• Bronzing products for an added summer glow: Terracotta concealer, Dh183, Guerlain. Photo: Guerlain
    Bronzing products for an added summer glow: Terracotta concealer, Dh183, Guerlain. Photo: Guerlain
  • Divine Bronzer, Dh209, Pat McGrath at Sephora. Photo: Sephora
    Divine Bronzer, Dh209, Pat McGrath at Sephora. Photo: Sephora
  • Hermes Atlas Powder, Dh460, Hermes at Tryano. Photo: Tryano
    Hermes Atlas Powder, Dh460, Hermes at Tryano. Photo: Tryano
  • Island Glow Drops, Dh225, Charlotte Tilbury. Photo: Charlotte Tilbury
    Island Glow Drops, Dh225, Charlotte Tilbury. Photo: Charlotte Tilbury
  • Make-up with added SPF: Skin Perfecto Radiance Perfecting UV Fluid SPF 50+ PA+, Dh253, Givenchy. Photo: Givenchy
    Make-up with added SPF: Skin Perfecto Radiance Perfecting UV Fluid SPF 50+ PA+, Dh253, Givenchy. Photo: Givenchy
  • Compact foundation SPF 50, Dh275, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
    Compact foundation SPF 50, Dh275, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
  • Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint SPF 15, Dh229, Bobbi Brown. Photo: Bobbi Brown
    Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint SPF 15, Dh229, Bobbi Brown. Photo: Bobbi Brown
  • Lightweight foundations: Breathe Easy: Noorish tinted serum, Dh166, Asteri Beauty. Photo: Asteri Beauty
    Lightweight foundations: Breathe Easy: Noorish tinted serum, Dh166, Asteri Beauty. Photo: Asteri Beauty
  • CC cream airless, Dh168, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
    CC cream airless, Dh168, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
  • Facial SPF: Your Daily Defense: Mineral defense sunscreen SPF30, Dh170, Skin Laundry. Photo: Skin Laundry
    Facial SPF: Your Daily Defense: Mineral defense sunscreen SPF30, Dh170, Skin Laundry. Photo: Skin Laundry
  • Sun Soul face cream SPF 50+, Dh160, Comfort Zone at Eideal. Photo: Eideal
    Sun Soul face cream SPF 50+, Dh160, Comfort Zone at Eideal. Photo: Eideal
  • Super soin solaire SPF50+, Dh765, Sisley Paris. Photo: Sisley Paris
    Super soin solaire SPF50+, Dh765, Sisley Paris. Photo: Sisley Paris
  • Protect Your Pout: Protecting lip balm SPF 30, Dh70, Rituals. Photo: Rituals
    Protect Your Pout: Protecting lip balm SPF 30, Dh70, Rituals. Photo: Rituals
  • Lip Hydrate Balm, Dh126, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
    Lip Hydrate Balm, Dh126, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
  • Hydrating skincare: Ultra-facial oil-free gel cream, Dh160, Kiehl’s. Photo: Kiehl's
    Hydrating skincare: Ultra-facial oil-free gel cream, Dh160, Kiehl’s. Photo: Kiehl's
  • Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival cleanser, Dh75, Charlotte Tilbury. Photo: Charlotte Tilbury
    Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival cleanser, Dh75, Charlotte Tilbury. Photo: Charlotte Tilbury
  • Setting Sprays: Airbrush flawless setting spray, Dh170, Charlotte Tilbury at Ounass. Photo: Ounass
    Setting Sprays: Airbrush flawless setting spray, Dh170, Charlotte Tilbury at Ounass. Photo: Ounass
  • Light Catcher Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Dh205, Laura Mercier. Photo: Laura Mercier
    Light Catcher Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Dh205, Laura Mercier. Photo: Laura Mercier
  • Waterproof Mascara: Hypnose Drama waterproof mascara, Dh140, Lancome. Photo: Lancome
    Waterproof Mascara: Hypnose Drama waterproof mascara, Dh140, Lancome. Photo: Lancome
  • Diorshow Iconic Overcurl waterproof mascara, Dh175, Dior. Photo: Dior
    Diorshow Iconic Overcurl waterproof mascara, Dh175, Dior. Photo: Dior
  • Macstack Mascara Micro Brush Waterproof Mascara, Dh108, Mac at Ounass. Photo: Ounass
    Macstack Mascara Micro Brush Waterproof Mascara, Dh108, Mac at Ounass. Photo: Ounass
  • H20 flash, Dh205, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula
    H20 flash, Dh205, pH Formula. Photo: pH Formula

