Hot Picks for Cool Girls: Grace Alexandra’s Beauty Favourites for Summer 2025

She’s our go-to beauty contributor with her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s hot in the beauty world — and this summer, Grace Alexandra is sharing the must-have products she’s reaching for again and again. From lightweight SPF to heatwave-proof makeup, Grace combines expert tips with influencer flair to keep your summer glow strong, whether you’re poolside or navigating a packed Tube carriage. Dive into her edit of standout beauty essentials for Summer 2025!

Hot Picks for Cool Girls: Grace Alexandra’s Beauty Favourites for Summer 2025
By Grace Alexandra

With London temperatures climbing and summer officially in full swing, what better time to share my favourite beauty products for the season! From SPF must-haves and humidity-proof makeup to hydrating haircare, these are the standout products keeping me glowing this summer.

MAKEUP

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
A good hydrating primer is essential for keeping your makeup in place, especially in hot weather. I’m already on my second pot of the year of Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base — it’s become a firm favourite for my dry skin. Moisturising yet light and breathable, it should work well for most skin types. RRP £54 5ml. Available here

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
In the summer, I prefer to swap out heavy foundations for skin tints. I’ve been testing quite a few, and Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint really stands out. It’s lightweight, looks natural, and gives a lovely ‘your skin but better’ finish with buildable coverage — perfect for those sunny days when you want to feel fresh. RRP $42 (excluding shipping & taxes). Available here.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Setting spray is a game-changer for making your makeup last all day. My top pick? Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. I’ve tested it abroad and on the London Underground during a heatwave — and my makeup didn’t budge! RRP £32 100ml. Available here.

Sculpted By Aimee Bare Basics Palette
If you want to travel light this summer, I highly recommend the Bare Basics Palette from Sculpted By Aimee. It comes in two shade options and includes powder, bronzer, blush, highlighter, and three eyeshadows. It basically covers your whole face in one handy compact! RRP £34.00. Available here.

SKINCARE

Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
This hydrating toner has become a morning and evening staple for me. Rice is such a soothing ingredient, and this gives my skin a gorgeous glow — it even looks great under makeup. RRP £15.00. Available here.

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+
This is hands down my favourite facial SPF right now. It’s super lightweight, blends effortlessly, doesn’t leave a white cast, and sits beautifully under makeup. Plus, it’s SPF 50+ — which is essential for protecting our skin, especially in summer! Available here.

Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser
A lightweight moisturiser is a summer essential. I’ve been loving the Skin Rocks Light Moisturiser — it has a refreshing gel texture that feels super hydrating without being heavy. Perfect for morning routines in hot weather! RRP £58.00. Available here.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
Double cleansing is just as important in summer as during party season — especially if you’re reapplying SPF throughout the day. I’ve always loved the original Elemis cleansing balm, but their Black Cherry version is divine. It smells gorgeous, is gentle on skin, and melts away all traces of makeup and SPF. RRP £52.00 100ml. Available here.

HAIR

Kérastase Nutritive Range
As a long-time Kérastase fan, I can’t not mention the Nutritive range — it’s amazing for dry hair. My standout favourites include the Nutri-Supplment Scalp Serum and the Nutritive Shampoo, both of which are regulars in my haircare routine. Available here.

Sachajuan Hair After The Sun
This product is like aftersun for your hair! It restores shine and deeply conditions after a day in the sun. I took it with me on holiday last year and it’s definitely coming with me again this summer. RRP £33.00 100ml. Available here.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap
I already love Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer, but the Swimcap is my go-to summer hero! It protects your hair from chlorine and saltwater while leaving it soft and hydrated — a must for beach days. RRP £25.00 100ml. Available here.

BODY

Ultrasun Family Wet Skin Spray SPF 50
Finally, a body SPF I swear by — Ultrasun’s Family Wet Skin Spray SPF 50. It’s great for reapplying after swimming, super fast-absorbing, non-sticky, and ideal for both kids and adults. A beach bag essential! RRP £22.00 100ml. Available here.

Those are my current summer beauty favourites for 2025! Whether you’re jetting off on holiday or trying to stay cool during the next London heatwave, I hope this list gives you some inspiration to refresh your beauty routine. Tried any of these? Let us know your summer go-tos — I’m always on the lookout for new discoveries!

Written by Grace Alexandra @styledbyalexandrra

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