Okay, so a *real* Summer holiday might be off the cards for most of us at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make the most of the warmer weather when it does (eventually) roll around. In fact, when sunny days are so few and far between, it’d be rude not to squeeze every bit of joy out of them that we can.
For me, that means that I have zero time for my (usually bearable but in summertime positively arduous) hair and beauty routine. I’m talking hair, nails, makeup – the lot. And yes, although I dream of being the care-free ‘I woke up like this’ girl who can head straight from the park to dinner makeup-free, that’s just not me (anyone who knows me can tell you that filling in my blonde/completely invisible eyebrows is pretty much non-negotiable before heading out – but hey, we’ve all got our *thing*).
If you can relate – you’re in luck. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the treatments that will make your summer as care-free as possible (well, you know, given the circumstances). Ready for your effortless ‘hot girl summer?’ We’ve got it covered.
By Beth Ryan
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1 Brow lamination for an effortless A* brow gameAs Jack Black once said: ‘You must never underestimate the power of the eyebrow’, and tbh, I think wiser words have yet to be spoken. Whilst I am (as already established) slightly obsessed with brows, the last thing I want to be doing on a summer morning is spending precious time trying to perfect my arches.
Enter: brow lamination. This treatment is essentially like a lash lift for your brows. The hairs are tinted and set in the same direction, giving the appearance of full, just-brushed brows. The end result is similar to the soap-brow look (which is easily the biggest eyebrow trend to come out of the past year or so, so win-win). The main reason we love it? It can last up to 1 month, meaning zero brow up-keep and perfect brows for that entire time. What dreams are made of.
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2 Gel nails for chip-free digit perfection
I’m going to say it. I gave up on regular nail polish (at least the at-home version) a while back. The chips, the smudges – by the time I’ve painted my nails they’re pretty much already a mess. If you love the painted nails look, but you’re looking for a more long-lasting solution, then opt for a semi-permanent mani-pedi.
Semi-permanent or gel mani-pedis are glossy, shiny, and super-durable. They’ll last around 2 weeks, which makes them perfect for your ‘zero effort’ beauty goals. Choose your fave colour, or get inspired by some of summer’s biggest nail trends – reverse french manis and pastel nail art, we’re looking at you. Don’t forget to follow these tips to keep your gel nails looking fresh for longer.
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3 Brow tint for *subtle* long-lasting definition
If you’re not loving the soap brow look that brow lamination gives you (hey, it’s not for everyone) – then a classic brow tint might be more down your street. A tint adds definition to your brows, and can give the illusion that they’re thicker, bushier, and all-round more preened. This is because the dye can catch some of the finer hairs, which helps add to the ‘fullness’ look that we’re after. Combine with an eyebrow wax, and you’ll be on your way to full, defined brows in no time. Again, all of this means that you’ll be able to skip the brow filling and taming in the morning, and enjoy more precious time enjoying your summer (or a few extra mins in bed- we’re not judging).
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4 Eyelash extensions for effort-free flutter
Okay, so if your *thing* is that you love lengthy, voluminous lashes, and are rarely seen without a pair of falsies or a couple coats of mascara – then this is the treatment for you. Eyelash extensions are great at giving you that fluttery, doe-eyed gaze – with zero effort, and without having to worry about running mascara or sweating off that strip lash glue (I’ve been there).
The main advantages? They last up to eight weeks – with a little TLC, they completely streamline your ‘getting ready to go out’ process, and there are a tonne of styles to choose from. If you love the bold, dramatic look, opt for Russian Volume lashes. If you like a more subtle flutter, Classic 1:1 extensions might be your new go-to. Hot tip: 2021’s biggest lash trend focuses on the outer corners – ask for this style for a natural-looking, ‘lifted’ effect. You’re welcome.
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5 Keratin treatments for frizz-prone hair
Picture this: the sun is out, your friends are waiting for you with a beer (or two) in the park, and you’re battling with the straighteners in 30 degree heat (this may or may not be taken from many a real life situation I’ve found myself in this summer). Personally, I know there are better ways to be spending my time (not to mention the damage I’m causing to my poor hair), but unfortunately – I’m not blessed with silky smooth locks. In fact, in summer, my hair suffers from a pretty chronic case of frizz. This is where keratin (or anti-frizz) treatments come in.
Keratin treatments are a semi-permanent solution to frizzy, unmanageable hair, which last up to 4 months. The keratin (a protein) nourishes and hydrates your hair, making it smoother, healthier and shinier. The best bit? The keratin forms a protective layer, seals hair cuticles and protects against damage. So, if you a) can’t stand the heat of straightening or blow drying your hair in summer, b) want effortlessly smooth hair every day, or c) just don’t want to waste a second of this fickle summer of ours styling your hair, then a keratin treatment might just be your golden ticket.
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6 Sugaring for long-lasting, all-natural hair removal
If you’re into hair removal, you’ll have likely dealt with your fair share of shaving bumps, strawberry legs, and other hair-shifting inconveniences. When it comes to summer, I have personally found myself skipping the bare-leg days because it’s simply too much effort to attain the perfectly smooth pins I desire. No more, I say!
Whilst waxing is a firm fave with hair-shifters everywhere, its lesser-known cousin has become more and more prominent in recent years as a natural, slightly more gentle alternative. Cue: sugaring. Like wax, the hair is pulled straight from the root, providing a long-lasting, silky smooth result. Unlike wax, though, the paste will only stick directly to the hair (and not pull at the skin), making for a *slightly* more comfortable experience. The sugar used in the paste also exfoliates the skin, which can help prevent ingrown hairs and regrowth – pretty sweet, if you ask us. So, if you’re looking for a hair removal option with minimal upkeep, it might be worth giving sugaring a go.
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