As light as a feather, care for summer skin with lightweight creams

Luckily, skincare that’s smarter and “thicker” is no longer the answer for a complexion that is hydrated, luminous and safe in the sun.

Vitamin C, Arctic cloudberries and omega acids allow Lumene Glow Boost Vitamin C Hyuralonic Essence (£29.90; lookfantastic.co.uk) to bring skin radiance without weighing it down.

Simply add a few drops to your foundation for instant brightening.

Mind-bogglingly hydrating, hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and is the key to effective yet barely there products.

Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion (£24.99; indeedlabs.com) harnesses its powers to create a long-lasting moisture barrier while zinc, copper and magnesium are also in the mix to improve circulation and protect against free-radical damage.

Concentrated and fast absorbing, Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum (£70; spacenk.com/uk) works on dehydration, fine lines and sensitivity.

Its secret is the Korean beauty essential ingredient, THD ascorbate, which is seriously impressive at tackling uneven skin tone and banishing dark spots.

It reduces the appearance of pores, too, so you can go minimal with your make-up as well as your skincare.

As the name suggests, Make Succulent Mist (£20; feelunique.com) is packed with plant power that would be most at home in arid landscapes.

Cactus extract hydrates while aloe vera, prickly pear and – hello again, you hero – hyaluronic acid nourish, detoxify and reduce redness.

Another product harnessing the power of our spiky friends is Dermalogica Calm Water Gel (£44.50; dermalogica.com).

Skin sensitivity can increase in the heat when pollution soars, so this lightweight barrier protects using cactus pear extract and glycerin while forming a weightless barrier to protect against environmental triggers.

A ceramic applicator brings “ice cube freshness” to Dior Hydra Life Cooling Hydration Sorbet Eye Gel (£39; dior.com) while cornflower water decongests and mineral powders illuminate and camouflage dark circles to reduce the need for concealer when you can’t be bothered to layer up.

If you think that’s fresh, check out Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Luminescence Moisturizing Jelly Cream (£46; debenhams.com).

It’s ultra fine, instantly hydrates the skin and is supremely pleasing in the speediness with which the bright blue jelly recovers its smooth appearance in the jar after even the largest dollop has been pilfered, like slime in a Ghostbusters movie…

Sun cream is lightweight these days, too, and Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35 (£20; glossier.com) is one you can – and should – use every day.

Its water-gel formula means it isn’t heavy or greasy and won’t turn your skin white, like the sun blocks of old.

Fermented yeast and vegetal extract create an invisible, breathable matrix that prevent pollutants getting in, while sweet orange oil means it smells fabulous, too.

Skincare meets make-up in Vita Liberata Illuminaze Complexion Veil (£29.95; vitaliberata.co.uk).

Suspended pigments are released on application to create beautifully sheer coverage for a dewy, natural look that doesn’t require foundation on top.

Organic macadamia oil brings fatty acids that improve elasticity and help banish fine lines.

Similarly, Winky Lux White Tea Tinted Veil (£19; winkylux.com) adds a gentle hint of colour with the additional benefit of a broad-spectrum SPF 30.

The extracts from your cuppa are calming and contain antioxidants to protect while pomegranate extract supplies vitamins A and E to nourish. To paraphrase John Torode on MasterChef, it’s a lovely, lovely thing

KISS AND MAKE UP

If you’ve spent so long thinking about which bikinis, sun hats and beach reads to pack for your hols that you haven’t got the energy to curate the perfect wash bag as well, let the experts at Estée Lauder Companies do it for you.

Their Beautiful Escape Second Edition Beauty Box (£25; origins.co.uk) contains potions worth more than £70 from some of my favourite brands, including Origins, Mac and Bumble and Bumble.

All of its products are full of goodness – 100 per cent natural and created using botanical extracts, plant butters, herbs, clays, natural essential oils and fruit extracts.

Its new Rose & Honey Milk Leave-In Detangler (£19; floracurl.com) has an amazing aroma and will leave straw-like summer locks glossy, smooth and tangle-free.

Sometimes, hot water and loom, prossecco: you might think you’re striking a healthy balance but your teeth might not be so thrilled as the acids in these drinks will erode the outer layer of our pearly whites.

There is help, though – Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Foaming Mouthwash (£10; boots.com) uses micro-bubbles that reach between the teeth and restore essential enamel mineral content.

If summer breakouts are ruining your sunshine selfies, I’d recommend tracking down Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel (£8; superdrug.com).

The soapless formula removes impurities and regulates sebum production without affecting the skin’s PH balance.

Best of all, it can be used all over the body to ensure a blemish-free back and décolleté, which is perfect for the bikini season, and now comes in 100ml bottles so it’s travel-friendly, too.

Frizz, curls, kinks, Afros and wiry waves – if your hair is textured, Flora & Curl has your back.