There are few places better equipped to teach us about beauty in extreme temperatures than Australia. During her years living there, model Ellen Burton embraced a more effortless approach to skincare and makeup, one centred around hydration, protection and keeping skin healthy rather than masking it.
Now back in London amid another heatwave, Burton has held onto many of the rituals and products she discovered Down Under. From cooling facial sprays to electrolyte sachets and hard-working SPF, these are the summer essentials she refuses to be without when temperatures begin to soar.
The Cooling Mist That Does More Than Refresh
Face mists are often relegated to handbag fillers, but Burton’s favourite has become a true skincare staple.
“I love the Tower 28 SOS Hypochlorous Spray because it does more than just feel refreshing. It helps balance your skin’s pH while targeting acne-causing bacteria, so every spritz is actually doing something for your skin. It’s become my favourite thing to use in the heat – cooling, refreshing, and skincare that works at the same time.”
Perfect for long commutes, post-workout skin or simply cooling down between meetings, the hypochlorous acid formula helps calm irritation, support the skin barrier and leave complexions feeling instantly refreshed without disrupting makeup.
The Fridge Essential That Instantly Depuffs
As temperatures rise, puffiness can become an unwelcome side effect of disrupted sleep, dehydration and warmer nights. Burton’s answer is a luxury investment that she insists is worth every penny.
“I know they’re pricey but trust me, they’re worth it! Keep these in the fridge and it’s magic on your face in the morning. Instantly depuffing, tightening and sculpting. Plus they feel incredible.”
The 111SKIN Cryo Sculpting Tools offer a cooling, cryotherapy-inspired facial massage that can help awaken tired skin, encourage circulation and temporarily sculpt the contours of the face, making them a particularly indulgent addition to any summer beauty routine.
The Lightweight Moisturiser That Lets Skin Breathe
One of the biggest beauty mistakes Burton believes people make during warmer weather is failing to adjust their skincare routines accordingly.
“An easy mistake to make in summer is using a heavy moisturiser that will clog your pores when you inevitably sweat. This is the perfect summer moisturiser. It’s light and breathable but actually still hydrates.”
Her go-to is Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Moisturiser, a fuss-free formula that delivers hydration without leaving skin feeling overloaded or greasy. In a heatwave, maintaining moisture levels while allowing skin to breathe can make all the difference.
The Unexpected Beauty Hero
Not every beauty essential sits neatly on a bathroom shelf.
“Technically not a beauty product. But in this heatwave you’re going to get dehydrated so it’s so important you replenish with electrolytes! It’ll keep your skin plump, clear and happy inside out!”
Burton swears by Liquid IV’s Sugar-Free White Peach Electrolyte Mix to help replenish fluids lost through perspiration. While often associated with fitness enthusiasts, electrolyte supplements are increasingly finding their place within wellness-led beauty routines, supporting hydration levels that can ultimately be reflected in the appearance of the skin.
The One Product She Never Compromises On
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Burton’s years spent living in Australia instilled one habit above all others: diligent sun protection.
“SPF is a MUST! This one is beautiful and lightweight, and trust me, you will still tan through it. For me, SPF isn’t just about preventing burns – UV rays break down the collagen in your skin, which means faster ageing. If there’s one product that’s actually worth investing in, it’s sunscreen!”
For Burton, SPF is less about avoiding sunshine altogether and more about preserving the health, resilience and longevity of the skin. It’s a lesson many Australians learn early, and one that perhaps those of us navigating Britain’s increasingly tropical summers would do well to adopt.
As temperatures continue to climb, Burton’s Australian-inspired beauty philosophy serves as a reminder that surviving a heatwave isn’t about layering on more products. Instead, it’s about choosing formulas that cool, protect and support the skin, allowing it to look its healthiest no matter how high the mercury rises.
Follow Ellen Burton on @ellenburton_
Photography by Kate Rosenberg Photography @katerosenberger
Make-Up by Madi Wolfe @madiwolfemua
