It's almost time to start baring those legs and other parts of your body. Which if you're like me, will have been well and truly hidden since last summer. So here are my summer skin essentials;
One thing I've always struggled with, ever since my early teens, is cellulite. I've never tried any creams or lotions designed to specifically deal with cellulite before. However, as soon as I received this gel from Cloud 9 I was very excited, to say the least. My main problem area definitely has to be my thighs. But this gel can also be applied to the hips, bum, stomach and the upper arms.
I've been using this for well over a month now. And I can noticeably see a difference in the cellulite on my thighs. They definitely look and even feel a lot smoother and less dimpled than they normally are. And I have been so impressed by the results. The gel absorbs easily into the skin and doesn't leave any greasy or gel residue behind. The inclusion of caffeine in the formula really helps to tighten the skin and get rid of water retention. And the areas where I have been applying this gel definitely feel tighter. I also simply adore the packaging. It's so shiny and pretty. I'm definitely like a magpie when it comes to shiny packaging.
It does say that during application there may be slight redness and gentle tingling. So you may want to bear that in mind. I didn't really experience any obvious irritation when I've been using it. But I just wanted to make you aware in case that might be a problem for you.
Roger & Gallet Hand & Nails Creams (in Rose and Fleur d'Osmanthus)* £5/£6
Now hand creams aren't just for the colder, winter months. I always like to carry a hand cream in my handbag. So I can use it at work or whenever my hands are feeling a little dry or tight. Now these two hand and nail creams are perfect for the summer. As soon as the tube is opened the fragrance instantly puts me in the summer mood. Fleur d'Osmanthus is fruity and zingy with citrus notes. Whilst Rose is a very delicate floral fragrance. But it's not one of those rose scented products where you can barely smell the roses. Both contain shea butter. So your hands and nails will definitely thank you for applying these creams.
What I really love about these is the fact that you can pick them up from so many different outlets. Both John Lewis and Marks & Spencer stock Roger & Gallet on the high street. And you can also add them to your basket on Escentual and Feel Unique, to name just a few.
Avene Akerat Body Cream for Dry Skin* £15
I think it goes without saying that a good moisturiser is a real necessity when it comes to the summer. As much as I will be using this wonderful spray lotion from Palmer's this summer (link to review here), there is another moisturiser which has become a firm favourite of mine recently. Avene's Akerat body cream is perfect for those who struggle with dry skin. My skin can often be drier in the warmer months than it is in the winter, which isn't ideal when you've actually got your skin on show during the summer. This moisturiser is seriously impressive and just so cooling on the skin. I don't know about you. But I am a big fan of products that cool the skin when it comes to the summertime.
As this cream is unscented it means you won't be attracting any unwanted insects or flying creatures too.
Forever 21 Exfoliating Gloves £1
Now these two products really do go hand in hand (pardon the pun hehe) with one another. You can pick up a pair of cheap exfoliating gloves in many stores on the high street. And trust me they really do make such a big difference when it comes to exfoliating your skin. I bought mine from Forever 21. But you can find them in Boots, Superdrug and even Primark.
Soap & Glory The Scrub Of Your Life £7
If you've been reading my blog since the very beginning then you will already have seen that I reviewed this body scrub (link here). But I just had to include it again since a good body scrub really is a summer body essential for me.
If you're planning on adding a summer glow through the use of a self tanner then you will know how vital exfoliating is when it comes to preparing the skin ready for the colour. As I don't really self tan, even despite being Casper the friendly ghost pale all year round. I do feel a big difference to my skin after a weekly exfoliating session. I also love that the Forever 21 exfoliating gloves look perfect alongside my travel sized tube of The Scrub of Your Life.
So those are my summer skin essentials.
What are your summer skin essentials for getting your body summer ready? Have you tried any of these products? If so, what do you think of them?