Much like our clothing, our beauty routine changes with the warmer weather. Gone are the woody, wintery fragrances in favour of something lighter, fresher and most likely citrus-based. Heavy creams are swapped in favour of light lotions and with more skin on show, fake tanning becomes a common practice for many people.
In order to shed the layers of winter and get ready to enjoy your summer, there are a few things that should be at the top of your to-do list. Some of these might be as simple as swapping out certain skincare products while others are as important as getting a skin check.
Making these things a priority now means you’ll be ready to safely enjoy the warm weather once it arrives.
Get a skin check
If you haven’t had a skin check in the last year, now is a great time to schedule an appointment. Cancer Council recommends self-checking your skin and moles every three months and having a professional skin check once a year.
If you haven’t had a skin check in a while, consider this your sign to book one in. Self-checking is important but a doctor is able to use a number of tools and techniques that allows them to detect things that the naked eye simply can’t. According to Melanoma Institute Australia, melanomas that are detected and treated early are cured in 90% of cases.
There are three options for getting your skin checked: by your GP, at a skin cancer clinic or by a dermatologist. While a GP or skin cancer clinic may bulk bill the appointment, you will have to fork out for the dermatologist visit so whatever your budget may be, there is an option for you.
Invest in sunscreen for your face + body
Sure, you can pick up a tube of sunscreen from the supermarket for under $10 and it’ll probably provide adequate protection but, would you wear that sunscreen every day? Sunscreen gets a bad wrap as being oily, greasy and generally unpleasant to wear. And, you’re not wrong — there are many thick, greasy, horrible SPF formulas on the market, which is why it’s important to find one that works for you.
To make sure you’re using sunscreen (preferably SPF50+ please!) every single day, it may help to invest in two separate formulas — one for your face and the other for your body. Sunscreens formulated for your face often have a nicer texture and can be worn under makeup without leaving your skin an oily mess, while those created for the body are perfect for slathering on before heading out for a walk or when going to the beach.
Whatever your SPF preference may be, the important thing here is that you’re using it. And, no, using a moisturiser with added SPF doesn’t count because we doubt you’re using enough of the product to actually achieve proper sun protection. Here are some of our favourite SPF products for year-round use.
☆ SPF for your face
— Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face 50+ Superscreen, $18
Mecca Cosmetica’s To Save Face SPF is a lightweight formula that has a matte, non-greasy finish. It’s a dream to layer under makeup and doesn’t leave a white cast and is one we continue to repurchase.
— Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen, $45
Ultra Violette creates some of the best facial sunscreens on the market and with 50+ protection, Supreme Screen is a winner. Perfect for all skin types, this formula is hydrating but never greasy and works much like a priming product under makeup.
☆ SPF for your body
— Ella Baché Active Lotion Great SPF50+ $39
This SPF by Ella Baché can be used on both your face and body, but we love this one for layering up our arms, neck and chest before heading out for the day. Enriched with lanolin, macadamia nut oil and squalene from olive oil, this formula is creamy but not oily and it soaks into the skin super easily.
— Everyday Humans Oh My Bod!, $31
Described as “a bodyguard for your skin, without the bulk”, this formula is lightweight and non-sticky. In fact, it feels much like a body lotion that is quick-absorbing and leaves a matte finish.
Swap out your skincare + makeup products
Layering on the same oils and heavy creams you were using in winter is a little too much for your skin come summer, so now is a good time to phase out these products (if you haven’t already!) and introduce a few lighter ones.
Consider ditching oils from your routine completely in favour of a serum, which is lighter on the skin. And, if you’re still slathering on a rich cream every night, it might help to change to a lighter lotion.
Same goes for makeup, with now the perfect time to bring in your creamy products and retire your powder blushes and bronzers for another few months. Cream products shine in summer and help you achieve that glowy no-makeup-makeup look.
In fact, if you’re looking to streamline your makeup products for the next few months, we recommend making blush the star of your makeup kit as it’s arguably the most versatile product you have. You won’t be disappointed.
When it comes to base products, pack away your foundation and try incorporating a BB or CC cream instead as these products brighten your complexion without completely covering your skin.