The allbeauty guide to making the most of summer this year. From short shorts to festival braids: we've got the bucket list for you
With Britain set to swelter for at least another two weeks, there's no excuse not to milk summer for all it's worth...Yep, the UK hasn't seen days this hot since the summer of 1976, and with no imminent cool-down on the horizon it's time to peel yourself of the sofa and make the most of it. Head to allbeauty.com to shop everything you'll need to get through the heat, and check out our ultimate summer bucket list to make these next few weeks of sun extra fun. After all, summer is but once a year...
1. Wear ridiculously short-shorts with pride
Regardless of whether your legs are long or short, pasty or tanned, hairy or silky smooth. Because body shaming is the ultimate no-no. Just make sure pins are SPF-protected.
2. Get reading
Long, lazy days in the garden, relaxing pool-side or settling down for a long-haul flight: all ample reasons/excuses to have some 'me time' and curl up - or lounge out - with a good book. Penguin books have some amazing summer reads on offer - we can't get enough of 'Now You See Her', this year's must-read psychological thriller. If you loved Gone Girl, you'll love this.
3. Hit the festival circuit
Glasto might be taking a break, but there are still SO many festivals to look forward to this year! Including Creamfields, Bestival, Super Bock Super Rock and Boomtown to name just a few. Don't be put off by pals who signed up last year - tickets are usually available last minute, even if just for the day. What could be better?!
Just don't forget dry shampoo - aka the festival beauty essential. We love the Unite 7seconds Refresher. Volumising, oil-absorbing, colour-extending and build-up free? We'll take two, please.
4. ... or make your own!
If a real festival is too horrifying to your beauty routine (and we don't blame you), you can always make your own! Think blankets, bunting, music, BBQs.... all you're missing is the mud! Find a garden, some willing friends and a seriously hot festival hair look and you're good to go. Speaking of which, we can't get enough of this Festival Hair Look from SACHAJUAN major #hairgoals
5. Glow, glow glow
From head to toe. Literally! Whether you go all out on the highlighter or you slather yourself in Nuxe Prodigieuse Dry Oil, summer is no time to be feeling - or looking - pasty! Just don't forget SPF. If you prefer to avoid the sun lounger but need a bit of a colour boost, try fake tan for a glow that's just as hot, but not as permanent. Not sure where to start? Try our Guide To Fake Tan for a glow even your besties will be envious of.
6. Smell amazing
Treat yourself to a new fragrance this summer, and it'll remind you of all the fun you've had for years to come. We heart Daisy Love, the new scent from Marc Jacobs and the latest addition to the classic Marc Jacobs Daisy range.
7. Give your toes a treat
Treat your feet like queens this summer and they'll thank you for it during the winter. Before you swap flip flops for ankle boots and bare feet for woolly socks, it's time to make the most of pedicures galore and sandals aplenty. If your feet are in need of some buffing, try walking barefoot in the sand, which is a naural exfoliator. Need something a bit stronger? Baby Foot is the number 1 foot peel in Japan, and will leave you, well - baby footed! - in no time.
8. Eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Because why the heck not?!
9. Master that by-the-pool look
I don't know about you, but chlorine +my hair = the ultimate no-no. Natural waves go from looking beach-y to bedraggled in no time, and my blonde balayge stripped of all honey tones. That was, until I found the Philip Kingsley Summer Solutions range. A favourite among avid swimmers, Swimcap is a leave in conditioner that helps protect hair from chlorine and UV damage, leaving hair soft, manageable and (most importantly) not green!
For extra nourishment, reach for MOROCCANOIL® Treatment. Available in a handy handbag-sized bottle, it helps speed up drying time, boosts shine and smooths. Oh and did I mention it smells heavenly?
10. Capture it all on film
Ok ok, we might be being nostalgic here, but how often do you go back through your phone to actually look at the photos you take? If you're anything like us, then not very often... so get printing! Free Prints is a free app for android and iPhone users that lets you print photos straight from your phone. No subscription fees, no commitments and 45 free prints per month. You only pay for delivery (which is a steal!) - what's not to love?!
How do you make the most of the summer? Share your tips down below!
