settle on the skin by lifting off excess oil. “Don’t underestimate the power of blotting papers – they’re a handbag essential,” says Hammer. The Tatcha ones are ideal for sensitive complexions, made with just two ingredients. Remember: dab, don’t wipe.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch blush trio
I adore a bit of blush as a quick pick-me-up, and this trio of vivid gel-like shades add a lovely, buildable pop of colour. Pat on to the high points of cheeks, a little across the forehead and on the bridge of the nose. They blend into skin beautifully with the heat of fingers.
Nars Total Seduction eye shadow stick
If you need a flash of colour on the eyes, then a cream formula won’t crease or smudge in high temperatures. Blend quickly to allow it to set. This Nars formula comes in eight shimmery and eight matt shades.
The best summer body care products
Skin on the body may feel particularly tight or dehydrated due to sweat evaporating. “This can also exacerbate conditions such as rosacea or heat rash,” says consultant dermatologist Mahto. It’s recommended to have tepid showers over cold ones (to reduce the chance of reactivity) and use a light moisturisers afterwards.
Diptyque L’Eau des Hespérides eau de toilette
A light, refreshing scent can be a real mood-lifter when it’s hot and humid. Diptyque’s Greece-inspired eau de toilette has notes of zesty bitter orange and lemon with spicy undertones, giving a bit of holiday feeling even if you’re not island-hopping in the Cyclades.
Estrid refillable antiperspirant
Estrid’s refillable roll-on has been keeping me fresh through the summer commute, and I adore the clean laundry-like Wave scent. The serum formula dries quickly on skin and has ingredients such as noni fruit compound to help keep your armpits’ microbiome balanced, which in turn controls odour and skin irritation.
Kiko Milano aftersun shower gel
Kiko’s aftersun shower gel feels cooling and soothing on the skin. It’s boosted with hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening prickly pear extract to treat skin while effectively sloughing away the day. It’s a wonder that in-shower aftersuns aren’t more of a thing.
Alpha-H Daily Dose multivitamin body serum
It’s natural to reach for a rich moisturiser when skin feels dry, but as clinical aesthetician Pamela Marshall says, “heavier moisturisers are more cosseting and not necessarily more hydrating.” Alpha-H’s Daily Dose does an excellent job of quenching skin, is easily absorbed and boosted with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to brighten skin and protect its barrier, while still feeling light.
Vichy Capital Soleil hydrating solar protective water
An SPF that you want to apply is the holy grail. Guardian columnist Sali Hughes waxes lyrical about this spray formula, which gives skin a flattering golden tone while protecting it from the sun. Who doesn’t love a multitasker?
Swiish Recharge hydration + electrolytes
Aussie brand Swiish recently touched down in the UK with its science-backed, multitasking supplements. Chuck one of its electrolyte sachets in your water bottle daily to replenish those lost through sweating and give you a much-needed energy boost. The subtle mango flavour is moreish.
Sun Bum Original SPF50 sunscreen lotion
Moisturising, easily absorbed and high factor – this family-friendly SPF checks off the holy trinity of wants from daily sun protection. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin.
How to care for your feet in hot weather
Summer can be a tricky time for feet, either trapped in shoes with heat and moisture buildup or exposed to the elements in sandals. “This creates the perfect environment for issues such as fungal infections, sweating and friction-related problems such as blisters,” says podiatrist Margaret Dabbs, “while sun, saltwater and sandals lead to dryness, cracking and nail discoloration.” It’s important to give your feet TLC in the evenings or clinical care to keep them looking their best.
Beauty Pie Footopia super foot file
If sun, sea, sand or city life has dried out your feet, slough away hard skin with a high-quality file such as Beauty Pie’s, which has a nice solid ergonomic handle. File feet only when they’re dry to ensure you know exactly how much skin you’re taking off.
Margaret Dabbs Miracle foot cream
Follow up with a nourishing and hydrating foot cream at bedtime so it can work its magic while you sleep. Margaret Dabbs’ formula isn’t greasy and has antifungal benefits.
Kuou gel socks
These gel-heel socks come recommended by Sali Hughes and are a great solution for locking in balm or moisturiser overnight, so you wake up minus telltale sandal-foot symptoms. Sleep in them about three times a week for best results.
Hayley Spencer is a journalist and editor with 15 years of experience in writing on topics spanning style, beauty and wellness