May 2018: This month's hottest summer beauty products are all about freshness, bronzing and glowing. Here are our favourites:

Urban Decay Backtalk Palette €43

Urban Decay Backtalk Palette

This is the ultimate travel palette for anyone who doesn’t want to limit their choice of colour.

The very cost-effective palette has launched in Ireland this month to much excitement. It has eight eyeshadows and four beautiful blushes (including a highlight). The handy mirror is so holiday friendly too.

Backtalks’s pink and purple tones are a fresh change from the flame oranges and reds we’ve seen everywhere since winter. If you want to break away from your go-to Naked palette, this is the one.

€43 at Urban Decay Grafton Street and House of Fraser from June 14th.

Shiseido WetForce Expert Aging Sun Protection Lotion €38

Shiseido WetForce Expert Aging Sun Protection Lotion €38

Planning a summer getaway or afternoon in the garden? Stay protected in the sunshine with the newly reformulated Expert Aging Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30/ Plus 50+, developed with Shiseido’s signature WetForce technology. It applies well and leaves your skin feeling nourished, never sticky.

This sun lotion is designed to amplify the UV protection power of your skin when in contact with water or perspiration, so it’s great for poolside top-ups and outdoor workouts.

So Su – Dripping Gold Tan (€21.95 – €23.95)

If you stand near the product display in Penneys for a minute you’re sure to find someone pick it up this new tan and wonder ‘What’s it like’?

Our take on Suzanne Jackson’s newest product is – it’s good, but could be better.

The colour is a bronzer’s dream of sunkissed skin. It’s a really authentic looking colour if applied well.

sosueme.ie

We tried the Dark Mousse, which blended nicely. But we’d recommend using minimal amounts on hands and feet, where one streak wrong doesn’t come away so easily.

Before and After – Dripping Gold Dark Mousse

Starting with a tan-free blank canvas is ideal, but when it comes to topping up the tan after a few showers some problems begin. The colour tends to gather in drier areas like elbows, back of the hands and knees. The colour does last, but the eventual fade is patchy – exfoliation is key.   

Dripping Gold doesn’t lie when it claims to be fragrant free, which can happen with other tans. For paler skin, we’d definitely recommend starting with the Medium shade.

Shiseido Synchro Bronze and Glow (€45-€38)

Synchro Skin Cushion Compact Bronzer €45

This is cushion-format bronzer creates dream skin that looks translucently tanned and incredibly radiant. The universal shade and formula synchronize with the skin’s individual qualities to suit you perfectly.

Powder bronzers can be difficult to blend and achieve a natural tone, but this can be applied alone or over foundation for a beautiful blendable creamy contour.

We’ve been pairing the compact bronzer with Shiseido Synchro Skin Illuminator (€38). Mix a little drop of this into your foundation for a stunning healthy summer glow.

Synchro Skin Cushion Compact Bronzer €45 with Shiseido Synchro Skin Illuminator (€38)

Calvin Klein’s Eternity AIR  RRP €63.50

This perfume is a breath of fresh air in a bottle – just what we need on hot humid days. Launching in June 2018, this perfume has an energetic and bright scent of fruity florals. It’s a vibrant pick-me-up we all need on hot summers’ evenings.

You can find Calvin Klein Eternity AIR in Arnotts and all good pharmacies nationwide.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche RRP €52

Get it while you can, because the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess fragrance is always in hot demand at this time of the year.

The Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent is a cult summer favourite.

Image result for estee lauder bronze goddess fraiche

It’s an exotic, creamy blend of exotic florals and coconut which smells like a warm summer sunset, wherever you may be.

This year they’ve added to the Bronze Goddess collection with Illuminating Powder Gelée, a mini face palette, cooling body products and a Summer Waves Salt Spray for Hair. Beach dreams!

PS My Perfect Colour Concealer (€3)

We’ve been reaching for the concealer much more this month on hot days when foundation is too heavy.

Penneys PS…My Perfect Colour concealer feels like a much more expensive product. It has it all – good colour, heavy (but not caked) coverage and great blendability. It is a great under-eye brightener too, and for €3, you can’t go wrong.

PS… My Perfect Colour Concealer

Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes – Fitness Limited Edition

Whether you’re working up a sweat in the gym or feeling the heat on holidays, cleansing is key.

Available at Superdrug.

These new Simple wipes from Superdrug are very hydrating and leave your skin glowing – in the best way possible. Micellar wipes are quick and easy to use anywhere to remove impurities and keep a fresh face. A great travel or gym bag essential.

What’s your summer beauty favourite? Share your recommendations in the comments below.