GLOW GIRL
Words by Armand 03/06/2007
This issue we're going to focus on the basic summer essentials to get your skin and complexion into shape ready to hit the beach.We all know that prolonged sun exposure is damaging to the skin so my tip would be to use self-tan... yes girls, this is the one time when it is okay to fake it!Even if you're naturally pale, there are extremely effective self-tans to give you a gentle glow which you can gradually build into a subtle tan. One of my favourites is Johnson’s Holiday Skin, which is not only very affordable but also builds up beautifully perfect for redheads. Lancome's self-tans are also very reliable, especially for fair to medium skin tones, while Sisley produce a handy pump spray which can be used upside down to reach the back of the legs.If you already have a good tan and want to enhance it then sun care gurus Lancaster have the perfect combination with Tan Prolonger and Tan Enhancer. The look for this season is shimmering from top to toe so get hold of Sisley's new Golden Dry Oil to enhance anything that may be on show. If you want something that is not as messy to apply then Benefit (www.benefitcosmetics.com) could have the answer with their infamous “Kitten” Shimmering Powder Puff.The complexion should also shimmer so pick up Clinique's “Up-lighting” Liquid Illuminator, available in different shades. Estee Lauder's new Colour Story, featuring the stunning Carolyn Murphy, encapsulates the season's look perfectly. Aptly named Bronze Goddess, the coral and gold tones brighten up the bronzed complexion without overpowering the look. Get hold of their Bronze Goddess Liquid Bronzer, which blends smoothly onto the skin without streaking; it also has Ideal Match technology which adapts to each individual’s skin... very clever. Protecting your skin is also important so invest in a good sunscreen and re-apply every hour if exposure is prolonged. If you have sensitive skin or don't like using chemical-based sun creams, Greek company Korres (www.korres.com) could be your alternative. Set up in 1996 with the aim of utilising their extensive scientific resources for the creation of beneficial and safe products, the company today offer a complete skin and hair care range, sun products and herbal preparations. Their new sunscreen emulsion for children, SPF25, is ideal to protect your little ones − a milk-like lotion with natural filters and shea butter for broad spectrum sun protection. A popular misconception with sun protection is that a high SPF will protect you all day without re-applying. All broad spectrum sunscreens should be re-applied every hour while sunbathing. Initial application should be done prior to sun exposure, leaving a light film over the body; pay particular attention to sensitive areas like ears, nose and lips. UVA (the ageing rays) and UVB (the burning rays) are extremely damaging to the skin so always re-apply protection to yourself and your children. If children are in and out of the sea or the pool, make sure you use a water-resistant sunscreen − there are plenty available. THE SUMMER ESSENTIAL: Crystal Clear Eye PenTake years off yourself in 30 seconds with no need for needles or surgery... Sound impossible? Crystal Clear seem confident that anyone can reduce lines, wrinkles and puffiness while lifting and firming the skin around the eye by using a battery-powered pen which uses a massage technique to stimulate collagen production while delivering an effective serum to the eye.Admittedly, I was sceptical at first, but after using the pen on just one eye for 30 seconds I noticed a draining effect, brightness and a slight lift to the eye area.Now a lot of this could be due to the special massaging effect around the eye, which helps to promote lymphatic draining (this alone is reason enough to get this product). The serum contains a cocktail of different peptides to help stimulate collagen production and reduce puffy eye-bags. As well as ingredients like cornflower, which is a great decongestant, there is also wheat protein, which firms and tones while improving the skin's clarity. Get this in your bag while you can. It's available from Selfridges, or more information at: www.crystalclearskincare.com. Enjoy the long, lazy Spanish summer days…
