Beauty Notes: The Secrets Behind a Bronzed, Glowy Complexion

Opt for a luminous, sun-kissed look with these summer staples, from skin-enhancing tanning drops, to radiance-boosting creams, oils and facial gels …

Glow-getters rejoice: warming up your skin for summer has never been easier. Of course, pale is beautiful too – but if you’ve a mind to go beyond the pale, the latest cream and liquid bronzers can deliver flattering and hydrating texture as well as warmth to the skin.

Chanel’s revered Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (€60) is expensive but lasts an age; blended well, it delivers the most natural-looking glow. And no wonder: Gabrielle Chanel, after all, is credited with making a tan fashionable, back in the 1920s.

Irish-owned Hildun’s Sheer Glow Face Gel (€23), made in Italy, reminds me of a Tom Ford version from years ago, and also Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wands. Wear alone, or mix with your foundation and add to high points: a single drop on your cheekbones gives your complexion an instant glow-up.

Poco Beauty – proving popular at Dublin and Cork airports as well as at stockists in town – has launched a tanning line, including a gradual tan moisturiser for face (€25). It’s pretty foolproof, even if you’re lazy about prepping, and the finish is honey-golden.

And for a glow without the slightest risk of telltale wrist/ankle meltdowns, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Roll-On (€30.45 at www.lookfantastic.ie) is a neat way of applying the French pharmacy favourite, an illuminating dry oil with a soft scent.

Self-tan can give you a boost, but it’s not for every day – the DHA in it makes your skin dry out, so do take breaks from it. I tend towards tanning drops, added to my moisturiser, as I find they give the most natural-looking finish – try Votary’s, €36.16, expensive but excellent.

Or Pestle & Mortar’s Glow Drops (€41), a good Irish version.

If you’re going to self-tan, prep is important. Invest in a body brush to exfoliate skin before your shower (using firm strokes towards the heart).

Even better, have an expert do it for you – book in for an ESPA skin brush and full-body salt and oil exfoliation, at spas nationwide including Powerscourt Hotel & Spa, Co Wicklow.

We may earn a commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site. 

READ MORE: 5 Standout Beauty Launches For Summer