My Six Summer Staples

I don't think I've ever done a collective favourites post on my blog before; I usually leave the waffling to YouTube and stick to one product reviews on here, but little time and lots of lovely things have meant that this is my only option.

Above are six products that have really been the backbone to my make-up routine this summer; I do use the term 'summer' lightly though when referring to the past season as the UK hasn't had much of one this year unfortunately.

However, on the odd week or two that the sun has been scorching then the following products have been real staples in my face routine and all of which I highly recommend looking at.

1. Clarins UV Plus, SPF 40, Oil Free

Firstly, discard all those negative thoughts about suncream being a big greasy mess that you couldn't possibly slap on your face before your make-up, because this sunscreen is amazing and a great solution for all those who can't stand to be bare faced in the summer months.

That's me included btw; whether I'm at home or on holiday I need coverage and I previously only used to rely on the small SPF's that foundations offered to protect and perfect my summer skin, which simply isn't good enough; especially since I exfoliate my skin mildly everyday and use fruit acid peels weekly, which make it increasingly prone to sun damage.

I have oily skin all year round so have always discounted sunscreens for the fact that they would be too heavy and greasy on me but this is neither, the formula is amazingly light-weight and leaves a silky but slightly matte finish to the skin which is what I think makes this also great to use as a primer prior to foundation.

The slight pink shade calms uneven tones in the skin and evens out the skins texture allowing the perfect base. If your skin is not as oily as mine then you can apply a moisturiser over the top too!

Key points:
- Oil Free
- 100% Mineral screen
- Anti-Pollution
- SPF 40
- UVA/UVB/PA+++
- Non - comedogenic

I really love this for protection and prep but the only drawback is of course it's price, which is just under £30. However, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative then I've heard great things about La Roche Posay's Hydraphase UV SPF 30.

2. Clarins Mosaique Summer Bronzing Compact SPF 10

I have waxed lyrical about this beautiful bronzer in many a video and really wanted to dedicate a whole post in its honour but I never got around to it in the end. (Note to self - be a better and more organised blogger!)

Anyway, this gigantic bronzer which offers a whopping 20g of product in its compact has helped me fake bake all summer with it's foolproof bronze shade.

It is not dirty in tone, nor red or orange, just a gorgeous matte natural tan shade perfect for fair to mid skin tones.

The formula is great and easy to work with making blending a breeze, no stripes in sight!

This is quite possibly my favourite matte bronzer from my collection and well worth a look if you want a flawlessly tanned face without having to go in the sun but unfortunately the compact was limited edition as part of Clarins Summer 2011 collection but is still available at various stores online for around £25.

3. Clarins Instant Light, Natural Lip Perfector

I seem to have had something of a summer fling with Clarins over the past few months as my next must have item is again by them.

The Instant Light, Natural Lip Perfectors have been a firm favourite of mine for well over a year now. I have to have at least one of the three gorgeous shades with me at all times.

Top-Bottom: No3, No2 and No1.

I have never owned a lip product as essential as these tubes; the formula offers the creaminess and hydration of a lip balm, the glossiness of a lipgloss minus any stickiness and a colour payoff similar to that of a good sheer lipstick.

PERFECT! I can't emphasise enough how much I love these, every women should own at least one shade in their make-up bag.

4. Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation

The best drugstore (affordable) foundation I have ever tried and one I reach for regularly over many of my high-end cover ups.

Healthy Mix is spookily similar to Chanel Mat Lumiere in my opinion, offering a great medium coverage level, a light but long lasting formula and a matte yet at nicely luminous finish.

Oh and if that wasn't good enough, it also smells amazing and is enriched with radiance boosting fruit extracts to hydrate and repair the skin.

Key points:
- Oil Free
- Long lasting
- Medium coverage
- Light-weight on the skin
- Non cakey
- Mattifying but not flat

5. Bourjois Delice de Soleil bronzing spray

Delice de Soleil is a wash off spray that melts into the skin instantly and offers a slight powder finish of subtle bronze.

It's similar to Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs (LOVE) but in a facial friendly formula. It has been a summer staple for me as I've loved using it on 'no' make-up days all over my face for a slight natural tan and light coverage so I didn't have to use foundation.

Also it's perfect for days when your feeling a little pasty and want some colour without the hastle of fake tanning as you can use it anywhere on your body. The scent is also divine, Terrys Chocolate Orange anyone?

6. Urban Decay De Slick, Oil Control setting spray

I'm a huge fan of setting sprays; I love how they remove that powder look that make-up can sometimes leave, add instant luminosity to your skin and help to keep your make-up on just that little bit longer.

I love Mac's Fix Plus in the winter but in the summer when your foundation feels like it's going to slide off your face then I find I need something a little stronger.

I've been through several bottles of Urban Decay by Skindinavia's All Nighter spray (LOVE for nights out and long days) and was all out when I spotted this one, specially formulated for oil control so I decided to give it a go.

It's fab, if you have a problem with make-up sliding off, oily skin or just want your foundation to look perfect all day then I really recommend De Slick. I don't know how or why it works but it just does.

I wouldn't have survived the (occasional) heat without it!

I know this is a mega long post but I was desperate to share my favourite summer finds with you. Well done if you got all of the way through and I'd love to know your summer staples in the comments below!! Or if you have tried any of the above?

xxx