Ever noticed how good you look in high summer? Thanks to the extra dose of vitamin D, we evolve into the healthiest, hottest versions of ourselves. That’s why everywhere you look on the beach people are unashamedly taking selfies, as they should. 

The best thing about summer is that lazy people (like me) win. At no other time of the year do we consider doing the bare minimum a massive flex. “I literally rolled off the sand into the office.” “I’m wearing togs as undies.” “This is my third nap of the day.”

I encourage you to take the same approach to beauty. Having spent four weeks schlepping my toiletries around Mexico before returning home to a hot New Zealand summer, I’ve become an expert in the stripped-down beauty routine. These essentials will have you working smarter, not harder, for the rest of the season.

Chloe Zara Glossifying Hair Mist, $59

Packed with nourishing conditioners and UV protection, trust me when I say this mist can turn the saltiest hair of straw into silk. Take it in your bag whenever you head to the beach, and spray liberally post-swim. 

Sans[ceuticals] Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil, $65

We put our bodies through a lot in summer - salt water, sun exposure and drinking more Aperol Spritzes than normal means we can dry out like old leather hide. Look after your skin accordingly, with a multi-purpose oil that’s rich in lipids and vitamins.

Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF50+, $27

No one does sun protection better than the South Koreans. This tube is a best-seller at Hikoko due to its invisible, lightweight finish and skincare ingredients like niacinamide and green tea. I'm also a big fan of the stick version to keep in my bag for touch-ups.

IAMMI Sun Kissed Tinted Serum, $62

Assuming we’re all smart enough to keep our faces slathered in spf year-round, you might be in the same boat as me where your face is always a few shades lighter than your body. This is my hack: in place of foundation, mix a bit of liquid bronzer in with your sunscreen to even yourself out. This serum is easy to blend and adds a nice, non-shimmery glow. 

Maryse Mineral Tint in Hyacinth, $58

There’s a little known phenomenon in makeup artistry, where if you apply the same colour to your lips and your cheeks, you'll receive compliments all day. This subtle pink tint requires very little blending, and for deeper skin tones, the shade Dahlia is lovely.

ghd Deluxe Gift Set in Alluring Jade, $750

With summer comes wedding season. When you want to achieve a more polished version of beach waves, this travel-friendly set has all the tools you need: the iconic ghd platinum+ hair straightener and ghd helios® hair dryer housed in a pink velvet vanity case.

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Anti-Frizz Spray, $65

If you’re going to the effort of heat-styling, make the results last. This is what celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton uses on J.Lo and Kim Kardashian. It’s a pre-styling spray activated by heat, so it fights frizz even in high humidity. Plus, you only have to use it every 3-4 washes - smarter not harder! 

Dior Addict Lip Maximiser, $70

A glossy red lip is the ultimate beauty shortcut - one swipe will take you from the beach to any summer soiree. The shade '028 Dior 8 Intense' is a flattering warm red.