As I compose this article, I’m surrounded by glorious sunshine beaming through the windows, the contents of my summer wardrobe thrown over my bed ready and waiting to be packed up for my holiday, and the sight of my golden retriever sunning himself in the garden with not a care in the world.

Wherever your summer takes you, your beauty regime should follow, and this entails SPF heroes, easy, stay-put make-up looks, heavenly hair treatments and seasonal shimmering luxury thrown in for good measure.

An army of new SPF heroes have emerged, but one thing for sure, the rules haven’t changed! The market is full of skin protectors that all possess individual qualities; including leaving a non-sticky residue (Garnier Dry Touch Protective Mist), enjoying a hydrating nourishing formula (Clarins Sun Care Oil Spray), benefiting from a city sun serum (Benefit Dream Screen), enhancing tan levels (Ultrasun Pre-Sun Tan Optimiser) or making the most of applying minimal make-up with a cream that protects, covers and conceals all in one (Lancome Soleil Bronzer Smoothing Protective BB Cream).

What could be better than forgetting all worries, relaxing and rejuvenating on a blissful beach or nearby pool soaking up the rays? Never fail to neglect your hair as it is exposed to the potentially harmful effects of sun, sea and chlorine. Enter Holiday Hair by Mark Hill.

With a heavenly hair kit taking care of everything, from cleansing sun-stressed locks and protecting them from damage, to keeping hair sleek, glossy and manageable and giving you instant waves, your trademark look will not only be protected against the harshest elements, it’ll smell gorgeous too. The choice includes Holiday Hair Sunshine Shampoo and Sunset Smother Aftersun Conditioner, Cover Up! Protection Spray and Beach Babe Sea Salt Wave Spray (Boots).

Looking to waterproof your make-up? For a splash-proof glow and fresh-looking skin when you’re taking a lazy dip opt for a liquid foundation to apply over your daily SPF. Beauty experts have spoken and the following flawless foundations have come out glowing – Max Factor All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation SPF20, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Make-up, Benefit Cha Cha Tint Mango-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain and Boots Skin Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets (Boots).

For everlasting eyes that won’t smudge opt for eyeliners made with wax and oils but before applying, dry your lids and put on your SPF and foundation base. Simply pencil in the colour along your lash line and apply on a couple of coats of waterproof mascara. Look for Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in Bieu Metallique, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara, and Bare Minerals Locked & Coated Waterproof Lash Topcoat (Boots).

A stay-put pout is vital for any water-side outing. After applying your SPF and any foundation, clean and dry lips before painting your colour on, which could be either Stila Cheek & Lip Stain in Mango Crush or Sleek Eau La La Liner in Pumpkin (Boots).

To complete your summertime aura, spritz on Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Shimmering Body Oil. This leaves skin sensuously soft and gorgeously glowing. What more could a girl want?

  • kate.farley@hotmail.co.uk