Summer beauty buys: Skincare and make-up updates as the heat sets in


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Summer is here, which means longer days, hotter temperatures and increased humidity. All of which make it a good time to consider refreshing the beauty arsenal with products designed for protection while looking fresh, despite the elements.

Here’s a guide to beauty buys for summer 2024.

Bronzed summer glow

Guerlain’s Terracotta range comes in a number of bronzing shades. Photo: Guerlain
Guerlain’s Terracotta range comes in a number of bronzing shades. Photo: Guerlain

For those on sunshine getaways, or trying to capture the look at home, bronzing products are a summer beauty go-to. The bronzer in Guerlain’s Terracotta range aims to recreate a fresh-from-the-beach glow; and with six shades to choose from, it caters to a number of skin tones.

Powder bronzers are ideal for creating shape and adding depth to skin, while liquid bronzers are better at creating a light-reflecting finish. Try Charlotte Tilbury's Island Glow Drops by dabbing the product along your cheekbones, or by adding a drop or two to your foundation or moisturiser for extra brightness.

Increase SPF coverage

Opt for a high-factor SPF topped up with SPF-infused make-up, such as Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint SPF 15, Dh229. Photo: Bobbi Brown
Opt for a high-factor SPF topped up with SPF-infused make-up, such as Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint SPF 15, Dh229. Photo: Bobbi Brown

Sunscreen is a summer essential. Experts suggest opting for a facial sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and making it a routine staple. Applying it 30 minutes before make-up will help improve its efficacy and keep make-up in place.

To ensure coverage lasts throughout the day, experts recommend applying top up with make-up with added SPF. Both Clinique’s Even Better Glow and Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint are SPF15 and offer a subtle tint.

Lips are often forgotten when it comes to SPF skincare. Experts suggest looking for balms that offer hydration and protection, such as pH Formula’s Lip Hydrate Balm (SPF 15) and Rituals’ Protecting Lip Balm (SPF 30).

Lightweight moisturisers and foundations

Swap out a heavy-weight foundation for a tinted gel or serum formula, such as Asteri's Noorish tinted serum, Dh166. Photo: Asteri Beauty
Swap out a heavy-weight foundation for a tinted gel or serum formula, such as Asteri's Noorish tinted serum, Dh166. Photo: Asteri Beauty

Heat and humidity call for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that won’t sit heavily on your skin. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream has a light gel water formula, which is designed to aid hydration, while Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream claims to cool the skin as it moisturises, making it suitable for humid climates.

Swapping regular foundation for a lighter, more breathable option is also recommended. Saudi brand Asteri Beauty’s Noorish Tinted Serum (SPF 30) is a skincare-forward product that blends well, offering a light finish while hydrating and protecting skin and providing a radiant finish.

Setting sprays and waterproof mascaras

Airbrush flawless setting spray, Dh170, Charlotte Tilbury at Ounass. Photo: Ounass
Airbrush flawless setting spray, Dh170, Charlotte Tilbury at Ounass. Photo: Ounass

For humid days, waterproof mascara can make a big difference to the beauty regime, working to avoid smudged eyes. Mac's Macstack Mascara Micro Brush Waterproof Mascara is a suitable candidate, as well as Dior's Diorshow Iconic Overcurl waterproof mascara.

Another cosmetic option to consider is a setting spray or powder, which help to lock looks in place. Laura Mercier’s Light Catcher Translucent Loose Setting Powder and Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray are two products that work to maintain make-up’s durability.

Updated: June 25, 2024, 11:31 AM