- Look Good
- 11th Jun 2025
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- 0 minute
The Great Northern Glow-Up: Summer skincare and beauty switches that actually work
Sunshine season is (finally) here, and with it comes a whole new reason to give our skincare and beauty routines a glow-up.
As much as we love the comforting cocoon of our winter moisturisers and berry-hued lipsticks, they’re about as useful on a scorching afternoon in Tynemouth as a woolly jumper at the beach.
But fear not – we’ve got the ultimate guide to swapping your staples, updating your glam, and embracing the kind of glow up that says “I’ve just come back from the Amalfi Coast” (even if you’ve just nipped down to Jesmond Dene).
Let’s talk SPF (and no, 15 doesn’t count)
We know, we know – everyone bangs on about SPF. But we’re here to bang louder because it really is the MVP of any summer skin regime. Not only does it protect from sunburn (obvs), it also prevents premature ageing, pigmentation, and that tight, stingy feeling after too much time alfresco.
For everyday wear under makeup, we love La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (£20), which is ultra-light and available for sensitive skin.
Budget babes, meet Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen Lotion (£7.99) – high protection without the greasiness and water resistant for up to 4 hours.
And if you’re topping up on the go, Naked Sunday’s SPF 50 Hydrating Glow Mist (£18) is handbag-friendly and doesn’t ruin your glam.
Hot tip? Apply it even when it’s cloudy. UV rays are sneaky.
Switch It up: Summer skincare swaps
Ditch the heavy-duty hydrators – your skin craves breathable layers that won’t slide off by lunchtime. Gel moisturisers are your new BFF for that lightweight feel.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (£13.99) is a cult fave for a reason – hydrating, cooling, and non-sticky.
For something more luxe, Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream (£36) gives glass skin vibes without the shine.
And speaking of hydration, keep a facial mist in your bag. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (£8) is a timeless classic that’ll keep you feeling refreshed between Pimms and pavement sunbathing.
Fake it til’ you bake it: Self-tan that doesn’t streak
We’re not all blessed with that ‘naturally golden’ glow. (And honestly, we’ve seen enough lobster-red shoulders in Whitley Bay to know that natural tanning isn’t always the way).
Self-tan is your secret weapon – if you find the right one. Tanologist Express Tan Mousse (£15.99) develops in as little as one hour and is great for busy gals.
For a skin-friendly option, use Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Face Drops (£19.95) mixed with your moisturiser, giving you control over the depth of your tan.
Pro tip: Exfoliate the day before, moisturise your knees, elbows and ankles, and use a mitt. Always a mitt.
Beauty therapy: Local treatments that glow
Sometimes a facial just hits differently – especially when it’s done by a pro. Here are some of the North East’s glow-getting gems:
The Retreat Spa at Matfen Hall
Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0RH
Known for their Skin-Zen Rose Face Therapy and bespoke skin plans, this peaceful haven is where celebs and locals alike go to get skin that glows for days. You can even try their 3D Collagen Shock Face Therapy if you’re feeling experimental!
Jesmond Beauty Clinic
11-12 Clayton Rd, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4RP
Want something a little more cutting-edge? Skin boosters like SmartMeso are making waves in the region. It’s basically a non-invasive alternative to microneedling, giving you a lit-from-within, hydrated look for weeks.
City Retreat
Locations in Jesmond, Gosforth & Newcastle City Centre
What about something completely unique? City Retreat’s LED Light Therapy uses targeted light wavelengths to boost collagen, calm inflammation, and brighten skin –leaving you with a clearer, healthier glow after every session.
Makeup moves: From matte to glow
That full-coverage foundation that saw you through winter? It’s time to let it go, hun.
Summer makeup should be breathable and radiant. Swap your base for something lighter – NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (£30) is an absolute staple.
Orr for a high street hero, e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter (£15) gives glow without grease.
Cream products are your friend – think blushes, bronzers, and highlighters that melt into the skin rather than sit on top. Made by Mitchell Blursh Liquid Blushers (£14) are TikTok-famous and totally worth it.
Top it all off with a setting spray that locks it in without drying you out. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (£32) is a fan favourite,
but Revolution Fix & Glow Dewy Finish (£8.99) is a fab dupe, adding some luminous shimmer.
Your summer beauty checklist
- SPF every single day (no excuses)
- Swap heavy creams for gels and mists
- Nail your self-tan game (mitts = magic)
- Treat yourself to a facial or skin booster
- Embrace cream makeup for that summer sheen
Whether you’re beach-bound or just braving the sun in Heaton Park, the key to glowing this summer is making small, smart switches. A few tweaks here, a touch of tan there, and suddenly you’re not just surviving summer – you’re thriving in it.
See you at the SPF aisle.
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