Put away the umbrella and get out the sunscreen, sweaty days are here again. Sarah Fung has the best summer products.

Glamazons
Why lie around sweating in the sun when you can just fake it? Benefit and MAC have launched some fabulous new products for the summer to help you bronze without burning. Benefit’s “Talk to the Tan” facial tint ($260) gives a subtle tint and a seamless finish, while “You Rebel” ($260) comes with an SPF 15, ideal for use during the day. For serious sun-bed slaves, wean yourself off the habit with “Some-Kind-A Gorgeous Deep” ($270), a twist on their best-selling foundation compact that will leave you a deep shade of Beverly Hills brown. As for MAC, their superb bronzing powder compact ($180) can be used all over for a shimmery tan, or on areas such as your cheekbones or décolletage for shading.

Available from Lane Crawford, 3/F, IFC Mall, Central, 2118-7683.

Burn Victims
So you’ve already missed out on the protection stage and are red-raw from sun worshipping. Better get your hands on the new range of after-sun products by Clarins. Slather on the after sun gel ($210), moisturizing lotion ($210) or special face replenishing moisturizer ($210) after a day in the sun. They contain hydrating watermelon seed, calming sunflower extract and Vitamin E. For the truly irresponsible, try the SOS sunburn soother ($310). Made of mango and shea butter, it provides fast relief to painful skin. Safflower extract means that all these products will help prolong your tan, too, but if you want to deepen it further, spray on the sunscreen spray intensive tanning oil ($210) during the day and top up with the self-tanning after sun moisturizer ($210) at night.

Available from Institut Clarins, 210-211, 2/F, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder St., Central, 2810-9938.

Eco Tourists
For the environmentally conscious or for those with sensitive skin, try organic skincare brand Lavera. Made with mineral-based natural sun block titanium dioxide, it’s supposedly effective immediately upon application and won’t irritate the skin; unlike regular sun blocks that require 30 minutes to absorb before they offer any sun protection. We love the pina colada scented sun spray ($280), which rubs in instantly, leaving a tropical aroma and no greasy residue. Use it together with the anti-aging SPF 20 face protection ($140) and lip balm ($80). If you’d rather stay out of the sun altogether, cultivate a natural glow with the help of the Summer Glow Facial Moisturizer ($450), which imparts a natural, light tan. 

Available from Three-Sixty, Shop 1090, Elements, Union Square,
1 Austin Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2196-8093.

City Slickers
If you’re worried about what the daily exposure to exhaust fumes is doing to your skin, you’ll want something to protect your face from the pollution as well as the sun. To this end, Murad’s Environmental Shield Set ($790) comes in a mini travel kit, ideal for popping into an overnight bag. Fortified with Vitamin C, the daily moisturizer comes with a built-in SPF 15, while the cleanser and intense daily renewal complex supposedly soothes environmentally stressed skin by combating the free radicals that accelerate aging.

Available from Paua Spas (www.paua.com.hk) or online at
www.spaforlife.hk.

Hair Today
Determined to keep your highlights looking glossy? Then you’ll need Aveda’s Color Conserve sun protector ($190). Environmental damage can fade hair color, making it look limp and lifeless. Proteins derived from quinoa and natural sun blockers are said to protect your hair, keeping it healthy and strong.

Available from Faces, L/2, Harbour City, 3 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2118-5622.
Summer Spas
There’s no better place to prep your skin for summer than at the Landmark Mandarin Spa. They’ve devised some brilliant summer packages for pre- and post-holiday skin. Try the “Get Fresh” package, which includes a peppermint body scrub and a lymphatic drainage passage with peppermint body cream ($1,380, off-peak $1,180). Or if you’ve returned from your summer holiday lobster red, take time out for the Post Holiday Wrap, a seriously hydrating exfoliation wrap and massage that uses rose essential oil to nourish the skin ($1,000, off-peak $800). Better yet, if you spend over $1,200 on a treatment from noon-4pm, Mon-Thu, a friend can enjoy the same treatment for free.

The Landmark Mandarin Spa, The Landmark Mandarin Hotel,
15 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2132-0011

Alternatively, visit Xenses Spa for a facial that refreshes sun-damaged skin. The Pure C+C Energizing facial treatment ($1,200) helps to combat premature aging brought about by sun exposure. The 75-minute treatment includes a scrub and vitamin C complex to stimulate collagen production, while a revitalizing mask intensely moisturizes the skin. The treatment concludes with the application of an SPF 30 oil-free sunscreen.

Xenses Spa, 1/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington St., Central, 2868-9375