I’m a Beauty Editor and These Are The Unsexy Summer Beauty Products I Don’t Usually Talk About

Footner Exfoliating Socks (£10)

These socks are both incredibly gross and unbelievably satisfying. Pop your feet into the little plastic booties, put some socks over the top to hold them in place and let the acids inside the formula work their magic for an hour before rinsing. After that, nothing happens, and your feet will look exactly as they did before. But, in about five to seven days, just when you’ve forgotten that you used Footner, your feet will start shedding their skin like little snakes. Every time I use this my skin comes off in actual sheets. Disgusting but brilliant and a great reset for your feet to get them sandal-ready after a winter wrapped up in boots. After a few days of flakiness, your feet will be baby-soft for a fraction of the price of a pedi.

Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick (£12)

If like me, you’ve been blessed with curvy thighs, you’ll know that wearing skirts and shorts in summer can be uncomfortable. This stick is the best thing I’ve found to avoid chafing – which is literally the last thing anyone wants when they’re already hot and sticky. It’s shaped like a deodorant, and you just swipe it onto your thighs to create a barrier that protects the skin and prevents rubbing. This isn’t as greasy as Vaseline, plus the formula is more soothing, with aloe vera and vitamin E. I tend to keep one in my bag for touch-ups on the go – it’s great for preventing blisters when you’re breaking in new sandals, too.

REFY Skin Finish Water-Based Pore Blurring Powder (£22)

I have oily skin, so I’m rarely without a powder all year round, but it’s an absolute must during the summer. I apply before I leave the house to set my makeup in place and reduce shine across my T-zone. When the pollen count starts rising, I use it beneath and around my eyes, too, to stop my mascara from running so I don’t look like a panda by the time I’ve got to work. Translucent powder soaks up moisture – I’ve tried a lot and this one is brilliant. It’s not too matte, which I like, as some powders leave my skin looking a bit flat and dusty. My only gripe is that it doesn’t come with a brush or a sponge.

Mitchum Women Triple Odour Defence Anti-Perspirant Powder Fresh (£4)

I appreciate that aluminium deodorants can be divisive, and if they’re not for you, that’s absolutely fine. Personally, I’ve never found a natural deodorant that keeps my armpits as dry as my trusty Mitchum roll-on does. I am quite a sweaty person and have tried the extra-strength deodorants that you apply before bed, but they sting my skin too much for me to use them consistently. This is a brilliant and budget-friendly deodorant. It’s a cream rather than a normal liquid roll-on, so you don’t feel damp and can get dressed straight away. Just be mindful if you’re wearing dark colours though, as it can mark. It smells really fresh and works wonders even in a heatwave.

Manucurist Active Glow in Raspberry (£16)

Are your nails stained from a winter of dark manis? Did you let last summer’s gels grow out on your toes until they looked like French tips? You’ll need the sexiest product on this unsexy list. This nail polish is premium but incredibly functional. Part nail treatment, part nail colour, it works to care for and strengthen nails while giving them a pop of pink-toned shine. The raspberry hue immediately takes the edge off of dull, yellow nails making them look fresh and healthy. Apply one coat for a barely-there finish or two for a pink one.

Batiste Sensitive Scalp Dry Shampoo (£4)

Warmer days and nights mean sticky fringes, and while I’m always an advocate of a day three ‘fringe wash’, if you don’t have time to wash all of your hair, dry shampoo does save you the blow-drying. Dry shampoo works by soaking up the excess moisture and oil from your hair, making it look and feel fresher. You can’t go wrong with a can of Batiste, and it’s recently launched this gentle version for sensitive scalps. If you remember, I always find dry shampoo works best if you put it in before bed and allow it to settle overnight, rather than first thing in the morning.

CCS Heel Repair Stick for Very Dry Feet and Cracked Heels (£11)

I’ve already waxed lyrical about my love of Footner, but you have to be organised to reap the benefits, and I am not an organised person. If you also find that the moment you remember you desperately need a pedicure is when you’re leaving the house in a backless shoe, then this will come in very handy. Unlike a foot cream that can make your feet slip and slide in your shoes, all you need to do is slick a little of this across the backs of your heels, and they immediately look less dry without preventing you from walking properly. The more you use it, the better. It contains urea to exfoliate and moisturise even the most cracked, dry heels.

Venus Comfort Glide Coconut Plus Olay (£16)

If you shave, now is the time to replace your blade. I know they can be pricey, but you’re not going to get a nice smooth, close shave from a blunt razor – what you will get is sore, rashy legs. I’m loyal to these because even though the nourishing soap bars that surround the razor don’t last forever, those first few uses before they have dissolved are glorious. My skin can be sensitive, so it makes sense to use something designed to cause as little irritation as possible. Remember too that the only real difference between men’s and women’s razors is marketing, so if you see a good offer, don’t let the fact that it’s grey rather than pink put you off.

Altruist Face Fluid SPF30 (£8)

It would feel both irresponsible and off-brand of me as a Beauty Editor to talk about summer essentials and not mention SPF. As a gentle reminder, we should be wearing sunscreen all year round as UVA rays, which are responsible for the majority of skin ageing, are present 365 days a year and can penetrate through glass and clouds. UVB rays, which cause us to burn, are strongest during the summer, making it even more important to protect your skin. If you don’t already have a favourite sunscreen or are put off by the prices of the big brands, let me introduce you to Altruist. Founded by a British dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon, it’s high-factor sunscreen at purse-friendly prices, so there’s no excuse not to be slathering it on.

Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray (£22)

I am the Monica Geller of my friendship group. The minute I step off a plane into anywhere even remotely tropical, my hair becomes so big that it needs its own seat on the airport transfer. Anti-humidity spray is a must for me to keep those fluffy flyaways at bay and stop me from looking like I’m wearing a teeny halo of hair everywhere I go. Again, I’ve tried a lot over the years, and this one is the GOAT, and another sexy product for this unsexy list. I spray over my hair in the morning to keep it in check all day. Extra brownie points for the could-be-in-the-salon scent too.