7 Smart Beauty Steps To Take Before Summer Starts

When it’s the dead cold of winter, we often romanticise summer with memories of balmy barside cocktails and carefree days by the pool.

In reality? For most of us, it’s a sweat-fest. Welcome to Australia.

And while we’re looking forward to longer days and alfresco dining, we’re also realistic about the beauty changes necessary to survive and thrive in the season.

Here are the seven steps we’ll be taking before summer.

#1 Switch to a low-irritant body wash

Anyone prone to skin irritations (eczema, dermatitis etc), will know all too well how sweat and humid temperatures can fuel flare-ups, particularly behind the knees and in the crooks of elbows.

To ensure this itchy, sweaty skin isn’t further exacerbated by fragrance or moisture-stripping formulas, consider switching your in-shower wash to a gentle and dermatologically-tested cleanser.

Yours Only CLEAN Body Cleanser, $35 at yoursonly.co

#2 Embrace easy, lightweight body moisturisers

Let’s be real, the only time we remember to moisturise our limbs in summer is when we first go to pull on a pair of shorts or a skirt and notice the layer of dead skin coating our legs. Yeesh.

And because nobody has time for that when the beer garden is calling, let alone heavy creams that take forever to rub in, an on-the-go lightweight (and preferably spray) formula will be your BFF.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Oil Mist, $16.99 at Chemist Warehouse

#3 Start air-drying over blow-drying

You’ve got to feel for our hair when summer rolls around. If you’re a beach go-er or pool-swimmer, you’ve got salt and chlorine to contend with, let alone all the heat styling that goes on during party season.

But, there is one saving grace: it’s now warm enough to air-dry your mane and give blow-drying a break for a while. Instead, try gently squeezing out moisture with a microfibre towel, then leave it to dry to 80 per cent before brushing (to minimise breakage).

Bodecare Towelling Hair Wrap, $24.95 at bodecare.com 

Mason Pearson Handy Pure Bristle, $295 at Adore Beauty

#4 Find a trusty deodorant

If you’ve been putting up with deodorant that doesn’t last the distance or leaves white marks on your clothes, now is the time to find a better fit. Before (dare we say) it’s too late…

NIVEA Black & White Max Protection Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Roll-On, $4.99 at Chemist Warehouse

NIVEA Black & White Max Protection Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Aerosol, $6.99 at Chemist Warehouse

#5 And a skin-friendly sunscreen

SPF is a no-brainer year-round, but sometimes the one that did well in winter won’t survive the sweat test of summer.

If you’re prone to an oily T-zone, look for a mattifying formula that will keep your forehead shine-free, but also features hydrating ingredients for comfortable wear and an easy blend. 

Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF30 Mattifying, $86 at activeskin.com.au

#6 Make use of clever tanning drops

Too impatient to wait for your summer glow to come back naturally? Ditto. And that’s why we’ll be adding some sneaky tanning drops into our moisturiser each morning in the lead up.

There’s no need to be scared of face tan when it’s this customisable. Simply add as little or as many as you like and watch the warmth build.

Streaks aren’t an issue if you mix with your moisturiser well, just be sure to wash your hands once you’re done.

Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops, $22.95 at bondisands.com.au

#7 Drink more water

Nothing beats a hot cuppa in winter. But as we head into warmer weather, we’ll be consciously trying to drink as much of the good old H2O as we do tea and coffee. 

Not only does it improve brain function, blood circulation and nutrient absorption, but it’s also been connected to brighter and clearer skin.

And if you need a little something extra to encourage consistent sipping, try adding a tasty collagen shot to not only boost flavour but boost the benefits.

Dr. LeWinn’s Marine Collagen Peptide+ Inner Beauty Liquid Shot, $59.99 at Chemist Warehouse

What beauty steps will you be taking in the lead up to summer?