Easy August Beauty

When the final days of summer stretch on, a simple swipe of this and flick of that is all the time we’re willing to sacrifice to ensure maximum outdoor fun can be savored. Include these overachieving products in your routine for the easiest August beauty looks ever.

HAIR

While a hair oil can add a mega dose of moisture, it can also leaves strands limp and a little, well, oily looking. But the need for a product to smooth and tame hair is still a summer staple; what’s a girl to do? Reach for a oil-cream hybrid, of course, and there is none better than Kérastase’s PARIS Elixir Crème Fine. This lush cream is formulated with luxurious white flower oil to replenish and hydrate. When used on damp hair, it tames tresses, enhances movement and creates lustre. Smooth on a dollop midday for a pick me up that smooths frizz and banishes dryness.

Is there anything more easy-breezy beauty appropriate than tousled, tumbling tresses? We think not. Achieve the look by lightly spritzing on Shu Uemura’s Art of Hair Liquid Fabric Mineral Texture Spray. Coaxing out and emphasizing a wave, this fine-misting spray creates a beautifully natural-looking pattern while adding a bit of that undone texture. Never sticky, gritty or heavy, this mineral-infused formula imparts that elusive wavy, beachy look while moisturizing locks. It’s frizz-smoothing, humidity-resitant and heat-styling protection abilities make this an all-around overachiever, and we’re thrilled about it.

For a quick shot of sleekness, flick a tiny bit of Kérastase PARIS Solid Serum in Oil through the ends. An innovative solid serum infused with beautifying (and beautifully scented) oils, this balm can be tossed in your bag for a mid-day pick me up — it’s like a solid perfume for ends that scents, smooths and boosts shine. Define ends with a small dab warmed between fingers; it instantly melts, making it a perfect anytime, anywhere hit of hair nutrition and definition.

MAKEUP

There’s something about a glossy lip that just dictates August ease, and nothing beats Givenchy’s Gelée D’interdit. A glossy balm with an impressive skincare-like result means pouts are extra pampered — this smoothing and beautifying gelée plumps fine lines and hydrates like crazy for long-lasting comfort. This high-tech formula also “supports the natural cell renewal process, preventing the accumulation of dead cells on the lips, which can create irregular lines.” If that isn’t enough, it’s supremely soft looking, plumped and just-shiny-enough effect surely will be.

A luxury in formulation thanks to its ability to glide on lids gorgeously and boast impressive staying power, NARS’ new (and surely soon to be cult classic) Velvet Shadow Stick in the sumptuous shade Glénan, is a flattering-on-everyone, easy to use must. Its super subtle shimmer intensifies eyes and can be used to define the lashline with an understated flick, or scribbled on lids for a more dramatic effect.

You will more than likely find Fresh’s Lip Treatment in every single makeup artist’s bag as well as on any beauty girl in the know’s vanity; it’s simply the most deliciously hydrating balm on earth. It packs a winning combination of gorgeous texture, addictive, sophisticated citrus flavour, and instant and long term results. With moisture-preserving sugar, nourishing precious oils, antioxidant-rich polyphenols, and essential SPF protection (which is still essential All. Year. Long!) one easy swipe of this lip-beautifying balm instantly pulls your look together.

For an added shot of glamour that’ll take you right into fall, reach for their berry tinted shade, and for an even bolder pop of saturation, top with the matching Sugar Berry Shine Lip Treatment. Looking so right with sun kissed skin, the deep, just-bitten shade looks August fresh with it’s subtly shiny texture and adds and extra shot of suppleness.

SKINCARE

August heat can mean sticky, humid days with plenty of sunshine, and a few chilly days sprinkled in  — just ’cause — of course, Canada. Calm your complexion and keep it happy with Pai’s Avocado and Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream. The line was specifically created for finicky skin and boasts an organic, clean philosophy; non-irritating, remedial and all natural ingredients make for a beautiful complexion. For a fuss-free day cream, smooth on this vitamin-rich formula that instantly softens, supremely hydrates and nourishes skin. Melting into skin, this stuff makes skin so glowy, you can skip foundation.

The original water-based skincare product, Bioderma’s Sensible H20 is a staple backstage at every fashion week around the world, in every top model and makeup artist’s kit, and an all time editor favourite. Created back in 1992, this wonder water was a breakthrough and is the benchmark that sparked the water-as-skincare trend. Still best in class, it cleanses skin and removes makeup (even every trace of waterproof mascara!) with its gentle physiological pH-balanced and soap-free base. But it doesn’t stop there: it tones, decongests, prevents irritation, and leaves skin cool and soothed all in one easy step.

A good, deep scrub not only feel amazing, but can induce incredibly skin-softening results, too. Dermalogica’s Exfoliating Body Scrub does both, beautifully, with its “stimulating Papaya Enzymes, Rice Bran, and pulverized Olive, Fig and Date seeds” spiked formula. The natural enzyme combined with the physical exfoliators makes for the softest result ever, and is a true pleasure to use: the formula lightly foams and is formulated with the delightfully scented Lavender, Orange, Sandalwood, Rosemary and Patchouli essential oils, making this the simplest way to achieve amazing skin from head to toe.