5 things every Aussie girl should know

Summer lovin’ had me a blast and in the past it also had me some sunburn, some pigmentation and some truly knotty wave-washed hair.

Now, despite what Lara Bingle made the tourists think about beach beauty, Aussie girls know there are certain things you must do to take care of yourself during summer. It’s not all gliding out of the surf, board in hand, looking all ‘Demi Moore in Charlie’s Angels’ – it’s about protection, and channeling summer beauty in a healthy way. Check out the 5 things every Aussie girl has learned about summer.

#1: the only safe tan is a fake tan

‘Baking’ is a word that should be removed from our vocabularies, unless it’s associated with pastries. We all know how dangerous sunbaking is, especially in Australia as the hole in the ozone layer leaves us more susceptible to sun damage and cancer-causing melanomas. Fake it ‘til you make it with a faux glow that looks like a natural bronzed tint. I love St Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse as you only need to set aside an hour to develop the perfect summer glow. It also features a 100 per cent natural tanning agent and intelligent shade technology, meaning that you’ll always end up with the perfect colour for you!

#2: the sun is the ultimate skin ager

The sun may point to summer fun, but Aussie girls know that what it really represents is wrinkles, sunspots and uneven skin tone. Luckily, we have products like Lancôme Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Advanced Skin Corrector. This little beauty penetrates deeply into the layers of your skin to recognise and fix skin damage whilst triggering the skin’s repair process. It also helps to produce a more resilient, even skin tone that isn’t as disposed to sun damage.

#3: beach waves are not made in the sea

It’s a common misconception that those sea-soaked waves you see on boho beachgoers are the result of taking a dip in the surf. The fact is, unless you have super strands, the ocean actually makes your hair dry and brittle, not to mention ridiculously knotty. If you do go for a swim, take your trusty Lady Jayne Tangleze with you. The plastic dual-length bristles glide through hair with ease, taking any unsightly knots with them. To get beachy waves, use a nourishing sea salt spray – they create waves that aren’t brittle. I love evo salty dog cocktail beach spray as it adds volume and texture to your hair and leaves a matte finish. For a more controlled look, try the ghd curve creative curl wand, as it features a conical barrel designed to create imperfect waves that last. (Find out how to use it right here…)

#4: being bikini-ready is everything

Contrary to popular belief, Aussie women don’t just spend their days prancing around the beach in a bikini. However, ambassadors like Elle ‘The Body’ Macpherson have taught us a thing or two about being ready to hit the sand at a moment’s notice. Doctor BABOR Body Cellular Ultimate 3D Cellulite Lotion is formulated to firm your skin and improve the appearance of cellulite. The active complex reduces fat deposits and activates fat breakdown, making your skin appear smooth and bump-free. Dealing with a fuzzy bikini line? Tend to your delicate area with a wax that works. I love Veet Natural Inspirations Sugar Wax as it contains natural argan oil and 100 per cent naturally sourced ingredients.

#5: protecting your skin is not a nerdy thing to do

I’m often met with looks of disbelief when I pull out an SPF 50+ sunscreen from my beach bag. “What are you doing? It’s like wearing a T-shirt! How are you supposed to tan with that on?” they say. My reply is always short and to the point: “I’m not; all this is doing is stopping me from looking 50 by the time I’m 30!” La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Spray SPF50+ provides superior UVA and UVB protection and is ideal for sensitive and allergy-prone skin. Team it with some nourishing protection for your face. I recommend Bobbi Brown EXTRA Repair Moisturizing Balm SPF25 as it contains broad-spectrum sun protection and nourishes my skin, thanks to a mix of linoleic acid, wheat bran, glycerin and borage oil. It also works to leave skin even and firm.

What tip do you agree with the most? What else do you think every Aussie girl should know about summer?