BALMY weather is wonderful if you're lucky enough to be on holiday. But when you're stuck at work, or in a stifling flat where air con isn't an option, it's enough to make even the most ardent sun-worshipper pray for rain.
Help is at hand, however, if you hit the bottle. No, not the Pimm's (although that helps too), we're talking cooling lotions, mists and gels that will help your temperature – and your stress levels – drop.
These are the products to help you beat the heatwave we're hopefully going to get before summer's out...
SHOWER POWER
After a sticky, sleepless night, start the day with a cool, reviving shower.
:: Sanctuary Spa Cooling Shower Drench, £7 (www.sanctuary.com), is a sweetly-scented watermelon and cucumber-infused gel that creates a refreshing sensation that lasts long after you've turned the shower off.
:: Lush Refresher Shower Jelly, £3.50, is a gloopy gel that you can keep in the fridge (or even the freezer). Grab a dollop and massage in for a skin-tingling lather (available from Aug 7; www.lush.co.uk).
ICE-LY DOES IT
When the mercury heads north, swap your regular moisturiser or body lotion for an icy alternative – store in the fridge for maximum chill-factor.
:: Skyn Iceland Antidote Cooling Daily Lotion, £32.50 (MarksandSpencer.com), contains glacial water and mint, providing an invigorating feel on your face.
:: For parched patches on your body, Harley Medical Aloe Vera Hydration Gel, £10 (www.harleymedical.co.uk), is a supremely soothing balm that contains 98 per cent aloe vera, the best botanical cooler out there.
NO SWEAT
A dependable deodorant is a must if you want to maintain that early-morning cool throughout the day.
:: Try L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Deodorant Stick, £14 (www.loccitane.com), a zesty, alcohol free formula, or Sure Women Shower Fresh Antiperspirant, £2.09 (www.superdrug.com), a hard-working aerosol in a mini can that's ideal for throwing in your handbag.
GIVE IT A MIST
While we wait for Dyson to invent a tiny, super-powered air conditioning unit that you can pop in your purse, a facial mist housed in the fridge door is the next best thing.
:: Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist, £25 (www.thalgo.co.uk), is light, moisturising spray that smells like the sea and comes in a long-lasting 150ml can.
:: When you're on the go, keep L'Occitane Precious Mist, £14 (www.loccitane.com), to hand, for regular blasts of floral freshness.
SOOTHE YOUR SOLES
Even in your most summery sandals, soles can really suffer on hot days, so a spot of mid-afternoon foot therapy can make all the difference.
:: Give yourself a mini massage with a monty marvel like Rituals Lao Tze Cooling Foot Balm, £10 (www.rituals.com), or Temple Spa AAAHHH! Soothing Balm For Aching Feet & Legs, £20 (www.templespa.com), and let the menthol sensation take over.
AFTER HOURS
Whether you've been catching rays or not, after-sun really comes into its own during warm weather, so finish your day by slathering on a generous layer.
:: Herborist After-Sun Care Crackling Mousse, £25 (FeelUnique.com), fizzes as you apply it, instantly lowering the temperature of your skin, while Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion & Soothing Aloe Gel, £6.49 (www.superdrug.com), delivers a big hit of that all-important aloe, alongside a coconut-scented moisturiser.
