Next week marks the start of the Summer solstice, where the clocks go forward and we're officially out of Winter. Looking out the window it doesn't quite feel that way, but that doesn't mean we can't update our beauty routine and makeup bags in preparation.Your skin needs different products in lighter seasons, while makeup needs to be less heavy and colours lighter. Put those thick foundations on hold, put the dark eyeshadow down and swap that bright red lipstick for something subtler... The Debenhams beauty hall has got us all covered this Spring.
![]()
1. Ditch the heavy moisturisers
In the winter you need to be using all kind of concoctions to replace the moisture lost in harsh winds and by having the central heating on constantly. When the weather gets warmer and your skin is exposed to more sun (hopefully!) then swaps need to be made in favour of a lighter moisturiser with added SPF. Bare Minerals, Elemis and Clinique do a great range of lighter moisturisers that provide all the goodness you need, while not being too heavy on the skin. Make sure you're still applying daily and under makeup, as this provides the canvas from which to work on all Summer long.
2. Pick a lighter base
Colder months call for thicker bases, but in Spring you should be swapping in tinted moisturisers and sheerer formulas like Benefit's Hello Flawless foundation. A lighter foundation allows your natural glow to shine through, helping you to look like you're barely wearing anything at all. BB Creams are perfect for this as they give you a flawless result, with added goodness and coverage all in one application that takes less than two minutes to apply. Perfect skin and more time in bed? Bonus.
3. Change your colour palette
We all stick to browns, greys and blacks throughout the Winter, reaching for the safe colours we know suit us and work with the darker colour palette we adorn on our bodies. With lighter colours across the high street and pastels very much back in for Spring, swap dark browns for beiges, navy blues for turquoise and red lipsticks for bright pinks. You can afford to be a little more adventurous in the warmer months so brands like Bobbi Brown, Nars and YSL have got you covered. If you're a bit scared of adding too much colour to your makeup routine, why not add a slick of colourful nail varnish like this bright neon (and totally on-trend) green from Nails Inc?
4. Get out your toes
I don't know about you, but my toes remain firmly within tights from October to April. They barely see the light of day and so they're inevitably in need of some pampering right about now. L'Occitane offer some incredible foot creams which will have you in tip top shape in no time - just smother feet before bed, pop on some socks and wake up with smooth tootsies that are ready to be outed. Make sure you add in a sweep of nail varnish too, using a bright pink or orange shade to bring out your tropical side.
5. Let skin sparkle
If you can't get a natural tan right now, then faking it is the best way. Exfoliate away the dead skin cells that have been building up throughout the colder months, moisturising daily to create a smooth base on which to create a golden glow. Using a mitt, apply a light coat of St Tropez lotion to skin (not forgetting to blend carefully into hands and feet) and leave to work overnight. The formula reacts to the dirt in your skin (manky but true) so applying at night time will leave you with a deeper and more uniformed colour that will encourage you to get your limbs out. Finish with a dusting of shimmer illuminator on the skin to make you feel like a goddess.
When will you be starting the season transition and what products will you be using to help with the transformation? I'd love to know your tips!
This is a commissioned post produced in collaboration with Debenhams.
In the winter you need to be using all kind of concoctions to replace the moisture lost in harsh winds and by having the central heating on constantly. When the weather gets warmer and your skin is exposed to more sun (hopefully!) then swaps need to be made in favour of a lighter moisturiser with added SPF. Bare Minerals, Elemis and Clinique do a great range of lighter moisturisers that provide all the goodness you need, while not being too heavy on the skin. Make sure you're still applying daily and under makeup, as this provides the canvas from which to work on all Summer long.
2. Pick a lighter base
Colder months call for thicker bases, but in Spring you should be swapping in tinted moisturisers and sheerer formulas like Benefit's Hello Flawless foundation. A lighter foundation allows your natural glow to shine through, helping you to look like you're barely wearing anything at all. BB Creams are perfect for this as they give you a flawless result, with added goodness and coverage all in one application that takes less than two minutes to apply. Perfect skin and more time in bed? Bonus.
3. Change your colour palette
We all stick to browns, greys and blacks throughout the Winter, reaching for the safe colours we know suit us and work with the darker colour palette we adorn on our bodies. With lighter colours across the high street and pastels very much back in for Spring, swap dark browns for beiges, navy blues for turquoise and red lipsticks for bright pinks. You can afford to be a little more adventurous in the warmer months so brands like Bobbi Brown, Nars and YSL have got you covered. If you're a bit scared of adding too much colour to your makeup routine, why not add a slick of colourful nail varnish like this bright neon (and totally on-trend) green from Nails Inc?
4. Get out your toes
I don't know about you, but my toes remain firmly within tights from October to April. They barely see the light of day and so they're inevitably in need of some pampering right about now. L'Occitane offer some incredible foot creams which will have you in tip top shape in no time - just smother feet before bed, pop on some socks and wake up with smooth tootsies that are ready to be outed. Make sure you add in a sweep of nail varnish too, using a bright pink or orange shade to bring out your tropical side.
5. Let skin sparkle
If you can't get a natural tan right now, then faking it is the best way. Exfoliate away the dead skin cells that have been building up throughout the colder months, moisturising daily to create a smooth base on which to create a golden glow. Using a mitt, apply a light coat of St Tropez lotion to skin (not forgetting to blend carefully into hands and feet) and leave to work overnight. The formula reacts to the dirt in your skin (manky but true) so applying at night time will leave you with a deeper and more uniformed colour that will encourage you to get your limbs out. Finish with a dusting of shimmer illuminator on the skin to make you feel like a goddess.
When will you be starting the season transition and what products will you be using to help with the transformation? I'd love to know your tips!
This is a commissioned post produced in collaboration with Debenhams.