Sarah Loves... Summer 2026
For Sarah, there are lots of lovely things lined up for summer fun – a Golden Wedding extravaganza in France, picnic concerts at Forde Abbey (her local, with wonderful garden and panelled hall), people to stay and lots more. So she’s thrilled to have found these summertime products to recommend…
Kure Bazaar Base Intensive Hyaluronique and Le Vernis Lumière
I love these Kure Bazaar products SO much. For the first time in what feels like aeons, I am flaunting my pretty fingernails rather than sitting on them... After two bouts of Norovirus, they’d become weak, splitting and flaky. Then every time I gave in and let a manicurist abrade my nails to get them smooth for polish, that set them back another three months. The base coat is an intensive 2-in-1 treatment and base, featuring hibiscus extract, vitamin E, calcium, as well as hyaluronic acid plus lemon extract for its brightening properties. And the illuminating varnish is just delightful, available in three shades: Blanc, Rose and Beige, which I’m using now (though I love Rose too). Both products go on like a dream and OMG they last so long
Kure Bazaar Base Intensive Hyaluronique/£24 - buy here
Le Vernis Lumière/£22 - buy here
Hada Labo Tokyo Light Hydrator Sun Face Cream SPF50
This high protection, matte-look moisturiser from the top selling brand in Japan is a brilliant base for make-up (doesn’t ‘pill’ at all when I put on serum foundation, unlike others I’ve tried recently), and great value. And again, a key ingredient is a blend of multiple hyaluronic acids – patented as Super Hyaluronic Acid™ and simply the best for leaving skin plump and supple. It ghosts very very slightly when you first apply it but that disappears in a trice and it absorbs really quickly. It’s also water-resistant for those who want to swim or if you just get caught in a downpour. The brand suggests customising it with tanning drops for a ‘sun-kissed glow’. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and claims to balance oily areas (not my problem) and reduce redness (haven’t noticed…) PS Not at all natural, though, if that bothers you.
£18.99 for 50ml - buy here
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue Oil for Hair Protection
Way back, hair genius Paul Edmonds – a very long-time favourite among top stylists – gave me this to try. I still use it all the time to tame frizzies and dry ends, give shine and persuade my thick, dry, coloured mop into behaving nicely. You only need a drop of two, applied to mid-lengths and ends they say – though I do rub it straight on one short flyaway section by my parting. I find the best way is to pop a drop in a palm, rub together with the other one, throw my head upside down and stroke through. Kinda magic, really.
£36.50 for 50ml – buy here
Cosmetics à la Carte Matte Eye Define Salmon
To conceal dark shadows in the inner corners of eyes, a brilliant tip is to use this pale apricot-y shadow in and around those pesky nooks. The pink-y shade neutralises the violet/dark blue of the shadow, as the lovely make-up artists at Cosmetics à la Carte explained when I went there with two friends for this recent Beauty Bible make-over feature – read it here.
I apply it with a titchy brush, over foundation or concealer, and it instantly makes me look as if I’ve had nine hours sleep – and a holiday. Result!
£25 – buy here
L’Occitane Amande Sublime Quenching Milk Veil
This light milky body lotion smells so delicious – like marzipan – that I could practically eat it. And stroking it all over is a treat, not least because it really does soften dry skin immediately, due to the nourishing almond oil and milk. The brand promises it also firms the skin – I love the thought and it’s a definite maybe. Not budget, I know, but it’s a big flacon and lasts a good while, a welcome addition to L’Occitane’s almost cult-status Amande line. It’s just a total delight to use and really works so I wouldn’t ask for anything more.
£39 for 250ml - buy here
