We The People

WHERE — Barcelona
PHOTOGRAPHY — Sam Flaherty
IN COLLABORATION WITH — Calvin Klein

Breaking down the best tricks of the trade for sun-smart skin.

As someone who grew up in New Zealand (a country which has a very large hole where it’s ozone layer should be) and spent many a summer with ridiculous sunburn as a kid I’ve since become hyper-aware about looking after my skin under the sun.

I know I’m not the only one who is voyeuristic when it comes to other peoples skincare routines. So I wanted to share a few of my summer skin tricks, and of course, if anyone has any magical oil-free sunscreens or must-have summer products; please do share!

EXFOLIATE

Sounds obvious, but how many of us actually use body exfoliants on the reg? If you engage in any kind of hair removal (inc shaving) then it’s time to make exfoliating part of your shower routine.

If you’re feeling like splashing out, Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Scrub is actually magic in a tube. Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Polish is another near miracle worker for baby-smooth skin.

ALL HAIL THE ONE PIECE

All hail the one piece – if you believe the age old cliche of less is more, then is makes sense that the one piece is often more sexy than an itty bitty bikini. It’s also a winner if you want to minimise body prep (such as waxing) and want to save delicate areas from sun exposure. I’m all about this minimal one piece by Calvin Klein – extra points for the sexy-yet-scuba zipper.

FAKE IT

Depending on your skin tone and/or desire to be extra golden, it pays to fake it. To me fake tan sometimes feels like the height of vanity, but in reality, it’s a hell of a lot smarter than sitting in the sun for hours on end.

Generally I don’t have the patience or application skills for fake tan, but I will say that Tan Luxe’s gradual, scent-free tanning water really does deliver a seamless tan without any streaks or weird smells.

WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY SINGLE DAY

It blows my mind how often I’ll see girls applying an oil with SPF 6 or something equally ludicrous. Opt for an oil-free facial sunscreen 365 days of the year (yes, you can get sun damage even when it’s cloudy) and then apply generously SPF 30+ on your body when and where needed.

I swear by Clinique’s City Block facial sunscreen religiously. La Roche Posay Anthelios’s Dry Touch Sunscreen is another favourite. And honestly think Neutrogena’s new dry touch sunscreen is the best budget option available.

WEAR RED OR WHITE

It’s the oldest swimwear trick in the book (Baywatch anyone?). Both hues help in creating an illusion of a tan not to mention are universally flattering. The Calvin Klein cut-out two piece has serious Pammy Andy vibes going on which I’m definitely on board with.