Now that July is finally here, it’s time to let our bodies see the light of day and to dig out our trusty summer wear. For me, it’s my go-to flip-flops, black cotton t-shirt, a pair of old denim shorts and, of course, my trusty wide-brimmed straw hat, which has seen better days but does the important job of keeping my face and neck out of the sun.
Ladies, are you ready to expose your arms and legs and show off your feet? Never fear because help is at hand with a few quick and easy tips to make you feel and look great for the summer ahead.
Pale skin gone
Let’s start by putting some time and effort into our pale, dry, winter skin. 
Start by having a lovely hot shower and covering your whole body with a good thick layer of body scrub to smooth away rough skin, especially on your hands, elbows, necks, legs and feet. I often use Soap & Glory pulp-friction foaming fruity body scrub (€10 from www.boots.ie). Lightly wet your skin, then apply the product and gently, using a circular movement, quite literally scrub the skin. For my face I use the Boots cucumber facial scrub, which is just €1.99 – it is light, fresh and kind to the skin.
After showering, apply a moisturiser with a twist. Dove Spa Summer Revive (from stockists including www.mccabespharmacy.com for a special offer of €4), will give your pale winter skin a soft light glow. It smells of wild flowers and summer days and is quick and easy to apply; though you might need a hand to pop it on your back! Use a few times a week to steadily build up your summer tan. Once you have applied the moisturiser, always wash your hands.
Feet first
Next it’s time for some TLC on your toes. It doesn’t take much to get gorgeous summer feet and you can easily do this at home. The best time to work on your toes is after a shower or bath. Take off all nail polish before you bathe. Cutex has a brilliant range of removers to get polish off fingers and toes whilst strengthening and nourishing them, which are cheap as chips in pharmacies nationwide.
The best way to cut your toe nails isn’t with clippers or scissors. Although it may take a little longer, using the coarse side of an emery board gives you so much more control – no accidental cutting off too much – and you can achieve a smooth, square shape. Sam McCauley chemist sells Infinity sapphire nail files at €2.99, which are great. Having nails in a natural square shape can help prevent ingrown toe nails. Do try and keep all nails about the same length as they will look much smarter.
Next, buff your nails. A good buffing smooths out ridges and removes discolouration. Buffing stimulates growth and helps keep your nails healthy. An old trick my grandmother taught me, which I still use today, is to rub some good old-fashioned lanolin over the cuticles before a bath and the warm water will then soften them so that I can gently push the cuticles back as I buff. Boots stock Lansinoh lanolin cream, which is actually made for cracked nipples, stretch marks, minor burns and grazes, but works magic on nail cuticles. A little tube of magic to have in your first-aid box at just €12.79.
Now your nails are trimmed and buffed, they are ready for a lick of colour. Always use an undercoat first as this will strengthen the nails and helps prevent discolouring. If you want to go for the subtle summer look on your nails, then I highly recommend Catrice’s stunning new range of naturally beautiful “More Than Nude” nail polishes in shimmering, translucent and nude tones (€3.95 from stockists including Sam McCauley).
However, if you feel like going all-out punchy bright to razzle dazzle this summer, then why not try Essence’s new quick-drying “shine last and go” gel polish. The appropriately named “Heatwave” is a stunning brighter than bright orange and at €1.95 from stockists including Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide, what’s not to love?
Bronzer
I love using bronzer to warm up and contour my face, especially in the summer. It can be worn after you have applied your foundation or on its own. My summer favourite has always been the Isadora bronzing powder matte tan no94 (available from pharmacies such as https://marronspharmacy.ie at €19.99). I use this lightly all over my face and décolletage and I also use it as a blush, to soften my forehead, with a light swipe under the chin to sharpen up my jaw line.
All these tips are easy and doable, and the affordable products will start you off on a feel-good summer. But don’t forget your sun cream. Get in the habit of always having a bottle in your car, on your kitchen window ledge, by the sink and in your handbag. Stay safe and enjoy the sun!
