Sali Hughes on beauty: the hero products that kept me cool in the long hot summer of 2026

You’ll normally find me looking back on my favourite products of the past 12 months at year’s end. But this summer has been so freakishly hot and sweaty it has required its own toolkit and, by extension, its own list of exceptionally well-performing products that deserve rapturous commendation.

The first is Refy’s Skin Base (£30), a sheer face tint so thin and so lightweight it has been all I could bear to wear since July. It’s suitable for all skin types, but not at all appropriate for those who hate any hint of shine. While the texture is totally ungreasy, breathable and so comfortable as to be imperceptible, it does look unmistakably dewy, so avoid if you’re devoted to matte. Personally, I take the view that, in this heat, one might as well steer into the skid, but I am, admittedly, at an age when a juicier look works in my skin’s favour. Anyway, this is makeup that truly feels like absolutely nothing, and what it lacks in coverage can be made up with concealer where needed. Maximum points from me (I wear shade 140N).

Moisturiser is another step that humidity has forced me to downsize. The heat has made wearing heavy face cream as appealing as a 5km parkrun, so I’ve switched to lighter liquids to quench my skin’s thirst. The Prequel skincare line, which recently launched in the UK, is consistently good, but its Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer (£28) has been a godsend. This very lightweight emulsion pours like semi-skimmed milk, satisfies like double cream and barely adds any weight to sweaty skin. The glycerin and ceramides keep everything supple until bedtime, and give a smooth, plump base for SPF and makeup. It’s the skincare equivalent of sleeping underneath a silk sheet instead of a 9-tog duvet.

St Tropez’s new Instant Glow Mousse (£25) has never been far from my reach. It’s a fast, mess-free and streakless way to make exposed legs golden until your next soapy shower. Stroke on with a mitt, wash off only when you’re ready. Absolutely no fussy prep required.

I’ve relied heavily on zingy, fresh, enlivening scents to keep me in good spirits. The summer 2026 perfume playlist I’ve had on repeat is Dedcool’s Xtra Milk (from £24) – a dreadful name, but a very gentle, happy and wearable fragrance – and Penhaligon’s Luna (from £32), all wet roses, zesty citrus and airy green forests. Like a cold compress for the senses.