An InStyle Editor’s summer beauty essentials

Summer is in full swing! We spoke to InStyle's Executive Editor, Laura Agnew, to find out her top beauty essentials for the summer season. Read on to discover the beauty tips that keep Laura feeling radiant and confident throughout the hottest months of the year:

A summer beauty essential should have three qualities. It should be lightweight, because when you’re enjoying an afternoon outdoors that feels like you’re hanging on the surface of the sun, a thick layer of anything but sunscreen is intolerable. Equally, it should have some semblance of staying power, rather than disappearing faster than a Frosty Fruit outside a servo. And finally, it should be utterly effective in its execution and clear in its goal — it should do what it says on the proverbial box. There is no time to mess around when it comes to summer beauty. From cleansing to contouring, skin rituals to party season saviours, the vibes are simply too high to spend more than necessary preening and prepping.

These are three summer beauty essentials every kit needs, and where to shop them now.

Best makeup multi palettes

The perfect multi fits in your bag, however small it may be, and has just enough of the essentials to build a glowy face without the need for brushes or even a mirror. Simply swipe and apply with your fingertips, blend gently and get back to the action.

Make Up For Ever HD Skin All-In-One Face Palette, $165
SHOP NOW: $165, Sephora

MECCA MAX Sunkissed Flush Cream Complexion Palette, $42
SHOP NOW: $42, MECCA

DIOR Dior Couture Palette Holiday Limited Edition, $243
SHOP NOW: $243, Sephora

RMS beauty Lip2Cheek Glow Quad, $60
SHOP NOW: $53, MECCA

Best cleansing balms

A cleansing balm is a super luxe, nourishing formula designed to melt the day away with ease. It starts with a solid but silky texture and transforms into an oil upon contact. In summer, it’s exactly what you need to get all that sunscreen, makeup and grime off before bed.

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm, $75
SHOP NOW: $75, L'Occitane

Eve Lom Cleanser, from $47
SHOP NOW: $47, MECCA

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cleansing Balm, $100
SHOP NOW: $100, Sephora

Kora Organics Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm, from $36
SHOP NOW: $36, Sephora

Best summer fragrances

Summer is a social season, so the last thing you want is to smell like everyone else at the party/restaurant/bar. Look for an unexpected scent that stays put all day, but settles into skin to offer something new as the hours pass.

Aesop Tacit Eau de Parfum, from $220
SHOP NOW: from $220, Aesop

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, from $330
SHOP NOW: $330, Farmers

Trudon Isla, $350 AUD (this product isn't available in NZ)

The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist, $35
SHOP NOW: $35, The Body Shop

With these summer beauty essentials, you’ll be ready to embrace the season with confidence, knowing your look is fresh and lasting with that it-girl glow. Head to your local Westfield today to shop these must-have products and take your summer beauty routine to the next level.