There is an expectation that the sun automatically gives you glowy skin. That’s a fallacy of sorts. The sun might hide your dull skin (and without SPF will damage it), but it doesn’t get rid of it. So whether it is raining or blazing, if not tackled, the dull skin will remain. Ongoing exfoliation helps. In the short term, however, get a highlighter. Add to serums, foundations or to your cheekbones. It’s the quickest route to a deliciously subtle – but not glittery or iridescent – glow.
1. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Highlighting Blush £25.50, lookfantastic.com
2. Vieve Nova Glow Liquid Light £25, vievebeauty.com
3. Saie Glowy Super Gel £22, cultbeauty.co.uk
4. Chanel Baume Essentiel Glow Stick £38, chanel.com
5. Ilia Lightshift Cream Highlighter £41, spacenk.com
I can’t do without… A lightweight serum to clear, brighten and refine skin
Skincare textures are very subjective. I know so many people who love slathering on unguent creams. Then there are people like me. I am still haunted by years as an acne-ridden teenager who only needed to look at a thick, creamy consistency before ending up with blocked pores. So I have always veered towards thinner textures. Years ago they were far and few between. Nowadays there are so many water-like textures that deliver great results for every skincare need, from hydration to hyperpigmentation. Which is why I love this serum from Face Theory. The purpose is to clear, brighten and refine the skin – and it delivers. This is thanks to niacinamide, excellent for breakouts and skin that looks lacklustre or needs smoothing. The brand – developed and made in Sheffield – includes azelaic acid in the formulation (great for hyperpigmentation) to make the serum even more efficacious. It works on all skin types – even sensitive – and the thin texture means that it never feels greasy or heavy, which I find particularly helpful in hot weather. I started incorporating it into my routine when my skin was looking and feeling tired and congested and my normal skincare wasn’t cutting it. I noticed the difference overnight. Every so often the skin needs a wake-up call. This was the alarm. Facetheory Refining Serum, £35, facetheory.com
On my radar… Skincare meets self-tan for a healthy look
On target A clever combination of tanning serums with actively skin-loving ingredients that target everything from blemishes to dull skin. Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Face Serum, £17.99, boots.com
Face the day The new range from one of the industry’s most revered tanning experts incorporates hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and aloe vera to plump, hydrate and smooth the skin. James Read Self- Glow Overnight Tan Facial, £44, spacenk.com
Truly wafted here By delivering a shot of colour and moisture in 30 minutes flat, this mousse takes the labour out of the self-tanning process. A perfect product for the time-poor. Isle of Paradise Express Self-Tanning Mousse, £21.95, sephora.co.uk
Follow Funmi on X @FunmiFetto
