When was the last time you looked for some summer beauty hacks for the beach? As mums, we’re always so focused on getting our kids’ stuff organised for beach outings that we neglect our own needs.

Going to the beach is supposed to be relaxing, and looking and feeling our best is a big part of that. In that spirit, here are some easy summer beauty hacks that will boost your confidence when you hit the beach.

1. Dry shampoo to the rescue

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the heat and humidity of the summer don’t do your hair any favours. However, the last thing that any of us want to do on a hot summer’s day is wash our hair and then get stuck having to stand under a hot blow dryer to make it look nice again.

Enter dry shampoo. This product, which is usually made with some type of starch, is my secret for attractive summer hair on even the hottest days. It eliminates and absorbs your scalp’s natural oils that normally make it look greasy and weighed down between washings. Whether you need to give your hair some volume after (or before) a day at the beach or your hair is looking lifeless after a run, dry shampoo will come to your rescue.

The key to getting dry shampoo right is to avoid spraying it too close to your scalp. Holding the bottle 4 to 6 inches away from your head and spraying at the roots is ideal. Don’t use it everywhere – just apply it where your hair is greasiest and then let it sit for a few minutes before you brush or shake it out.

When my hair needs that extra volume, I sometimes apply it, sleep in it, and shake it off in the morning.

2. Shave the right way to avoid irritation

Although we might be able to get away with skipping a few days of shaving in the winter, summer is a different story entirely. Underarm hair seems to grow remarkably quickly, so it is important to choose the right razor. A pivoting handle can be useful for your underarm’s hollow shape, and replacing your blade often is the best way of avoiding irritation. If you’re prone to razor burn, you might want to shave your underarms the night before you go to the beach or you could be in for some serious irritation when that saltwater hits your skin!

If you associate shaving your bikini line with razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritated skin, I have a few tips for you. First, you should never use dull blades on this area because it raises your chance of skin irritation. If you’re shaving in the shower, it’s best to make sure it’s the last thing you do so that the warm water has had some time to hydrate your skin and soften the hairs before you get started. A shaving gel for sensitive skin can help the blade glide more easily to minimize your chance of razor burn. Make sure you are always shaving in the direction of hair growth with light pressure.

I’ve got little work to do here this summer! I’d been using an at-home ‘laser’ IPL system for a few weeks before summer, and my body hairs have reduced exponentially!

3. Get that bronzed look without risking your health

You definitely want to lather up with sunscreen before you hit the beach – even if you’re hoping to get a tan. Make sure you’re using a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection and apply it early as it can take your skin as much as half an hour to absorb sunscreen in most cases.

Experts suggest using around the size of a golf ball across your entire body. Make sure you cover every part that will be exposed to the sun. Don’t forget your lips, ears, feet and the back of your neck. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

If you prefer to get a bronze look from self-tanner, my number one tip is exfoliating first. Self-tanner has a way of sinking into dry skin and leaving tell-tale dark patches, so you want to slough away flakes in all the rough spots on your body like your ankles and elbows before you apply it.

I’ve read that self-tanning mousses tend to be the easiest formula to rub in, and if you’re not confident in your ability to cover everywhere evenly, you can use a self-tanner with a built-in bronzer so you can see where you’ve applied it. Start with your legs and work your way up, and use a baby wipe to wipe away any tanning cream that goes where it shouldn’t.

From one mum to another, I can tell you that these summer beauty hacks really do help me feel more put-together when I go to the beach!