Hang in there everyone—a new season is on the horizon. Yes, the official start of summer is mere weeks away and while I’m trying not to get my hopes up about the potential mini heatwave that’s set to hit the UK next week it’s impossible not to feel everyone’s optimism levels soaring after a challenging start to the year. Of course, summer still might look a little different this year but with restrictions starting to ease here in the UK even the prospect of a local mini break is enough to get my heart fluttering right now.
As a beauty editor, I’m a firm believer in it never being too soon to start thinking about how to tweak your beauty routine as the seasons shift—so I’ve already been prepping my bathroom cupboard and makeup bag for a bit of a summer overhaul. While a far-flung adventure might not be on the cards right now, I’ll still be shifting my makeup and skincare to account for the prospect of warmer British weather and more time spent exploring the great outdoors. And, luckily, one of my favourite ever beauty brands is on the same track.
This month, Elemis has teamed up with designer Hayley Menzies for a celebration of British adventure in the form of a specially curated edit of seven skin and body favourites housed in a beautiful wash bag. Best of all? It's worth £114 but costs just £75—and I love a good saving.
"We are thrilled to partner with such a bold and evocative designer to create these exclusive, curated collections," says Noella Gabriel, Elemis Global President & Co-Founder. "Not only does Hayley Menzies proudly embrace her British heritage much like Elemis, she also embodies our adventurous spirit."
As a long-term Elemis fan, I have to say that while their Skin Wellness Essentials collection contains everything you need for gorgeous skin all year round, this special edit really comes into its own for summer thanks to the real focus on radiance-boosting formulations and refreshing bodycare treats. Trust me—the seven products they've selected for this collaboration are all you need for glowy summer skin.
And let's not forget the bag itself. Starting her training at the London College of Fashion before trawling the globe for design inspiration, Menzies has become synonymous with vibrant prints with a global feel and the monochromatic wash bag design really reflects that playful zest for adventure. "
"Elemis is a British brand whose ethos and values align with our own," explains Menzies. "Like Hayley Menzies, there is a soul, heartbeat and deep passion driving the brand, which was essential for me. I’ve loved Elemis for years."
And while the bag is perfect for stashing your summer skincare essentials in at home—it looks so chic in the bathroom—I personally can't wait to pack up mine up ready for a summer mini break.
Shop the Elemis x Hayley Menzies Skin Wellness Essentials:
Think of this collection as your fast-track to luminous, summer skin. Worth £114, it contains seven of Elemis's most beloved skin and body favourites all chosen to boost glow, smooth skin and generally leave you looking and feeling brighter.
The kit contains: Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (30ml), Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (20g), Rehydrating Ginseng Toner (50ml), Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14pk), Superfood Facial Oil (5ml), Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (30ml), Cool-Down Body Wash (100ml) and the Limited Edition Hayley Menzies Bag.
Keep scrolling down for a breakdown on each product and why I love it so much.
It's no understatement to say that the Elemis Pro-Collagen range has something of a cult following but it's their iconic cleansing balm that's the star of the show. Trust me, despite our varying tastes and skin types practically all of team Who What Wear are obsessed with this product. Not only does it smell like an actual spa in a jar but it melts away makeup, deeply cleanses and generally leaves skin looking and feeling like you've just had a professional facial.
While I think of the cleansing balm as being part of a slow evening ritual, this gel cleanser is more like your morning motivator—it's energising, reviving and lightweight without compromising on the luxurious texture that Elemis is renowned for. Basically, this is a gel cleanser for grown-ups. It's brilliant all year-round but, for me, it really comes into its own during the summer months when my skin tends to be a little oilier as it really helps to minimise excess oils and smooth over large pores.
One of this year's biggest skincare trends is glass skin and these pads make it really easy to achieve that glossy, dewy, smooth complexion. In fact, in Independent User Trials in 2017, 100% of people agreed that these pads gave them them smooth and glowing 'glass skin' after 4 weeks of use. Infused with gently exfoliating lactic acid and a probiotic ferment complex, these textured pads lift away dead skin cells and work to smooth uneven skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots. My skin always looks so much brighter after using these.
Generally speaking I'm not that fussed about using a toner but I have to say that Elemis really do some great formulations that come into their own during summer. This ginseng one is ultra-nourishing so it's perfect for dry or dehydrated skin types, or for spritzing on during warmer months when your complexion might be a little parched. Its best used morning and night after cleansing and before your other treatments to help maintain your skin's natural pH barrier for a healthier, happier complexion. However, I have been known to generously douse myself in this during summer days for an on-the-go glow boost.
If you're looking for a hardworking moisturiser that will help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and winkles then they don't come much better than this classic cream. However, if anti-ageing isn't your bag then I'd implore you to check it out anyway—I've actually been using this moisturiser since my early 20s thanks to its gorgeous light, gel-cream texture and its ability to nourish without weighing skin down. I adore it.
While the ingredients list reads like a rather delicious salad option—broccoli, flaxseed and radish to name a few—this award-winning facial oil is actually designed as a serving of the good stuff for your skin. It's basically dewy skin in a bottle. Light, non-greasy and easily absorbed, just a couple of drops will make skin look a whole lot brighter.
A fellow beauty editor recommended this to me as a great post-workout body wash but I'm not going to lie, I barely do any exercise these days. Instead, I reach for this revitalising body wash on mornings when I'm feeling particularly tired and it really does the trick. It contains magnesium and menthol to soothe and energise tired muscles and the beautiful fresh scent is down to an aromatic blend of juniper, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus and thyme. Honestly, when the temperature starts to rise I can't imagine I'll want to to use anything else in my shower.
Plus, get a free gift when you spend £85 or more:
If that wasn't enough summer skincare inspiration for you, Elemis have also created a complimentary, limited edition 5-piece collection of glow-getting favourites inside a exclusive Hayley Menzies bag. The Little Luxuries Gift is yours for free when you spend £85+ at Elemis and use code HAYLEY.
Up next, these will be the 10 biggest skincare trends of 2021.
