A day at a beach club may feel wonderfully carefree, but sun, salt water and chlorine can quickly leave their mark on both skin and hair. High-factor protection is essential, as is regular reapplication after swimming, while hair needs its own defence against UV exposure, dryness, salt and pool chemicals. Cleansing, hydration and nourishment all help to keep everything feeling fresh long after the final swim.
Then comes the shift into evening. Rather than obvious make-up, the best summer products work with the colour already gained during the day. A few self-tanning drops, a sheer bronzer, light-reflecting primer, soft highlighter or glossy lip oil can restore warmth and luminosity without hiding freckles or changing the texture of the skin. The result is a healthy-looking glow that feels entirely right for sunset drinks, dinner by the water and wherever the night leads next.
ESTĒE LAUDER Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF50: A water-light gel that delivers broad-spectrum SPF50 and eight anti-oxidants in a fast-absorbing, invisible layer. The non-greasy, non-sticky formula also helps defend against pollution and dehydration. Especially useful in humid weather and for anyone who dislikes the feel of traditional sunscreen. £48 (30ml) | esteelauder.co.uk
SISLEY Sunleÿa Anti-Ageing Sun Care SPF50+: Best for anyone concerned with both strong sun and visible photo-ageing, Sunleÿa combines very high SPF50+ protection with Sisley’s G+ Complex. The formula is designed to help limit and correct the appearance of sun-induced damage, including dark spots, wrinkles and loss of elasticity, while supporting an even, luminous tan. £225 (50ml) | sisley-paris.com
GUERLAIN Terracotta Joli Teint SPF20 PA+++: This summer, replace foundation during the day for this protecting tinted moisturiser, which provides decent coverage with a warm sun-kissed effect and SPF20 PA+++. Its long-wearing, transfer-resistant finish keeps the complexion even. For prolonged sun exposure, wear it over a dedicated high-protection SPF. £47 (30ml) | guerlain.com
MIAMO Heat & Sun Aging Body Serum Defense SPF 50 PA+++: A lightweight, water-resistant body serum designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays while helping to prevent photoageing. It leaves the skin with a cooling, soothing and hydrating feeling and an invisible, non-greasy finish. £49 (200ml) | miamo.com
NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for Hair: Protect your hair from exposure to sun, sea water and chlorine with this light milky oil which helps protect the lengths, preserve colour and restore moisture without turning them greasy. Coconut and jojoba oils add softness and shine and the spray can be reapplied to wet hair after swimming. £21 (100ml) | uk.nuxe.com
PAUL & JOE Sunprotection Body Primer Tinted SPF30 PA+++: A tinted body primer which combines SPF30 PA+++ with a lightweight, gel-like texture. The bronze tint evens the appearance of the skin and gives arms, shoulders and legs an immediate holiday glow with none of the orange of most fake tans. £22 (80g) | amazon.co.uk
DIOR Solar The Self-Tanning Drops: These illuminating drops combine natural-origin DHA, hyaluronic acid and Dior’s Pro-Tan Technology to build a believable facial tan without sun exposure. The golden result appears within an hour and can last up to a week. Apply one pipette over the face and neck before day cream. They do not replace SPF. £57 (30ml) | dior.com
SENSAI Glowing Base SPF10: Great on dull or tired-looking skin before make-up, this silky primer uses pearlescent pigments to smooth, correct and bring light back to the complexion. It leaves a hydrated-looking canvas beneath foundation, or can be worn alone for subtle radiance. Its SPF10 is a useful extra, rather than a substitute for dedicated sunscreen. £50 (30ml) | sensai-cosmetics.com
CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream: A multi-use beauty gem. It can be used to build a tan, or as a bronzer buffed across the high planes of the face (I even use it on my eyelids as a natural eyeshadow) for extra summer glow on top of a a tinted moisturiser or light foundation. It blends easily and has a velvety finish. Alternatively, it can be use beneath the cheekbones and jaw line for soft definition. Five shades take the effect from fresh-faced to deep bronze. £50 (30g) | chanel.com
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Unreal Highlighter Fresh Healthy Glow Stick: Best for no-make-up days and quick evening touch-ups, this sheer champagne highlighter delivers a fresh post-facial sheen. Swipe it over cheekbones, brow bones and the bridge of the nose, or across collarbones and shoulders, then blend with fingertips. The stick format also makes it easy to travel with. £32 (9g) | charlottetilbury.com
REHAB Shimmer Lip Oil: Add some shine to your lifps with this glossy oil which catches the light with a fine golden shimmer. Shea butter and vitamin E soften and condition, while the cooling metal applicator feels refreshing in hot weather. Wear it alone or over lip liner for a fuller-looking finish. It does not contain SPF. £16 (12ml) | rehabyourhair.com
AVEDA Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser: A colour-safe, two-in-one cleanser that removes chlorine, salt and product build-up from hair while washing the body in the same step. Tamanu and coconut oils help maintain moisture, making it a useful post-pool or post-sea reset for every hair type. £31 (250ml) | aveda.co.uk
CRYSTAL CLEAR Soothing Cleansing Gel: Essential at the end of a long beach-club day, when sunscreen, bronzer, sweat, salt and chlorine need to be thoroughly washed away without leaving the skin feeling stripped. This mild, soap-free foaming cleanser combines cucumber extract, mineral salts, amino acids and a moisturising complex to cleanse, soothe and rebalance. The gentle, hydrating formulation makes it a particularly appropriate final step after prolonged exposure to sun, heat and water. £38 (200ml) | crystalclear.co.uk
Author: Lina Ress
Heading away? Complete your packing list with our guide to the best Summer Travel Essentials for 2026.
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