Summer and the City Your Beauty Survival Guide

Not beach-bound this summer? Panic not, we've got all the beauty advice you need to look chic in the city. Melting make up, sunburn and shiny skin be gone!

Most of us have our beach holiday beauty sorted – with its laidback summer vibe we're happier to ditch the electrical styling, venture out free of make up (well, almost) and embrace a carefree new look. A city summer on the other hand? Smog, grime and public transport dictate a different approach to summer beauty. Here's the skinny on how to survive it...

Banish Excess Oil

Beach beauty is a simple affair, but creating a favourable face in a humid city is an altogether different challenge. "Being uncomfortable in the hot weather can leave you feeling less than glamorous," says Max Factor Make Up Artist Caroline Barnes. Her advice? "Keep blotting powder papers handy (try Celia Birtwell's Mattifying Papers to absorb any excess oil that builds during the day and avoid heavy day creams which make your skin feel more clammy than usual if not properly absorbed."

If you're suffering with excess oil, an oil-absorbing moisturiser, or mattifying product, such as Origins Zero Oil Instant Matte Finish or OC Eight Oil Control Genius, will help suck up any shine.

Tweak Your Make Up

Switching textures is an easy way to help avoid make up meltdown. "Use a cream-based blush, such as Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush, rather than a powder as it will give you a more natural flush and also lasts longer," says Barnes who also recommends using a tinted moisturiser, like Olay's Touch of Foundation, for days when your skin needs lighter coverage.

When you want your make up to stay put, a quick spritz of Clarins' legendary Fix' Make-up delivers humidity-proof staying power.

Ensure your make up stays put with these in-it-for-the-duration buys:
Estee Lauder Pure Color Metallics eyeshadow in Midnight Metallic promises crease-free, non-fade colour, while Maybelline's dual-ended Superstay Lipcolour stays true for up to 18 hours.

Stay Protected

Just because you're not basking beside turquoise waters doesn't mean you won't damage your skin – just consider that sneaky lunch hour spent in the sun. Guard against damage with an SPF with UVA protection. We like Dr Nick Lowe Super Charged Day Cream SPF15, which has been tested to full beach suncare standards and adheres to EU guidelines on sun protection. If in doubt, slather on a high factor sunscreen for your lunch break exposure. "Look for SPF of a minimum of 15 and for a circle with UVA in it on the packaging which means it's been UVA tested according to EU guidelines," says Dr Lowe.

A compact-sized sunscreen like Soltan Face SPF30 (50ml), kept in your handbag or office drawer, will help you avoid getting caught out.

Inject a Little Beach-Inspired Style

If you're looking for a heatwave-friendly hairstyle that ticks the 'work appropriate' box, go for a messy bun – you'll keep cool and look chic. Stylist Lee Stafford recommends tonging your hair first to create waves, before spritzing with his Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray and securing with a band into a loose side ponytail. "Leave half the hair in the pony as a large loop and take small sections of hair out, pinning them loosely to cover the band and create a bun effect," he says.

Lee Stafford Matt Fat Hair Powder. "Hair can be hard to handle in the summer months as excess moisture from your scalp as well as the air can make it appear flatter," says Lee. "This magic powder dust will dry up oily roots and help to create a natural textured look, giving you a volumised matt finish."

Who needs the beach?

1. Face Protector: Nivea DNAge Cell Protection Anti-Ageing Face Cream SPF30 (50ml)
2. On-the-go Perfume: The Sanctuary Classic Purse Spray (25ml)
3. Does-it-all Primer/Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion in Sin
4. Oily Shine Absorber: Boots Skin Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
5. Lipstick That Lasts: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate long-lasting Liquid Lipstick
6. Humidity-proof Mascara: Clinique Lash Power Mascara Longwearing Formula
7. Glow Giver: Max Factor Cream Blush
8. Hair Refresher: Bastiste On The Go Dry Shampoo

Read more like this:
A-Z Summer Beauty: Part One
A-Z Summer Beauty: Part Two

Related categories:
Suncare