Get set for summer

Siobhan Holliman

Published: Wed 9 Jul 2014, 11:32 AM

Last updated: Wed 9 Jul 2014, 12:34 PM

SCRUB UP
WHETHER you’re hoping to pick up a natural tan or you’re sticking to the faithful fake it motto, either way, your skin needs to be top notch to glow well.
The perfect prep is to exfoliate all over at least once a week and if you’re a heavy fake tan user, a good scrub down will be needed a bit more often.
Take it easy on the exfoliation effort as too much can damage the skin and leave it very sensitive. Keep your regime very basic but simply use a pair of very affordable shower gloves/mitts and lather these with your body wash and work your way from shoulder to big toe.
If you’re preparing for a special occasion or fancy a tad more indulgence then an aromatic body scrub is the way to go. REN’s Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish is really gorgeous and is effective yet gentle on the skin. It contains natural sugar cane to slough away dead skin cells, to reveal smooth, radiant skin with a deliciously delicate rose scent.
Massage onto dry skin, paying attention to knees and elbows, before you pop in the bath or shower. Once rinsed you’ll emerge silky soft and ready to get your glow on. RRP €38 for 330 ml.

• A less pricey but equally effective body scrub is Vichy’s NutriExtra Body Exfoliating Cream that can become your new shower buddy.
It has two sizes of exfoliating beads that delicately rid skin of rough patches and micro beads that gently smooth skin texture. It has a pleasant yet delicate fresh, fruity and woody fragrance with hints of jasmine, rose and peach. This is a scrub that is kind for sensitive skin too. RRP €12.50 from Feely’s Pharmacy, Tuam.

A BIT OF BOTTLE
• Lounging in the sunshine can be left on the to do list a long time and more women are choosing to favour their skin and shield it from the sun by topping up their tan from the bathroom shelf.
The best fake tan really is the one that you find works best for you and it’s not always your best friend’s fool-proof brand. One for the less experienced in tan application is Bronz Express Self-Tanning Milk. This glides on to the body very easily and gives an instant natural colour that you can see, so you’ll definitely know whether you’ve missed a bit or not.
To avoid streaking, avoid using oil-based products or deodorant prior to application. Top it up by applying two or three times a week. RRP €25 from Duffy’s Pharmacy, Tuam.

• One of the most reliable fake tans has to be the Flash Bronzer range from Lancome. The self-tanning gel is ideally suited for your legs but it can really be applied everywhere, except the face, and gives a delicate iridescent colour that can be built up. There’s also a lotion for all over the body and a face gel that won’t clog your pores. Available from Feely’s Pharmacy.

BRONZED BABE
• POP this easy-to-use bronzer in your make-up bag and it will come in handy throughout the summer from brightening up your face to giving your neck and shoulder area a gentle glow. It can even be applied on the front of arms and legs if you need instant radiance in a rush. Lancome Star Bronzer Golden Riviera RRP €45.

COVER UP
• Keep skin nourished and protected with La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios XL Invisible Nutritive Oil SPF 50+. This offers wonderful sun protection, especially for those with sensitive skin, but also helps keep skin nourished and smooth while enjoying the sun at home or away.
The oil makes it very easy to apply and is especially good for those with eczema and psoriasis. It is invisible once applied and doesn’t leave hands sticky or oily. Great for use by all the family. RRP €22 from Feely’s Pharmacy, Tuam.

• Add some illumination as you soak up a natural tan with Lancome’s Soleil Bronzer SPF 30. It helps give a more luminous tan and really nourishes the skin thanks to vitamin E, argan oil, rosehip oil and monoi oil, so your skin won’t be dried out or scorched. Available from Feely’s Pharmacy.

AFTER SUN
• A GREAT cheap and cheerful bottle to pack for your holidays is Nivea’s Sun in-shower after sun lotion.
Rinse away a day’s sun and sand in the shower while soothing, cooling and moisturing your skin at the same time. Simply apply the lotion after your shower gel, on wet skin, and rinse off. All you need to do is dry off, get dressed and get ready for a summer night out. RRP €3.33 from supermarkets.

• Keep skin smooth and soft with a richly nourishing body treat such as Voya’s Softly Does It Body Moisturiser. It gives a wonderful freshness to the skin and is the perfect moisturiser for summer with its blend of Irish seaweed, basil, shea butter and organic essential oils. Time for skin to swoon! RRP €30 from www.voya.ie.