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1. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35
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If you only buy one thing for summer, please, for the love your own skin, let it be SPF. This is a great every day one that doesn't clog up your pores and works as a great base for makeup. It's broad spectrum and one pump is enough to cover your whole face, so it's super economical. On top of that, its gel-like texture leaves no white or grey cast on darker skintones.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Gel Dry Touch SPF 50
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If you're really pale, you'll need a higher SPF. This one is SPF 50 and broad spectrum (meaning it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays). It's also non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog up your pores and give you spots. Best of all, it's pretty purse-friendly.
3. Eyeko Brow Gel
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I've been using this stuff for at least four years now and I've never felt the need to stray. In fact, I've even given this as a present to every woman in my life at some point because I love it so much. It defines your brows and leaves them looking perfectly natural, shiny, and full, without any crunchiness.
4. Becca First Light Priming Filter
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It looks terrifying and lilac at first, but don't worry, it blends in perfectly and works for all skintones. This is a super hydrating primer and the lilac tones cancel out any dullness, making you look like you're straight up glowing from the inside, which is exactly what you want in the summer.
5. Philip Kingsley Swim Cap
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Just like your skin, your hair and scalp can be burnt and damaged by the sun. Not only that, but swimming in the salty sea or in chlorinated pools can leave it coarse and dry, and in the case of pools and bleached hair – green! Just apply this product into clean, wet hair and style as normal, and rest assured that your beach waves will be protected from all the bad sides of summer.
6. Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Macara
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Waterproof mascara is a must for summer – even if you're not going to be going to the beach any time soon, you probably don't want your mascara to melt and migrate down your face in the sun. This stuff gives amazing volume and doesn't budge all day.
7. Tan-Luxe The Face Self-Tanning Drops
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If you're anything like me, you might apply SPF to your face every day but sometimes forget to apply it to the rest of your body, because you might just not have the time in the morning or maybe you're just kinda lazy. All of which means your body is golden and summery, and your face is still stuck in winter. Tanning your face always seems intimidating (streaky legs is one thing but a streaky face is a whole other kettle of fish), so this product is a great way to easily get your face looking bronzed without the sun damage. Simply add a few drops to any step in your skincare routine (like your moisturiser or your serum).
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
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In the summer, you really don't need a very heavy moisturiser to achieve your maximum glow. Use a light one like this to keep your skin supple but your pores unclogged. Bonus: This moisturiser is cooling and has a super refreshing fragrance.
9. Institut Esthederm Tan Prolonging Body Lotion
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Okay, it's pricey, but it's so worth it if you struggle to get a nice, even tan. The ingredients in this after sun lotion help the skin naturally fortify itself from damage by stimulating the production of melanin – giving you a longer-lasting tan and better protection.
10. CliniqueFit Post-Workout Mattifying Moisturiser
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If you're lucky enough to be born with a natural glow (re: oily skin), then you might need a mattifying moisturiser to keep your shine in check. This oil-free, lightweight formula should do the trick.
11. Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Stick
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Summer is all good and well until you start getting a bit sweaty and everything starts chaffing. Apply this magical stuff anywhere you chafe (on your thighs, armpits, under your boobs, wherever) and you'll be comfortable all day.
12. Mitchum Advanced Pure Fresh Deoderant
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A good deodorant is a must for the summer, if not for your sake, the sake of the people squashed into your armpit on the Jubilee Line at six o'clock on a hot evening. I swear by Mitchum – make sure to apply it well before you leave (preferably the night before) to give it time to dry and settle. Otherwise you'll just end up sweating it all off immediately and it won't be as effective.
13. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks
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This little pot is a real winner (no, really, it is an award-winning product). A cream blusher is a must for a healthy, natural summer glow, and this one doubles as a pretty lip colour, too.
14. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
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Idk if you've heard but we are all over dry, matte lipsticks and into soft glossy lips. Because Rihanna is the one who decided this is now the case, you should definitely get the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb – the colour is universally flattering and the texture is light and soft.
15. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
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Some of us have a little too much glow in the summer, and this stuff will help make sure that you're glowing on your cheekbones, not your t-zone.
16. Soleil Toujours Organic Set and Protect Micro Mist SPF 30
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This is a super handy product – it sets your makeup, preventing it from melting off in the sunlight, but also gives you extra SPF protection AND a nice, natural glow. Three in one! Use this as your main form of SPF or carry it around with you to top up your SPF (super useful if you're dipping in and out of water at the beach!)
17. Badger Company Anti-Bug Balm
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This is a saviour for everyone who becomes a mosquito buffet every summer. The scent is subtle and citrusy and the ingredients are all natural and certified organic.
