The summer sun. It makes everything seem more glamorous — bronzed bods, oil-sheened limbs, golden faces. But the truth is, none of this happens by accident. If you don’t plan your beauty bag carefully, you’ll end up a burnt, scraggle-haired misfit. There are only a few basic rules to remember: wear sunscreen and protect your hair, especially if it’s coloured. You need less make-up than usual when you’re relaxed and sunkissed, so keep your products to a minimum and opt for powders where possible. A hint of lip gloss and a dash of mascara will be enough to give you polish. For evening, simply apply some oil or balm to give skin a wonderful glow. As for fragrance, you’ll find many of the body products are perfume enough, especially when you’re outside amid pungent blooms. If you do want something special, stick to a balm such as one from Miller Harris — easier to travel with.

SKIN SHIMMER

Give skin a post-sun quench, with an added glow for evening.

Matis Réponse Vitalité Energising Mist, £21.50; matis-uk.com. Nars Body Glow, £42; spacenk.co.uk. Eve Lom Crème Universelle, £24.47, evelom.com

FAKE IT

Before jetting off, head to St Tropez (the tanning booth, not the French resort) for an all-over spray tan. It costs £15, which is redeemable against product purchases, saving you money for poolside margaritas. In selected Debenhams stores nationwide

SUMMER MAKE-UNDER

A smudge of bronzer, a slick of lip tint, a coat of neon polish — you don’t need much to add glamour to a tan.

Belmacz gold-leaf eye shadow, £26; 020 7629 7863. Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF15 in Gentle Coral, £10.30. Lancôme Hydra Zen Tinted Moisturiser SPF15, £23.50. Essie Nail Enamel in Punchy Pink, £8.95; nailsbymail.co.uk. Clarins Instant Sun Light Shimmer Palette, £20. Soleil Tan de Chanel Precious Bronzing Loose Powder, £42

SUNSCREEN UPDATE

Sun damage is one of the primary causes of ageing, so here’s how to take care of your skin

There is news from suncare land, courtesy of the EU, which has ruled that a sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVA rays (which cause deep, irreparable skin damage) must be equal to at least one-third of its ability to protect against UVB, which is responsible for sunburn. Previously, the SPF figure referred only to a sunscreen's ability to block UVB rays, so labelling is to be changed. Brands such as Sisley, Soltan, Lancaster, Clinique and Clarins already comply. One casualty, however, is Dr Hauschka’s much-loved mineral-based sunscreen, which has been discontinued (call 01386 792642 while stocks last). If you’re looking for a natural alternative, try Arcona or Medik8.

Medik8 Hydr8 Pro-Collagen SPF25 Hydrator, £49; 020 8997 8541. 2 Sisley Fluid Body Sun Cream SPF30, £72.50. 3 Arcona Reozone Sunscreen SPF20, £24; glowgetter.co.uk

TAKE THE TINT

Mascara and swimming have never been the best of friends. Avoid panda eyes by opting for an eyelash tint. At Blink eyebrow bars, they can transform your eyelashes into long, dark, glossy feathers, all from £18; blinkbrowbar.com

DIY ON ARRIVAL

Didn’t have time to beautify yourself beforehand? Then these quick-fix products will get you poolside-ready

Darphin Nourishing Smoothing Body Scrub, £34; 0870 034 2566. Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment, £38; ojon.co.uk. QVS foot file, £3.40, from Superdrug. South Seas Uh Oh! Self Tan Remover, £12.99, 020 7590 0050. 5 Decléor Hydra Floral face mask, £23.50; decleor.co.uk

BOTTLE IT UP

If you’re loath to buy new travel-sized products, try decanting your favourites into reusable bottles instead. Bobbi Brown has a set of five containers complete with labels and funnel (£9.80; bobbibrown.co.uk), and Muji sells bargain empties (from 95p, muji.co.uk)

TRESSES SOS

Sun, sea and sand play havoc with your hair. These haircare treats will keep it swishy and shiny.

Kérastase Travel Pack for Dry, Sensitised Hair, £15; 0800 316 4400. Bumble and bumble Bandball, £16; spacenk.co.uk. KMS California Solperfection All Day Defense Spray, £13.70; 020 7318 4000. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, £3.20 for 20ml; philipkingsley.com

WASH BAGS

Laminate make-up bag, £15, by Lulu Guinness; luluguinness.com. Zilly black napa studded cosmetics bag, £295, by Jimmy Choo. Hera print wash bag, £25, from Liberty of London

TRAVEL KITS

Kevin Murphy Angel Jetpak, £14.95; lookfantastic.com. Cowshed Pocket Cow Bath & Body, £18.50; cowshedonline.com. Eve Lom Travel Refill Set, £37.95; evelom.com

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