The sun is out so it is time to shed the layers and have a little more fun! While neutral looks are as popular as ever, colour is back in cosmetics and giving skin a refresh never goes out of style. Tracy O’Connor shares her must-haves to effortlessly welcome summer in style.

BLUSH CRUSH
The biggest make-up trend of the year? High blush and a soft, red flush. Begin by dabbing blush in the centre of the cheek and blend upward towards the cheekbone, then outward towards either side of the eye and into the hairline. I love Aleph’s Cheek/Lip Tint in Gloria, a velvety, orange-red that delivers the perfect pop of colour and will complement any skin tone. These multi-tasker pots are great because you can build intensity by layering, using a lighter flush of colour on the cheeks and a deeper, richer tone on the lip.
Cheek / Lip Tint: Gloria, $62, Aleph Beauty

 

GLAZE PHASE
Nail trends change as often as New Zealand weather. But one trend that seems to be here to stay? The ‘glazed donut’. Layer over any of your favourite colours, and you’ll get that of-the-moment mani – without breaking the bank. I especially love it over pastels and neutrals for a very demure, very mindful summer vibe.
Nail Lacquer Glazed N’ Amused, $35.99, OPI

 

CLEAN DREAM
Proper cleansing sets you and your skin up for success. The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm by English brand, which has gone viral globally, is a cleanser worth the hype. Its dreamy texture is deeply nourishing, the scent is divine – and the results? Melts off every ounce of make-up, even stubborn mascara, delivers mega-moisture and leaves skin velvety soft.
If your best friend was a cleanser – classy, reliable, lasts forever – this would be it. It’s just so good that once you use it, you just can’t believe you’ve ever lived without it.
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, ELEMIS

 

HOME SPAHHH
What if I told you there was a facial product that delivered professional-level results in the comfort of your own home? Spaoxy Gel by Dr. MEDION is my desert island product. I’ve bought more of these little orange boxes than I care to admit.
Mix the activating powder with the moisturising gel, apply to your skin (kind of like frosting a cake), leave on for 20 minutes, and then remove. This facial-in-a-pouch targets pesky fine lines, under-eye circles, puffiness and skin laxity. Invented by a Japanese doctor, it is clinically proven to boost skin cell regeneration. What does that mean? Younger-looking skin in just one treatment. And even more benefits over time with continued use.
Spaoxy Gel, Dr. MEDION

 

PROTECT + PERFECT
Tower 28, a California-based beauty brand has just launched at MECCA and is making waves. While they’ve become TikTok famous for their SOS spray, my all-time favourite product from the beachy brand is their SunnyDays SPF 30. The tinted sunscreen foundation does a stellar job of minimising redness and imperfections, whilst leaving skin fresh-faced and protected.
What you’ll love? It’s fragrance-free, non-greasy, offers buildable coverage and leaves no white cast.
SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen, Tower 28

 

Tracy O’Connor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, a contributing Lifestyle Reporter to Fox News Good Day LA and a sought-after Beauty Industry Consultant. She is enthusiastic about skincare, wellness, healthy ageing – and her family. She has two magical (most-of-the-time) daughters and splits her time between California and rural New Zealand.