If last week's mini burst of sundress-weather was anything to go by, we are in for a sublime summer.
While transitioning from spring to summer is a breeze in many ways - skirts don't wither away in the hot press and open-toed shoes aren't going out of style - ensuring you have a summer-ready face takes a little more investment.
The sharp change in weather can wreak havoc on our faces, sapping them dry, leaving them flaky and that's even before we get to sun protection.
As the days get longer and the sun gets brighter, here are our best picks for glowy, summer-ready skin.
1. Garnier Organic Argan Nourishing Face Moisturiser
As part of the new Organic range from Garnier, this light daily moisturiser is the perfect skin-plumping treatment for parched skin. Loaded with argan oil, which is rich in vitamin E and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it repairs dry or irritated skin, leaving it feeling soft and velvety.
Blended with hyaluronic acid, this cream is also incredibly hydrating, and leaves a gentle glow to the skin after use that radiates through makeup. Worn with just a touch of concealer, it gives an effortless sunkissed look, without the necessary hours in the sun.
2. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Gel Cream
There's good reason for this lightweight gel cream to be sold out on the Brown Thomas website. Part of the celebrated Korean skincare range, this moisturiser has a moisture content of 85% and while the texture can take some getting used to, it packs a punch when it comes to hydration.
The encapsulated ceramides - fatty lipids found naturally in the skin that prevent moisture loss and are a powerful anti-ageing ingredient - pop on the skin, helping to rebuild the skin's barrier but without clogging the skin either. Incredibly, the gel always feels cold to the touch, so if you suffer from redness or irritation this will do the trick.
3. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser
Though this feather-light moisturiser is more affordable than others on this list, it doesn't skim on hydration. The pink grapefruit fragrance is light enough that you barely notice it, though the citrus notes perk up skin, leaving a fresh glow.
The oil-free consistency works especially well under makeup, sinking into the skin instantly and allowing for an extra layer of SPF if needed (always needed!).
4. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
For skin that is taking a little longer to come out of the post-winter dullness, this is the perfect pick-me-up. Another gel cream moisturiser, this deceptively gentle product is loaded with panax ginseng and coffee bean to brighten and energise tired skin.
Skin is left silky smooth, with a gentle flush that seems to come from within. The coffee genuinely leaves skin feeling abuzz in the best sense, like you've had your first cup of coffee in the morning and feel like you can do anything.
5. Green Keratin ROSAFORTE Magnificent Moisture Cream
The loveliest part of this cream is the delicate whipped texture, that seems to melt into the skin like water, although the heavenly scent of pure rose is just as lush.
Packed with organic rosehip and camellia oils, which repairs irritated skin and soothes blemishes, and rose absolute, which nourishes skin and leaves it feeling like velvet, this is summertime skincare at its most indulgent. The vegan hyaluronic acid and vitamin C ensures that even if you are frolicking in the sun, your skin is well hydrated and protected.
