Our great British summer may be unpredictable but the sun definitely shines brighter for longer, flowers are in full bloom and Vitamin D is here for the taking. These days are made for enjoying so, to keep your mind, body, skin and mood happy and glowing throughout, these are our Founder Gemma’s top tips and tricks.
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Stay fresh
Warmer days means skin often produces more oil. Add to this extra sweat from running around and it’s no surprise skin gets reactive or spotty. Our Nourishing Cream Cleanser keeps this in check.
Formulated with Moringa Seed, Peat, Papaya, Liquorice and Quartz, it clears makeup, oil, impurities and sweat (without stripping skin or leaving it tight), plus also soothes, nourishes and gently exfoliates away dead cells and lingering SPF.
My extra tip: Use a damp face cloth or muslin to remove your cleanser for an extra-fresh finish.
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Stay hydrated
If, like me, you worry about dehydrated skin from sun and sweating, you’ll know how important moisturising is. On the flip side, lots of creams feel heavy and sticky. Not ours! The Hydrating Face Cream and Energising Body Lotion are lightweight yet super-hydrating, sinking into skin at record speed.
Even better, our fragrance-free Hydrating Face Cream helps soothe sensitivity and reduce redness (great if you’re prone to summer flushing).
My extra tip: Don’t skip tops of ears, backs of neck, hands and feet. They need moisture too. Go makeup-free more as well. Our Nourishing Cream Cleanser and Hydrating Face Cream deliver glowing, fresh-faced confidence, plus it helps skin breathe and stay balanced.
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Stay protected
The risk of sunburn and skin damage between May and September means daily suncream is non-negotiable. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 over your Gem & Tonic face cream and body lotion - and reapply every 2 hours and post-swim.
My extra tip: Remember scalp protection. Wear a cap or hat when out in peak sun. Yes, the extra heat and sweat can make scalps sticky, but that’s nothing our Hair and Scalp Mist won’t remedy. Spritz into roots, rub in with fingers and either let it air-dry or give it a cool blast with a hair dryer. It refreshes roots and hair in minutes while giving your scalp a conditioning boost.
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Get out to boost your inner glow
I love a HIIT or gym sesh. It de-stresses, keeps me strong and feeling good while shifting toxins, boosting circulation, cell turnover, endorphins, and ultimately leaving skin glowing.
Now, take your workout outside - ideally early on, to avoid high heat and UV. Just 20 minutes in a green space is proven to reduce stress. Plus, sunlight increases ‘feel good’ chemical serotonin and keeps our circadian rhythm in balance - so we focus, concentrate and even sleep better too.
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Nourish from within
We all know it but we’ll still say it… keep your water intake high, drinking at least a litre a day. Eat seasonally too - avocado, leafy greens, greek yoghurt and berries will keep your body cool, nourished and feeling good.
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Socialise
We don’t mean drinks and dancing all night; we’re talking garden or park dates with friends and family. Take bikes or scooters, go strawberry picking, plan a beach trip. Being with others is great for lowering stress and lifting your mood… and summer days off are the best excuse for this.
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…But set boundaries too
Of course, it’s really tempting to say yes to every invite when the sun is shining. With so much going on, be mindful to not drain your battery. It’s ok to say no - after all, listening to your body is one of the best forms of selfcare. Plan quiet evenings at home to recharge, sleep and reset.
“Being in bed by 9pm is bliss. Sleep is key, though for any parent, its quality is child dependent! Luckily on the days I’m not my energised best, my Gem & Tonic essentials save the day! Have a great summer - and share your own top tips with us on Instagram.” Gemma, Founder of Gem & Tonic