Real talk: it’s so much easier to look good in winter. Humidity levels are low, your make-up doesn’t melt off and that Nutella on toast habit is nothing a camel coat and cosy cashmere jumper can’t fix (or at least, conceal).
But summer, on the other hand, can spell oily skin, salt-ravaged hair and, if you’re not careful, sun-induced pigmentation. Below, the summer skincare switches every woman should make to keep oily skin under control, no matter how high the heat.
1/ Switch your skincare
If oilier-than-usual skin has become a concern, look to your bathroom cabinet for the solution. As humidity levels rise and the temperature continues to soar, swap rich creams for lightweight, easily absorbed formulas and creamy cleansers for gentle foaming options designed to remove excess oil from the skin. Ensure all skincare and make-up you use is non-comedogenic (meaning it shouldn’t make you break out) and look for mattifying, oil-absorbing finishes for your moisturiser, primer and foundation.
2/ Consider your sunscreen
It’s one of the biggest skincare myths going around that sunscreen gives you pimples (most don’t), but it is worth finding the one that’s right for your skin type. Just make sure it’s broad spectrum, approved by the TGA and offers a high level of SPF (ideally 50+), as well as offering a matte finish and non-comedogenic formula. Shop some of our favourite sunscreens here.
3/ Prevent pimples
Whether you blame hormones, alcohol or Christmas-induced stress, the odd blemish is always going to strike when you least expect it. Tea tree oil is nature’s secret weapon for drying out and clearing pimples – try the Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Blemish Stick, an invisible gel with a sponge tip applicator, which you can keep in your handbag to deal with pimples whenever and wherever they decide to rear their ugly heads. Added bonus: tea tree oil is said to reduce the occurrence of blemishes and blackheads over time.
Chantecaille Pure Rosewater, $46, Mecca
Frank Body Anti-Angry Face Mist, $14.95
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Blemish Stick, $11.10
4/ Try a face mist
Nothing refreshes the skin while you’re on-the-go like a cooling face mist – even better if you’ve kept it in the fridge. Look to ones with natural ingredients like the Chantecaille Pure Rosewater and Frank Body Anti-Angry Face Mist, which work to cool, soothe and soften the skin.
5/ Always powder
Start applying translucent powder on top of your foundation each morning and you’ll be amazed by how well it boosts your make-up’s staying power. Just don’t overdo it – always tap your brush first to remove excess powder, as a light dusting is usually all you’ll need (otherwise you risk looking cakey). Then, simply top up during the day to mop up excess shine without disturbing your make-up. We like Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder and M.A.C Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.
