Sponsored by Olay
Embracing long warm days and balmy evenings is what summer is all about.
Being prepared for said warm days and balmy evenings will only enhance your enjoyment of the season.
I have a list of non-negotiable summer beauty and fashion essentials that work for me. They may just work for you too.
Beauty summer essentials
1. A fresh style cut and colour. If you’re having a good-hair day then all is right in your world, yes? Keeping up your hair maintenance during summer will cut down on styling time. Ask your hair stylist about products or treatments that will keep the frizzies at bay.
2. The perfect pedi. Summer means open-toed shoes. Keep your feet smooth and toes fresh with regular at-home or salon pedis. It really does finish off an outfit. For summer, I swing between a white or an off-white nail colour or a bright red, orange or blue.
3. Spray tans. You either love them or hate them. Me, I love them because I’ve found my perfect tan close to home. It gives me a light glow without looking ridiculous and best of all, because the salon is just up the road, I can sneak home without anyone catching me without my bra on.
4. Sunscreen. I cannot underline this essential enough. The Australian sun is fierce. Create a sunscreen habit if you don’t already have one and you’ll thank yourself for it in years to come when your skin has successfully avoided the unattractive leather-like look. Olay Regenerist Micro-Scultping UV Cream SPF 30+ is ideal – it’s a great active moisturiser but light, lovely and not sticky on your skin.
5. A consistent and effective skin care routine. I’ve been using and talking about the Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo for a few months now (you can check out my previous posts here and here) and it’s been great to hear stories from those who’ve also got on board.
This is an affordable skincare routine that really does work thanks to a unique combination of anti-ageing actives that seemingly turn back time on your skin. Those actives include Vitamin B3, Olive Extract, Amino Peptides and Dill Sees Extract. The new hero product – the Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence – is one that I’ve totally fallen for. It really does set up my skin for what I layer on next. My nighttime routine of applying Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream boosts my skin overnight for the next day.
I’ve been doing a lot of photo shoots of late and, yes there is makeup involved, but the makeup seems to come alive because the skin underneath is more radiant than it was.
The other biggie for me is a reduction in pores around the nose and chin. This was really bugging me of late and making makeup application more challenging. I’m seeing improvement every week.
But don’t just take my word for it, read on for the verdict from four Styling You readers who have been trialling the Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo for the past few weeks.
Fashion summer essentials
6. Broad brimmed hat. Did I mention that I’m big on sun-safety? Yes, and I have a collection of broad-brimmed hats to prove it. I’ve got a big head so I pay a little more for my hats through some great Australian hat makers but they’re totally worth it. I feel fabulous wearing them and my skin is protected.
7. Floaty kaftan. My summer clothing piece of choice comes in the form of a floaty kaftan – sequinned, patterned or block colours. This piece can take you from the beach, to lunch and on to cocktails. You keep your cool thanks to its in-built natural ventilation system.
8. Swimsuit. It’s easy to have a swimsuit-ready body for summer. Just pick a swimsuit and put it on your body. TA-DA! You’re ready for the beach or pool. Seriously ladies, we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to avoiding putting on a cossie or a pair of togs. No one else gives a toss what we look like – the only negatives are the ones inside our heads. Just do it and get the most out of summer this year.
9. Fabulous flats. Sure, a pair of killer heels has its place but a pair of fab flats will take you places in comfort all summer long. Opt for a metallic pair and they’ll take you out at night too.
10. Sunglasses. I have about four pairs of sunglasses that I keep at the ready and on high rotation. They protect my eyes but also form a crucial part of my summer fashion accessory wardrobe.
#MiracleDuo Styling You reader verdict
Say hi to Libby, Karen, Yvonne and Eva.
These four women* have been trailing the Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo for the past few weeks.
All four noticed a difference, said they’d buy the products when they run out and would recommend it to a friend.
I have sensitive skin, which has a tendency to be a little oily through the nose area. After applying both products, my skin did have a firmer feel. Both products felt lovely on my skin. I waited for my skin to go red and blotchy as it often does in reaction to new products not marked for sensitive skin but this, surprisingly, did not happen. My skin feels firmer. I particularly like the way the Miracle Boost makes my skin feel and the applicator makes it very easy to apply in the correct dosage. Libby, 61, Sydney
My skin is dry (Canberra winter is brutal) and I’ve started getting a few lines around the eyes. I noticed a difference in the way my skin felt following application compared with previous moisturisers. While it seemed to improve my dry skin in the same way as other moisturisers, it didn’t feel as heavy or greasy. I definitely feel like my skin is smoother and, because it definitely doesn’t feel as heavy as other moisturisers I’ve used in the past, my skin doesn’t feel as ‘clogged’ by the end of the day. Karen, 36, Canberra
My skin is very dry and starting to sag. After applying the first day, it seemed softer. My skin now feels plumper, less saggy and fresher. Yvonne, 50, Brisbane
My skin is oily/combination with large pores, menopausal and is susceptible to breakouts. I loved that there was no greasy feel, these products soak right in and leave my skin feeling velvety. My skin feels softer and silkier, my pores aren’t as open and my makeup stays on. I love the dispenser on the Miracle Boost. It disperses the exact amount, without mess or fuss. Eva, 49, Bundaberg
For more information about the Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo and the entire Olay Regenerist collection, visit here.
