Fashion done your own way

by Molly Dutton

As we enter the official summer season, complimented wonderfully by the heatwave that we have been experiencing this week, I felt it was only right to take a deep dive into my top ten summer essentials that I believe should be in everyone’s wardrobes and beauty drawers right now. Minimalism is an essential when the weather gets warmer; no one wants to spend their days getting flustered in busy shopping centres with their overflowing baskets. That’s why I have put together a lovely selection of bits and bobs that should keep us all satisfied until the end of this summer. Whilst I usually like to focus on fashion or beauty for my articles, it’s time for a good old switch up, so expect a big conversation surrounding everything from clothing items, all the way through to face products.

SPF should be on everyone’s priority list this season and my goodness does it make a difference to the glow and healthiness of the skin. I used to be the first person to voice my opinion on having to be lathered in sun cream every time I ventured out into the garden when I was little, but I have now developed a new respect for SPF and the benefits it has for the skin. Not only should we be wearing this during summer when it’s cracking the flags, but a good sun protector should be a main feature of our makeup bags all year long as UV doesn’t just disappear when the sun comes out. I think most of us associate sun cream with stickiness and general discomfort, however this doesn’t always have to be the case. During my research, I stumbled across the Ultra Violette SPF collection, in particular “Queen Screen”. These products come in beautiful packaging and take on a much thinner consistency, so the skin doesn’t feel clogged after application; instead leaving a much more appealing glow on the surface of the skin. This is a must have in my makeup bag, especially for those little summery getaways when I take as little as possible.

I am a huge fan of the fresh-faced look in summer (not so much for its trendiness but more for the convenience when I’m getting all uncomfortable and hot in the British weather). For me personally, I like my makeup to compliment my features rather than mask them entirely and that is why cream bronzer has become my saving grace. There are many available on the market now as the product has grown in popularity, but I do have a few favourites with varying price tags. The queen of all cream bronzers must be the Les Beiges bronzing cream from Chanel; this has the most stunning finish and is very easy to apply even in a rush! It does however come with a heftier price tag, one that places it into my “treat category”. This led me to discover the Bronze Whip from Primark. I will say that this bronzer doesn’t have the long-lasting effect of Les Beiges, however it creates a lovely sun kissed effect on the skin and blends so easily which makes it a perfect fit for the summer makeup routine. Along the same lines, a cream blush is a step I have added to my makeup looks for a while now, and it has elevated my routine to a whole new level. Once again, Primark has created their own cream blush with a luminous finish in different shades of pink and peach. The applicator is what sold this item to me; the sponge on the end of the tube means that in three small dabs you are good to go (a blessing if you like the extra few minutes in bed like myself). If you fancy a less glowy finish, the Westman Atelier blush stick in Chouchette has a more pigmented finish which adds just that extra bit of colour to the cheeks. Gone are the days of hot pink circles on the face!

As I have got slightly older, my wardrobe selection has taken on a more mature approach (not including the weekends of course) which has led me to try and create a capsule wardrobe. This is a term that I came across on TikTok, simply meaning that your wardrobe should contain items that can be worn in many different situations and are easily adaptable to an array of outfits. A collection of basics and a few statement pieces is the best way to achieve this, and I have had some fun exploring. My go to summer basic has got to be the white linen trouser (I never thought I would say that). Whilst I love a good mini skirt or a pair of leggings, linen trousers are a very classy way of being comfortable and casual whilst looking put together. Primark have a fabulous collection, with a shade range featuring white, light brown and even green, but the white really captured my attention for their wearability. You can dress them up with a colourful shirt or an off the shoulder top, whilst easily being able to style them with an oversized sweatshirt or a vest top; they are the perfect basic.

A final product that has made summer living so much better is balm cleanser. As a loyal fan of micellar water, it took a lot to pull me away, but my Inkey List Oat Cleansing balm has made taking makeup off a somewhat enjoyable experience. Being able to remove makeup and cleanse at the same time is now one of the great joys of my life and is well suited to the busy summer lifestyle that a lot of us experience. And even on the quieter days, it feels so luxurious to apply as a self-care treat. So go and get your linen on, SPF yourselves and enjoy this lovely weather!