Most of us will have heard of the Hygge trend and taken inspiration from the Danish laid-back lifestyle around our homes, but what about when it comes to Danish beauty? Not really a new thing as such, but Inspired by the women of Scandinavia, the “Scandi look” keeps popping up in my world this summer so I’m jumping right on the bandwagon. Particularly with the heatwave, we’re currently experiencing in the UK. Strip back your beauty routine – less is more.
“Firstly, less makeup means great skin is a must. I’m already fanatical about skincare so that’s one box ticked”.
…If You haven’t got that one ticked, you can read my tried and tested skincare tips. Of course, to keep your summer skin in tip-top condition, sun protection goes without saying. My current favourite face specific SPF is new launch Ultrasun Face Fluid SPF50. This daily brightening, anti-pollution formula is non-sticky and doesn’t sit on the skin as other high factor protection can. It’s readily absorbed and leaves you protected throughout the day, with long-lasting lamellar technology. Forming a barrier on the skin, it makes the perfect base product and little goes a long way.
Scandinavian women differ in that they’re more accepting of the ageing process.
The Scandi trend focuses on a natural, stripped back approach to makeup so it’s perfect for summertime. Instead of layering on your base, try applying less and blending it into the areas which need it more and don’t forget a dewy look is better for warmer days. Attempting to keep a matte look all day in warm weather isn’t ideal – you’re fighting a losing battle. Cakey skin doesn’t work well in sunlight as every imperfection is highlighted by the unforgiving light of day so keep it simple. Choose products which aren’t loaded with artificial or harsh ingredients and add a little warmth to the complexion which always helps give a naturally healthy appearance. Try The Body Shop Drops Of Sun for blendable, subtle colour.
Be bold with brows, but don’t over-arch it.
Brows are my thing, I’m often swooning over the big, natural, unplucked brows regularly donning the glossy pages of Vogue magazine (who invented tweezers anyway? Shame on you). A natural-looking brow is youthful, and a balanced, understated arch is perfect for the Scandi look. My natural arch is quite low and I like it that way, but recently my brows were looking a bit sorry for themselves, so I decided to try growing them back and give them a general boost with the help of Rapidbrow growth serum. I’m so pleased to say I had amazing results and ongoing improvement as the months pass by. If you want to do the same – you’ll need to be patient, It may take up to sixty days to really get your brows back to their former glory (dependent on your personal brow hair growth cycle). It’s definitely worth the wait! I’ve just repurchased another eight-week supply tube as I don’t want to lose my new-found brows.
Primed and ready – “summer makeup should look effortless”
A smudge of eyeliner, but no hard lines, go for a subtle, smokey look and rub a little liner into your top and bottom lash line, rather than go overboard, this gives the undone, haven’t tried too hard look we’re going for. For flawless, natural-looking no makeup skin, primers work well. I’ve been using two, over the last few weeks – Indeed Laboratories Nanoblur Instant Skin Perfector which can be used with or without makeup and is designed to give you “high-definition skin in seconds. Light diffusing technology creates flawless, camera-ready skin anytime, anywhere” This primer leaves skin silky smooth and really minimises open pores and fine lines.
Strivectin Anti Wrinkle Line Blurfector Targeting the appearance of lines and wrinkles, smoothing the skin and effectively blurring out imperfections. Again, recommended to use under makeup or alone as a final perfecting step. The formula is breathable so works well on warmer days. The consistency, a little thicker than Nanoblur and has a minty, fresh scent. Although Blurfector takes a little longer to settle on the skin, I’d be hard-pushed to choose between them, if I’m honest.
Laid-back hair…
“Done” won’t do. Danish woman don’t over-style their hair, instead, a relaxed look is Scandi style. Try air drying your hair for a change, and use a salt spray or texturiser for beach appeal. My favourite texturising spray is Fudge Urban Crisp Pear and Sweet Vanilla Texture spray. I literally spray a couple of times directly to my roots and rough it up with my fingers for extra volume and it works really well. You can, of course, give it a little extra help for a slightly less dishevelled look, if you prefer – blast your hair dry on a medium heat, then use a large barreled heated wand to emulate waves, brush through, give it a shake and you’re done. This is my most-loved, less is more hair doo of all time. In terms of colour, balayage works well, you’re going for a natural, almost child-like sun-kissed look, so don’t overdo the highlights.
What’s your summer routine? Are you inspired by Scandi style?
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I love this! Ultrasun is my fav ever sun cream, I am obsessed with the texture, it absorbs so well and it doesn’t feel at all slimy like other suncreams you know when you feel all greasy, don’t get that at all with Ultrasun! Love love loveeeee. And I now want to try the Pear and Vanilla spray as it sounds amazing! xxx
Author
Ultrasun is the best, totally agree there. Yes! You need to try the texture spray, you don’t need much but it just gives a bit of volume to the roots for the Beachy look. ❤️x
For me summer beauty trend is less makeup but at the same time I agree on the fact that makeup should look effortless and for that reason if I don’t apply any foundation I make sure to at least apply primer with SPF, mascara and a lipstick… that would be all for me…❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
Author
Sounds like you’re doing a very similar look. Less is more for the summer always works doesn’t it! x
While I would probably be a terrible Danish woman, I agree with all your tips and have been toning down a lot of my hair and makeup lately for the summer months. I don’t think I will ever be able to stop fighting the aging process though. I’m stubborn that way!
Angela at Blush & Pearls
Author
It’s so much better toned down isn’t it. I’m just so hot all the time, my makeup slides off so it’s not worth layering it on too much. I agree, let’s not give in to the ageing process!! x
I love the Scandinavian approach to so many things, from their work life balance to their sleek interior designs so this take on beauty works for me – I agree often less is more!
Lovely post to read as always 🙂
Julia x https://freshbeautyfix.com/
Author
I do too, I mean, they are the happiest people. We should definitely follow their lead. Thanks lovely! x
Love this post! The Ultrasun Face Fluid sounds perfect for summer. Sun protection is so important this time of year. And I completely agree with you about bold brows. They’re so glamorous!
Author
SPF is so important like you say, the face fluid is so lovely. I’d highly recommend it x
I absolutely love this post! It’s extremely hard to do your makeup in this heat, it doesn’t matter what setting spray or products you use – it’s just way too much for me. I completely agree with all the tips you’ve mentioned, I’ve opted for a more natural look this year like a dewy base, brows, winged liner (which takes me ages to do) and a nude lip.
I’m looking for a new sun cream and this sounds amazing! That hair spray sounds amazing, I mean who wouldn’t like crisp pear and sweet vanilla haha! Great post x
http://new-lune.com
Author
Thank you so much! Love the sound of the look you’re going for. My eyes aren’t the right shape for a wing but I do try occasionally. Ultrasun really is a fab suncare brand. I really recommend it x
I love ultra sun suncreams, they’re the only ones that actually work for me. Last summer I was using one that had a hint on bronze and sparkle in it, which I loved xx
https://bloominginstyleblog.blogspot.com/2018/07/how-i-style-my-bedside-table.html
Author
Thanks lovely. I agree, you can’t beat Ultrasun, I love how the face product doubles as a day cream and makes a lovely base x
I agree, make up should look as natural as possible even though once in a while it’s fun to play with a bold look.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Author
Yes, it’s always fun to play about with makeup, I agree! Thanks for stopping by x
I guess choosing the right product is extremely important. Most especially for times like this. This is such a good and quite informative read.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Author
It’s definitely all about product choice. Thank you so much x