Sun is shining, the weather is sweet.
After a long, cold winter, there is no sight more welcome than that first burst of sunshine as we head through spring and into summer, and the extra daylight hours and boost in Vitamin D can leave you feeling more fabulous than you have done in months.
But when you feel great, you want to look great to match – and the legacy of dryness and dullness left behind on your skin, hair and nails from the harsh winter weather is often all that is standing between you and that coveted summer glow.
Thankfully, with a bit of TLC, an all-round radiance can be yours – and we’ve rounded up our top six simplest tips to show you how.
Hydrate
Beauty starts from within, and dehydration can leave your skin feeling dry and parched, leaving it more prone to wrinkles. Guzzling plenty of H20 will ensure that you look and feel great, giving skin a much-needed boost and upping your energy levels, too.
Not only that, but if you’re prone to headaches then you might find that drinking that little bit extra makes all the difference – so fill up a two-litre water bottle, keep it on your desk at work and sip regularly to ensure that you’re getting your fill.
Get Moving!
Hitting the gym might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but getting active and breaking a sweat can work wonders for your skin – and there are lots of other ways you can get your blood pumping without setting foot on a treadmill.
Try a brisk, 30-minute walk in the countryside, or take up a dance class – whatever it is that you enjoy. Not only will it put a bit of colour in your cheeks and leave you looking fresher-faced, but exercise is also a greater mood booster, too – ideal if you’re still struggling to shake those lingering winter blues.
Eat Your Greens
Make getting your recommended daily dose of veggies a priority and be prepared to reap the benefits. Green veggies such as broccoli and kale are packed with antioxidants, helping to fight the free radicals that break down collagen over time. The result? Your skin will remain plumper and healthier for longer, as well as looking more radiant. Get drinking those green smoothies – it’s a no-brainer.
Overhaul Your Skincare Regime
Falling asleep in your make-up is for teenagers – a grown woman should look after her skin. Start a skincare regime of at least three steps and stick to it, morning and evening, and you’ll soon see some great results.
A cream cleanser can be great for removing makeup and giving skin a deep down clean – try doubling up for best results. Follow with a toner to tighten pores, and finish with a light moisturiser. Look for brands which are packed with natural, organic ingredients – and avoid chemical nasties such as parabens, silicones and SLS. Silicones and parabens don’t just accelerate skin and hair ageing – they have also been shown to wreak havoc when they enter the waterway and are terrible for the environment – an extra reason to go back to basics and give your skin the natural goodness it really wants.
Get those Teeth Gleaming
A great smile is often one of the first things others will notice about you, so get those pearly whites in shape and you’ll look and feel great.
Switch to an electric toothbrush to guarantee an intensive clean every day, and try a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste, like this charcoal toothpaste on Amazon, to ensure the best health for teeth and body. And don’t forget to floss twice daily to clean between teeth and protect those gums.
Nurture Your Own Passions
Nothing gives you a better glow than a life well lived. If you’ve been neglecting your hobbies during the colder months, now is the time to start enjoying yourself again and get back into them.
Allocate some time each week to do the things that make you happy, whether that’s cooking, knitting, riding your bike or writing. A true glow comes from within!