So tell me, what are you summer beauty and fashion essentials? Have you been trying the Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo?
* One of the winners of this competition was away on holidays so did not receive her product in time to trial.
Coordinated by The Remarkables Group
Comments 31
Thanks for your wonderful tips above. Just one question (the sceptic in me comes out) Are you being paid to indorse Olay products or is it that you truly love them that much that you are recommending them based purely on their merit? Thanks Nikki.
Hi Carolina, this post is clearly marked as sponsored. I’m always up front with my readers if I have a commercial relationship with a brand. The kicker is that I won’t work with or feature a product I don’t love – paid or unpaid. I knock back more commercial endorsements than I accept. With Olay, I’ve continued to buy the product long after my commercial contact finished. It made my Top 20 product list for 2015 too – I trial 100s each year so that’s a big deal to make that cut. In this post you can also read some of the comments from readers who have bought it from my recommendation and loved it. https://www.stylingyou.com.au/2015/12/top-20-beauty-products-2015/
Hi Nikki, I have tried The Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost and the Micro Sculpting Cream, I am in week 3 and have broken out in a terrible rash on my chin and neck. According to the Doctor, the logical reason is the Olay, as that is the only new product that I have been using. I am terribly sad about this, and a bit shocked as I am 3 weeks in.
Oh dear Sue, I’m so sorry this has happened for you.
I am definitely in the market for a summer hat, and I have had my hair lightened- bring on summer!
Oh wow – yes to a new hat!
I am definitely in the market for a summer hat, and I have had my hair lightened- bring on summer!
Coles has the Olay range on special at the moment, I bought three products yesterday afternoon, forgot the serum though!
Oh, run don’t walk! I need to re-stock too. Thanks for the hot tip.
Oh, run don’t walk! I need to re-stock too. Thanks for the hot tip.
I’m looking for a washed out denium jacket, size 14/16..leaning more towards 14..I’m short (5ft.0) What kind should I wear please Nickki? Thanks so much for help..
Look for one that is a softer/lighter denim or tencel Pam. It will give you that denim look but for summer not be too heavy.
I’m looking for a washed out denium jacket, size 14/16..leaning more towards 14..I’m short (5ft.0) What kind should I wear please Nickki? Thanks so much for help..
I’m looking for a washed out denium jacket, size 14/16..leaning more towards 14..I’m short (5ft.0) What kind should I wear please Nickki? Thanks so much for help..
Very impressive reviews! Great Summer plan. I feel like I need to print this out, put it on the fridge and tick it off as I go. Maybe also to explain to my husband that these are essential!
I’ll back you up Jess!
Hi Nikki, I would love to know where/ who to buy hats for big heads please? Thanks!
Hi Liv – very good question. I’ve bought two this year from hat makers (yes more expensive but necessary for me) – Carolyn Unwin is one and the other is Sarah J Curtis hats.
Thanks Nikki.
Pedi done, hair cut done 🙂 I seriously need a new pair of sunnies. Will be my next mission 🙂
Good to have a plan Kathryn!
Hello , I’m slowly but surely working through your blog posts and book , I’m loving the results.
I have started shopping with a purpose ( finally finding basics instead of trying to keep up with trends, I’m feeling better dressed and groomed .
I’ve started a skincare routine – first time ever ( Week one complete with the Miracle Duo – I have roseacea and have been pleased that the redness and flaking on my nose have settled down and my skin feels softer.
I’m trying new things ( the model and me posts ) you have really shown me how different ( better) a real person looks in clothing that I probably would never have tried.
Thanks for your encouragement- I’m looking forward to the next change.
Oh wow Liza-Jean, your comment has made my week. Thank-you so much. I love helping others find more confidence through their style. Keep me posted with more updates!x
Great tips Nikki, the warmer weather this last week has my poor white legs begging for a fake/spray tan. I have never trued Olay products, but given their affordable price and availability I will give them a try. I am feeling a new haircut is on the horizon and would love to be brave and chop it all off !!
Mine has been chopped quite short at the back but I have length at the front. May switch that to shorter at the front for high summer! It always grows 😉 And yes I love my spray tans and I love these products!
I love summer and am already getting a taste for it’s balmy nights. Skin care and protection is high on my list of priorities – thanks for giving the heads up on your newest faves. x
I like your kind of heat in Melbourne V – not sticky QLD heat. Unless on holidays at the beach then very, very ok with it! x
I use Olay products for day and night but have never tried the Regenerist. I guess they’ll have my skin looking as good as it does already, only better! I love Olay because it performs well, is easy to find and doesn’t break the bank!
Big tick on all of the above Sammie! If what you’re currently using works for you then I say don’t mess with that but if you’re wanting change things up then this range would be worth a try.
Thank you lovely ladies for your review of Olay products. Oil of Ulan was the only thing my mum ever used on her face. I can still picture the pink lotion in the glass bottle and I suspect the perfume of it would take me instantly to my childhood. I was running out of my skincare when you did your first Olay post, Nikki, and I have been using it for about 6 weeks. My skin feels so smooth and plumped. I love that it’s readily available and reasonably priced. Xx
Oh wonderful – I’m so glad that it’s worked for you too. And yes, I have that smell from my childhood. My step-mum used it and I’d sneak into her supply! x