I don’t know about you, but for me, summer holidays are more about feeling good than looking a certain way. I’ve learned there’s no point in trying to become a whole new person in two weeks just because I’m heading somewhere sunny.
I usually spend a month with my family in the peak of the summer heat in Hungary — and if I may say so, I’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out what works for my skin, hair, and wellness routine, even when I’m away from home. Most days are spent by the pool, out in the sun from morning to dusk, and I’ve learned the hard way that my skin and hair need extra TLC during this time.
And with the unusually hot weather we’ve had recently here in the UK, I’ve started my summer routine a little earlier this year.
Hydration Inside & Out
First things first, and I’m not the first or the last to say it, you need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This shouldn’t just be a summer thing, but I’m not going to pretend I always stay on top of it. I have days when all I want to drink is tea and coffee, and water becomes an afterthought.
So on hot days, I like to make my “fancy water” yes, it looks pretty 🙂 and I just keep it in the fridge. I add a few spoonfuls of chia seeds, fresh lemon juice, and some mint leaves. It adds flavour, helps me drink more water, and gives you a bonus nutrient kick from the chia seeds.
My other go-to is water kefir. I keep a big jar ready to flavour during summer. Water kefir is full of benefits, and you can easily make your own naturally fermented drink. One of my favourite combos is peach and rosemary, or even a simple hibiscus tea base. The possibilities are endless. Let me know if you’d like me to share a post on my favourite kefir recipes that I rotate through every summer.
Hair Care
The sun, sea, and pool water really took a number on my hair a few years back. For context: I have long, fine hair, but a lot of it (according to every hairdresser I’ve seen). So I started looking into ways to protect it beyond just not getting it wet, because I don’t want to sit next to the pool like a statue. I want to fully enjoy myself.
Here’s what helps:
- Coconut oil on the ends
- Rosemary oil on the scalp
- Aloe vera gel or flaxseed gel for deep moisture
All of these are easy to find and don’t break the bank. As long as you look after your ends and give your hair a deep hydration once a week, you’re good to go. I also avoid using shampoo more than once a week, I know every scalp is different, but this routine helps keep my hair strong and healthy all summer (and winter) long.
Skin TLC
I tan very quickly and naturally very dark, I think my skin type falls under olive skin, though I’m not exactly sure. One thing I do know is that oil-based products work best for me.
Here’s my current rhythm:
- Oil-based sunscreen (light and effective)
- Body oil at night to lock in moisture after the sun
- Exfoliating once or twice a week — I make a homemade scrub with olive oil and used coffee grounds
- Moisturising twice a day, morning and evening
When I travel, I usually buy body oil or lotion once I arrive. I love discovering local products, and it means less to pack.
SPF Lip Balm & Scalp Care – Am I Late to the Party?
I recently got sent a Raybalm lip balm as a PR sample, it has SPF 50, and while I’m still in the early stages of testing it, I have to say I’m kind of into it. But it also made me wonder…
Do you use SPF on your lips? Or your scalp?
Because I have a scalp SPF product sitting in my PR cupboard that I haven’t even opened yet. Am I super late to the party on this? I’d love to know if this is already a part of your routine or if you’re figuring it out too. Let me know, always curious what works for others.
Moving My Body
As someone who feels most comfortable working out at home, sticking to a workout routine while away comes pretty naturally. But I still switch things up!
While staying at my parents’ house in Hungary, I love:
- Looking up water aerobics workouts
- Going on long walks or hikes
- Paddleboarding on nearby lakes
It’s about staying consistent, but not rigid. I move in ways that feel good — that’s the whole point.
This isn’t a “hot girl summer” checklist, it’s just what works for me. Whether I’m by the pool in Hungary or soaking up early sunshine here in the UK, these realistic rituals help me feel refreshed, strong, and taken care of, without pressure or perfection.
If you’ve got your own summer prep tips or wellness routines, I’d genuinely love to hear them. Drop me a message or tag me @laforance on Instagram — especially if you try the fancy water, kefir, or have thoughts on SPF for lips and scalp!
