Summer in 2026 feels rather different. It isn’t merely a fortnight’s holiday; it’s a way of life. Consequently, my routine has evolved. I have moved away from an over-stuffed bathroom cabinet towards a curated edit of products that simply perform, whether I am at home in Sotogrande, Spain or travelling.
I have stopped trying to force one product to do everything. Instead, I now split my routine into two: the daily essentials—which must be silky, invisible, and comfortable for day to day living—and the holiday workhorses that handle the beach and the pool.
Here is what is currently in my bathroom and my beach bag.
The SPF Strategy: Daily vs. Beach
I no longer rely on a single sunscreen. By separating my needs by environment, I have found a much more comfortable balance.
For Day-to-Day (The Silky Routine) I prefer products that feel like skincare—invisible and non-greasy.
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The Face: My staple is Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen for its velvet, primer-like finish that sits perfectly under makeup. For a more budget-friendly daily alternative, the Deliplus SPF from Mercadona is a consistently reliable, lightweight find.
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The Body: For daily city wear, I have been using the Eucerin Sun Spray Transparent Dry Touch. It is brilliant for daily life as it dries instantly and leaves no tacky residue. I still occasionally reach for the Trader Joe’s Daily Sunscreen; it remains a firm favourite for its remarkably silky texture on both face and body.
For the Beach (The Protective Routine) When I am by the water, I require something a little more robust.
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For the face: I have been using Dior Solar The Protective Creme SPF 50. It is beautifully creamy and feels more like a luxury face cream than a traditional sunscreen, yet it never feels greasy.
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For the body: My staple is the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Spray. It is reliable, water-resistant, and—most importantly—straightforward to apply when one is on the go.
The Shower & Body Maintenance
Salt, chlorine, and heat can really strip the skin. My routine is focused on barrier repair and simple, effective maintenance.
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The Shower: I have moved the entire family over to La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante. It is a gentle, oil-based cleanser that prevents that “tight” skin feeling that often accompanies the summer.
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The Scrub: I rotate between two extremes. When I want a treat, I reach for the Ouai St. Barts Scalp & Body Scrub—the scent is wonderful. For everyday maintenance, the coconut scrub from Mercadona (€4) is surprisingly effective and a total staple in my shower.
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The Deodorant: I have been using Ouai Cape Town since January. It is aluminium-free and, crucially, it actually works. It feels a good deal more refined than standard options, and the fragrance is lovely.
The After-Sun Edit
After a day in the sun, my skin generally asks for one of three things, depending on the intensity of the day.
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For indulgence: Dior Solar The After-Sun Balm. It is a luxury, certainly, but it makes the post-shower ritual feel like a holiday.
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For daily hydration: The Nivea After Sun Moisturizing Lotion. It is a classic for a reason—light, cooling, and never sticky.
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For skin health: If my skin feels particularly stressed, I return to La Roche-Posay Lipikar. It is my non-negotiable for resetting the skin barrier.
Hair Protection
Hair is often an afterthought in a summer routine, but it shouldn’t be. My choice is the Phyto Plage Protective Sun Oil. It is a French pharmacy staple that protects against salt and UV rays whilst giving hair a manageable, glossy finish—perfect for that “slicked-back” look.
For those post-swim days when I want to avoid the hair dryer entirely, I’ve been relying on the Kitsch Air Dry Hair Cream—it keeps everything smooth and hydrated without the heat. I also swear by their towel scrunchie for drying my hair at home; it’s a brilliant way to gently remove moisture without the damage of a traditional towel.
(I have quite strong opinions on hair SPF and have been testing a few other formulas, so watch this space for a dedicated deep dive coming soon.)
I hope you find these essentials handy for the season ahead. If you have any favourites of your own that you swear by, do let me know over on my Instagram—I’m always looking to refine the rotation.
xo
Mrs. O
