Sally Foran: Here are my summer beauty hero products

Beauty editor Sally Foran shares her summer beauty essentials

As we all try to survive this heat, It's only right that your makeup does the same

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026 - 01:00

Sally Foran

Remi Bye Bye Build Up Scalp Exfoliator

During the summer, heat, humidity and product build up (I’m a product junkie, I blame my job!) can leave my scalp feeling congested and my hair looking greasier, much faster than normal. I’ve recently discovered the benefits of scalp exfoliation and this is the best one out there.

It’s a triple acid exfoliating gel that helps remove buildup and resets the scalp. It’s been an absolute game changer for my scalp health, especially in this weather. It harnesses the power of AHA and BHA acids, by gently dissolving flakes, sweat, pollution, and product residue — helping to clear blocked follicles, reduce oiliness, and soothe irritation. It also contains Witch Hazel Leaf Water, which calms irritation and reduces itchiness, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, which supports hair strength and finally Panthenol which soothes the scalp.

€29, remiscalp.com

Bioderma Cicabio Cream

I had never experienced an insect bite until this summer, now that I have, I’m so glad this product exists... It not only soothes the itch but also helps prevent scars forming.

It can also be used on acne scars, healing tattoos, post-surgery wounds, shaving nicks, sore nipples and even ingrown hairs.

Its formula supports the skin’s natural healing process with Antalgicine to reduce the urge to scratch, polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid for hydration, Centella Asiatica to encourage repair, and copper and zinc to purify damaged skin. A holiday essential.

€10, Meaghers Pharmacy

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Stick

I’d always suffered from cracked heels until I discovered this genius multipurpose stick. Its trio of actives eliminates them in days: 7% glycolic acid sloughs off dead skin cells, 0.5% salicylic acid clears blocked pores and controls bacteria, while 10% shea butter instantly softens and soothes.

It can also be used on scaly, dry knees and elbows, to help tackle body breakouts, fade post-blemish marks and, if you don’t have sensitive underarms, try using it to reduce odour and ingrown hairs.

€17, Cult Beauty

Megababe Thigh Rescue

In the summer I love to wear dresses to keep cool, but I do not like the inevitable ‘chub rub’, which is where this clever product comes in.

It glides smoothly over skin, forming a protective barrier with numerous nourishing extracts including aloe to soothe skin, pomegranate seed extract to promote healing, ginger root extract to even skin tone and orange oil to provide quick and effective relief from inflammation. It lasts hours, is safe for sensitive skin, and the perfect size to fit in your handbag.

€13, Look Fantastic

Chanel Water Fresh Tint

If ever there was a skin tint made for summer, this is it! Lightweight, hydrating and incredibly refreshing, it’s made with 75% water to deliver an instant cooling effect and up to eight hours of hydration.

Using micro-fluidic technology, tiny pigment droplets burst on contact with the skin to create the most natural, radiant finish while still allowing you to build coverage where needed. It softly blurs imperfections while letting your real skin shine through for the ultimate healthy summer glow. Maybe the most beautiful skin tint ever?

€67, Boots

Poco Beauty Universal Solar Glow

If you’re a last-minute tanner like me, this isn’t just the best bronze tint, but it also hydrates with a hydrating serum formula and illuminates and blurs thanks to soft focus technology, and provides SPF 30 protection. It just melts into skin so seamlessly, for the most natural looking bronzed glow I’ve ever used. It can be used on the face as well as the body, but I prefer it mixed with the brands iconic universal glow treatment. Apply to collarbones, shoulders, arms and legs and await the compliments!

€55, Planet Beauty

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Yes, it’s her again! As an oily/combination skinned gal I’m constantly testing setting sprays, but I just have not found one to better this. It not only sets and fixes my makeup so that it lasts through extreme hot weather, (I put it to the test in London during the heatwave) but it also has a pore blurring finish which creates a soft matte veil over your makeup, to seal it in place for up to 16 hours. Aloe vera and green tea also help cool the skin and calm redness, making it the perfect finishing step for summer makeup.

€39, Brown Thomas

Joico Humidity Blocker

My hair is unbelievably frizzy, I only have to go outside and boom it frizzes up. It’s the bane of my life, especially during hot summer nights.

Then, I discovered this - it really works! Be it humidity in the summer, or wind and rain in the winter, this lightweight spray not only eliminates my frizz, but ensures my boho blow dry remains intact and lasts.

It works by creating a physical and invisible shield around each strand of hair to lock out humidity, eliminate frizz AND keep your curls intact. Formulated with Joico’s Bio-Advanced Peptide Complex, it also helps repair existing damage while protecting against future breakage.

Best of all, it brushes out easily without leaving any sticky residue.