3 steps to glowing summer skin

Suffering from a dull, tired complexion? That's not what you need during the summer months. From exfoliating to priming, follow our three simple steps to reboot your skincare routine and get glowing, radiant skin.

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Step One: Exfoliate
Before you do anything else, invest in skincare containing Glycolic Acid. Dead cells = dull skin and this popular AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) gently exfoliates your skin’s surface layer, speeding up the cell renewal process. These products come in the form of cleansers, toners and masks, so play around until you find which one works best for you.

Step Two: Hydrate
Regardless of whether you have a dry or an oily complexion, your skin needs hydrating, even during the summer months. Applying a moisturiser twice a day will keep you glowing as well as creating a barrier between your skin and the outside elements. Charlotte’s Magic Cream contains a boost of hyaluronic acid and rose hip oil, which makes it the perfect base for your makeup. At night we'd recommend applying the La Mer Moisturizing Cream after your serum.

Step Three: Prime
A good primer will keep your makeup in place all day and leave your foundation looking flawless. Choose one designed to illuminate and you can achieve that coveted lit-from-within glow. If you prefer a more natural look, they can also be worn alone to even out skin tone and add a boost of radiance.

Rainbows at the ready people, Pride Month has officially kicked off. This year, Pride parades and celebrations around the world are commemorating 50 years since the Stonewall uprising in 1969 - an event that kickstarted the gay liberation movement and developed into the global fight for LGBT+ rights. So with this year's festivities set to be bigger than ever, we're getting ready to celebrate this milestone in style. Whether you’re taking to the streets for one of many Pride parades around the UK, watching Kylie headline at the Brighton & Hove festival or just plan on donning a rainbow hue or two to show your support, be sure to spread the love in these statement styles.

Festival Makeup Ideas

Festival season is almost upon us, and with it comes the chance to step out of our beauty comfort zone. From bold colours to excessive glitter and glossy lids, throw out your usual makeup routine and try something new.

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All that glitters
Glitter is forever a mainstay at festivals. You don’t have to go full Giambattista Valli (although that's always encouraged), but applied around your eyes, on your cheekbones or even on your lips, you’ll look suitably disco. Keep loose glitter in place using a liquid highlighter like the NARS Illuminator.

Get glossy
There’s a fine line between dewy and greasy, but this blurs where festivals are concerned. Matte is out, so emulate a sun-kissed glow with an illuminating primer, adding highlighter and eye gloss. Yes, you read that right - add a glossy top coat to your eyes for a high-shine finish.

Electro eyes
When it comes to your eyes, the bolder the better. From vibrant blue to neon yellow, anything goes. Sweep one highly-pigmented shade over your lids to create a block of colour, or go (slightly) more subtle with bright eye liner. For the most intense colour pay-off, spritz your brush with a setting spray before you apply.

Men's Grooming Guide

Wondering how to get the perfect shave? Follow our guide for all the tips, tricks and grooming products you need to make your routine a whole lot smoother. 

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Before
Before you do anything else, start by washing your face with warm water. Whether this is in the shower or over a basin, it will soften the hair making it easier to cut, as well as opening your pores, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. Even better, use an exfoliating cleanser to remove every trace of dirt, oil and dead skin cells which would otherwise end up in your razor.

During
Now you have the perfect canvas, apply a shaving gel or cream to the hair in upwards motions. The Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel is a fail-safe option. This will improve the glide of your razor and show exactly which spots you've missed. A good formula will also protect against irritation and result in fewer nicks.

After
A hard-working post-shave product will ensure your skin looks healthy and leave you smelling fresh. Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores before applying an aftershave balm like the Acqua di Parma Colonia Pura to soothe your skin and eliminate redness or itching. Finally, apply a moisturiser to restore your hydration levels.

How to do your own bridal makeup

If the thought of leaving the fate of your wedding day makeup in someone else’s hands fills you with anxiety, take control (and save some of your budget) by doing your own. It’s a good idea not to stray too far from your usual look, but take note of these beauty tips to ensure you’re at your very best.
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1. Preparation is key. Never underestimate the importance of a good skincare routine. With a glowing complexion underneath your makeup, you’re already halfway there.

2. Keep your face in place all day using a primer. NARS Pore and Shine Control Primer is a firm favourite amongst makeup artists as it controls shine and blurs imperfections.

3. This will probably be the most photographed day of your life, so choose a foundation that looks good both in person and on camera. We recommend Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. It blends seamlessly, boosts radiance, and doesn’t contain SPF (which can make you look washed out in photos).

4. The easiest way to look bright and well-rested - and you may not be feeling it on the big day - is to conceal your under eyes properly. Apply a heavy duty concealer over dark circles first - we love MAC Pro Longwear Concealer as it's full coverage without being cakey. Then follow with an illuminating concealer like YSL Touche Eclat.

5. Warm the highest points of the face with bronzer, then add Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow. For lips, choose a colour that’s similar to your natural tone for an understated but polished look.

6. Don’t forget to practice. Run through your whole look around three weeks before the big day, including fake tan if you plan on wearing it. This will give an idea of how much time the whole process will take and ensure your hair and makeup complement each other.

Gym bag beauty saviours

Skincare
While we would normally recommend using a proper cleanser, there’s nothing wrong with reaching for a wipe before and after the gym. Pack a hydrating face mist to keep you cool, and don’t forget to follow your workout with a moisturiser to compensate for everything you’ve just sweated out.

Makeup
Ideally it’s best to remove your makeup before the gym, but sometimes we want to cover up (or simply won’t have time to remove it) and that’s ok. Switching a heavy-coverage liquid foundation for a powder or tinted moisturiser will limit any breakouts. The BareMinerals Original Foundation is our favourite for low-maintenance flawless skin – it claims to be so pure you could sleep in it. If you can’t live without eye makeup, save time after class by sticking to waterproof formulas.

Haircare
Post-gym hair isn’t always pretty, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce the damage. Firstly, keep it off your face during exercise. Dry shampoo is everyone’s best friend and we love Aveda Shampure to absorb any excess oil when you’re done. Finish with a quick spritz of hair mist like Gucci Bloom, and you’re ready to go.