Summer Beauty Dilemmas Solved By Our Beauty Editor

How can I protect my blonde hair on holiday?

Gemma Louise Deeks, Fashion Editor

Blonde hair can be under attack from multiple directions when you’re on holiday. Firstly, the sun’s UV rays can make it more dry and brassy, while the chlorine in swimming pools may lead to that dreaded green tinge. To shield your hair, a quick trick is to shower before you swim. Wetting your hair with cold water will fill your hair’s cuticle, leaving less room for salty or chlorinated water to wreak havoc.

Keeping your hair covered with a hat, spritzing it with heat protection, and using a nourishing hair mask post-sun, will keep your hair in good condition too. Then, for occasions when you do notice your strands changing shade, make sure you have a toner in your summer beauty bag. Silver shampoo will banish unwanted yellows, while a rosy or peachy colour will make light work of any green tones.

What are the best moisturisers to use when it is really hot?

Katie Silcox, Managing Editor

Finding a reliable moisturiser to use in the heat can be tricky because while the sun threatens to dry out your skin (meaning you want to keep it super moisturised), the humidity can make heavy, thick creams slip off your face in a flash. Rather than a conventional nourishing moisturiser, I’d recommend a water cream instead.

Think of water creams as serum-moisturiser hybrids, because they offer the moisture-boost of a cream with the lightweight feel of a serum. They are particularly rich in hydrators (rather than oils), meaning they contain ingredients that bind water to your skin, without a greasy finish. They will also give you an enviable glass-like glow as they tend to help instantly soothe and refresh your face – something we all need when the mercury really starts to rise.

What are the best ways to style stray baby hairs in the heat?

Sheena Bhattessa, Founder

From styling your edges to taming little tuffs from heat damage or post-pregnancy (when your hormone levels rebound), your baby hairs can be quite a handful in the summer. Not least because the heat can make them look greasy or frizzy depending on your hair texture, and if you are enjoying a beach break the coastal winds can whip them into a static mess.

To manage baby hairs, your best solution is to be deliberate with your chosen hairstyle, with slicked-back looks allowing you to really smooth baby hairs down. Hairspray will be your best friend if you have fine hair, while thicker textures can rely on shine-boosting creams. Just remember this hairstylist trick: apply your chosen product then use a spoolie to comb back your hairline. It ensures you don’t miss a single little hair.

I have really sensitive skin. How can I shave with confidence?

Ella Mansell, Editorial Assistant 

If after shaving you tend to get ‘strawberry legs’ (small dark or red spots that look a little like strawberry seeds) or other signs of irritation, there are plenty of things you can do. These side effects can often happen because of inflammation of the hair follicles, and clogged pores due to dry, dead skin cells – so skin prep is really important.

Make sure you are gently exfoliating regularly (about once a week), with a mild chemical exfoliant, which can be best for sensitive skin. Also, keep your skin well hydrated with nourishing moisturisers to prevent dryness. Most importantly of all though, you need the right shaving tools. Never skip shaving cream or gel (choose one formulated without fragrance and with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera) to remove friction, and always use a high-quality, sharp razor with a lubricating strip, shaving in the direction that your hair grows to minimise ingrowns.

How do I avoid dark marks on my face after sun exposure?

Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design

Dark spots on your skin are caused when the UV light in the sun’s rays triggers your skin to produce more melanin (the pigment that gives your skin a darker colour), in order to protect itself. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always lead to an even tan across your face and body. Dark spots, especially in Black skin, can also occur due to inflammation, such as after breakouts.

The best way to avoid them is to always wear SPF as this stops the UV rays from triggering uneven melanin production in the first place. However, if they do crop up, look out for serums with ingredients that encourage cell turnover (so you can slough off the damaged cells), including azelaic acid, AHAs, and retinoids. For really gentle solutions, try niacinamide and licorice root, which won’t irritate sensitive skin. However, for stubborn pigmentation, prescription strength creams (which may include hydroquinone) and treatments such as laser and IPL are going to get you the best results.

Which body creams for dry skin do you recommend in the summer?

Sheila Victorio, Partnerships: Restaurants, Food & Drink

For many of us, stripping off our winter layers promptly reveals that we may have neglected our bodycare routines a little bit: drier legs and less-than-smooth arms. Luckily, there’s been an explosion of brilliant body creams that will banish flakiness in a flash, without leaving you feeling sticky.

If you love a bold fragrance, you can instantly transport yourself to a summer holiday (whether you are hopping on a plane or not) with the likes of Sol de Janeiro. For anyone looking to make their skin glow and look a little less pasty, try products with a hint of bronze, such as Victoria Beckham. And, for sensitive skin or anyone who really hates heavy-feeling creams, try a body serum instead. I love the Byoma Smoothing Body Serum.