
Photo: narscosmetics.com
If we were, to sum up this summer’s trends in one sentence, it would be this: minimalist skincare and makeup, maximalist everything else. This summer is all about finding a few skincare products that pack in actives to keep your skin looking gorgeous, so you can have fun and treat yourself while leaving space for you to have fun with your personal style with your hair and makeup. Ready for us to predict the looks that will be flooding your IG feed over the next few weeks, and the products you’ll need to achieve them? Look no further.
Minimalist skincare routines
Korean skincare routines had a moment a few years ago, and since then, the industry has been working on creating products that combine multiple steps into one. Because let’s be realistic here: not everyone has a spare hour to spend on skincare every day. But that shouldn’t mean you can’t give your skin everything it needs to look its best. Summer is the perfect time to go through your skincare cabinet, whether you’re packing to go on vacation or just having a clear-out and want to switch up for something new. Here are some of our favorite minimalist skincare products to help you take the plunge and strip back your routine.
Superfood Kefir Tea Mist by Elemis This product is the literal definition of multiuse. The lightweight spray can be used as a hydrating mist, toner, primer, and setting spray. Yep, all rolled up into one! The spray contains Kefir Ferment Extract, which helps balance your skin, rooibos extract, which acts as a detoxifying ingredient, and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. The multi-use spray is ideal for taking on vacation when you need to pack light but still want to give your skin the TLC it deserves. |
ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 This serum feels like it comes straight out of a skincare minimalist’s fever dream: it combines your serum, SPF, and a super lightweight foundation in one product. It’s a physical sunscreen (based on the brand’s Non-Nano Zinc Oxide technology) and a host of active ingredients that will help your skin look its best under your minimal makeup. These actives include Niacinamide to help your skin look nice and smooth, Squalane to improve elasticity, and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and hydrated. Just remember, if it’s the only form of SPF you’re using, you will want to reapply it every two to three hours. |
This skincare makeup hybrid is designed to be used as the final step in your skincare routine after applying sunscreen (a step you should never skip!) The formula contains hydrating oils that work to keep your skin looking glowy for up to 12 hours, alongside plant-based extracts that can help improve the appearance of skin over time. Consider it the perfect base for your summer makeup or a great addition to your makeup-free vacation style. |
Multi Miracle Glow by Charlotte Tilbury The perfect minimalist travel companion, Multi Miracle Glow, can be used as a cleanser, an overnight face mask, and face and body balm. Its luxurious gel-cream consistency delivers active ingredients that have been combined to create a nourishing and soothing product that’s ideal for giving your skin a treat. Vitamins A, C, and E work to nourish your skin and give you glowing skin, while rosehip and camellia oils help your skin look revitalized. Hailed as an overnight facial, you’ll be able to look your best regardless of how few products you include in your routine. |
Hair & makeup
— Y2K inspired hairstyles:
Remember when times were more straightforward, and all we had to worry about was whether or not you had a Motorola Razr? This summer’s hair trends will be a throwback to the early 00s. Think lots of volume, cute short bobs, natural curls, and statement claw clips. All the nostalgia your heart could desire.
Daily Polished’s favorite 2022 summer hair accessory:
The Big Effing Claw Clip by Emi Jay This clip can handle even the thickest locks while looking incredibly stylish. A touch of retro and a rainbow of on-trend colors make Emi Jay’s collection one of our go-to buys this summer. If you don’t have a ton of hair to clip back, they have the cutest little clips. |
— Orange makeup
One of the few colors that suits most people, orange is having its moment in the spotlight this summer, particularly when it comes to eye makeup. From glamorous orange and bronze smokey eyes to minimal orange graphic eyeliner, now’s the time to experiment and find the perfect shade to suit your skin tone and eye color. Mix and match with golds and reds to perfect your summer makeup look, and pair it with orange nails for extra impact.
Daily Polished’s favorite oranges eyeshadow palette:
Perfect for traveling, the palette includes six warm shades to suit both day and night looks. You can use a fine makeup brush dipped in water to use it as a graphic liner, too. |
— Monochrome makeup
Echoing the minimalist approach to skincare, monochrome makeup is still around in a big way this summer. The concept consists of using a single product, often lipstick, as the only source of color in your look by dabbing a little on your eyelids, using it as your blusher, and again on your lips.
Daily Polished’s favorite does-it-all makeup product:
PAT McGrath StainAllure Lipstick This Bridgerton crossover limited edition deserves mention for its style alone. Still, beyond the fact that it looks adorable, these lipsticks are super pigmented, making them ideal as an all-in-one product. |
Body care
— Silky smooth glowing skin
We know shaving isn’t for everyone, and if it’s not your style, then that’s 100% fine. But if you do like to feel silky smooth during the summer months, then adding a body shimmer to your makeup routine is a must this summer.
Daily Polished’s favorite razor:
Plastic razors aren’t the one when it comes to being kind to the planet or kind to your skin, so hanni’s weighted razor is a breath of fresh air with its plastic-free metal design. A modern take on the safety razor, hanni’s razor has been adapted specifically to cater to female shaving needs. |
Daily Polished’s favorite body shimmer:
Add a touch of highlight to your favorite parts of your body or create a dramatic shimmery look for a festival or party with Fenty’s Body Lava. The lightweight formula can be applied to your body just like you would use a highlighter on your face to make your skin look extra glowy. |
— Safe tanning
Spending time in the sun is one of the best things about summer, but getting a tan can be tricky if you’re super conscious of keeping your SPF topped up. Sunless tanning has come a long way from its streaky orange past, with natural-looking self tan products being increasingly widely available.
Daily Polished’s favorite self-tan:
If you’re unsure how much self-tanning product to use, or just want to look sunkissed without going all out, then the Tan Luxe Gradual range will be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a buildable tanning option that you apply daily until you achieve your desired look. Then, as the tan gradually fades, you can top it up by using it as often as you fancy. It’s low-commitment, easy to use, and doesn’t look streaky or unnatural. |