Now that July is finally here, it’s time to let our bodies see the light of day and to dig out our trusty summer wear. For me, it’s my go-to flip-flops, black cotton t-shirt, a pair of old denim shorts and, of course, my trusty wide-brimmed straw hat, which has seen better days but does the important job of keeping my face and neck out of the sun.
Ladies, are you ready to expose your arms and legs and show off your feet? Never fear because help is at hand with a few quick and easy tips to make you feel and look great for the summer ahead.
Pale skin gone
Let’s start by putting some time and effort into our pale, dry, winter skin.
Start by having a lovely hot shower and covering your whole body with a good thick layer of body scrub to smooth away rough skin, especially on your hands, elbows, necks, legs and feet. I often use Soap & Glory pulp-friction foaming fruity body scrub (€10 from www.boots.ie). Lightly wet your skin, then apply the product and gently, using a circular movement, quite literally scrub the skin. For my face I use the Boots cucumber facial scrub, which is just €1.99 – it is light, fresh and kind to the skin.
After showering, apply a moisturiser with a twist. Dove Spa Summer Revive (from stockists including www.mccabespharmacy.com for a special offer of €4), will give your pale winter skin a soft light glow. It smells of wild flowers and summer days and is quick and easy to apply; though you might need a hand to pop it on your back! Use a few times a week to steadily build up your summer tan. Once you have applied the moisturiser, always wash your hands.
Feet first
Next it’s time for some TLC on your toes. It doesn’t take much to get gorgeous summer feet and you can easily do this at home. The best time to work on your toes is after a shower or bath. Take off all nail polish before you bathe. Cutex has a brilliant range of removers to get polish off fingers and toes whilst strengthening and nourishing them, which are cheap as chips in pharmacies nationwide.
The best way to cut your toe nails isn’t with clippers or scissors. Although it may take a little longer, using the coarse side of an emery board gives you so much more control – no accidental cutting off too much – and you can achieve a smooth, square shape. Sam McCauley chemist sells Infinity sapphire nail files at €2.99, which are great. Having nails in a natural square shape can help prevent ingrown toe nails. Do try and keep all nails about the same length as they will look much smarter.
Next, buff your nails. A good buffing smooths out ridges and removes discolouration. Buffing stimulates growth and helps keep your nails healthy. An old trick my grandmother taught me, which I still use today, is to rub some good old-fashioned lanolin over the cuticles before a bath and the warm water will then soften them so that I can gently push the cuticles back as I buff. Boots stock Lansinoh lanolin cream, which is actually made for cracked nipples, stretch marks, minor burns and grazes, but works magic on nail cuticles. A little tube of magic to have in your first-aid box at just €12.79.
Now your nails are trimmed and buffed, they are ready for a lick of colour. Always use an undercoat first as this will strengthen the nails and helps prevent discolouring. If you want to go for the subtle summer look on your nails, then I highly recommend Catrice’s stunning new range of naturally beautiful “More Than Nude” nail polishes in shimmering, translucent and nude tones (€3.95 from stockists including Sam McCauley).
However, if you feel like going all-out punchy bright to razzle dazzle this summer, then why not try Essence’s new quick-drying “shine last and go” gel polish. The appropriately named “Heatwave” is a stunning brighter than bright orange and at €1.95 from stockists including Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide, what’s not to love?
Bronzer
I love using bronzer to warm up and contour my face, especially in the summer. It can be worn after you have applied your foundation or on its own. My summer favourite has always been the Isadora bronzing powder matte tan no94 (available from pharmacies such as https://marronspharmacy.ie at €19.99). I use this lightly all over my face and décolletage and I also use it as a blush, to soften my forehead, with a light swipe under the chin to sharpen up my jaw line.
All these tips are easy and doable, and the affordable products will start you off on a feel-good summer. But don’t forget your sun cream. Get in the habit of always having a bottle in your car, on your kitchen window ledge, by the sink and in your handbag. Stay safe and enjoy the sun!
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