How to survive 8 weeks on a (Love) Island

You might have heard that Love Island is returning to our screens soon. Between the hours of 9-10pm, every evening for the next two months, we’ll be tuning into Flack Attacks and text messages (both from the Island, and the group chat). We’ve perused the villa, assessed the line-up, and began crafting our bum-shape in the sofa ready to squash into for the foreseeable. Of course, if you’re off to an island for 8 weeks, you’ll want your usual beauty maintenance to last a little longer – so, here’s what I’d suggest to our Islanders. Me? I’ll be cramped in my living room, but it’s nice to dream of warmer climes.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 Do your nails a favour

  What use is a poolside Boomerang when the nails holding your bev are chipped to the nines? I jest. But if you do want your mani-pedi to last beyond passport security, gels are a good idea. Of course, neglected feet may need more than a slick of polish too (if you’re yet to crack out the sandals). A proper pedicure will get your tootsies ready for a walk in the sand. Or a recoupling.
• 2 Brows, without the pencil

  I love going bare-faced on holiday, and staying clear of heavy-duty makeup. But eyebrows? They’re the face-framers. Since there were many enviable arches kicking about the villa last year, I know I’m not the only one. So, to avoid grabbing the brow pencil beach-side, I’ll be heading for a tint. It lasts two weeks – great news for me, not so much the Islanders. They should try microblading. The tattooing technique implants pigment beneath the skin for a defined brow that can last up to three years (and it won’t wash off in the pool, bonus).
• 3 Waterproof mascara, nada

  The concept is great, but waterproof mascara just doesn’t cut it for me. It’s itchy, it’s flakey, it never comes off. I’ll be booking an eyelash tint instead. It’s a gentle dyeing process that darkens the colour of your natural lashes for a little more definition. If you’re in need of extra length and volume (always), lash perming is a goodie. This one spreads your lashes across a mini roller, before a solution is applied to curl them from the root. Pie off the mascara, and crack on with a lash perm.
• 4 Smooth operator - legs, that is

  I love hair-free legs. I also don’t care if they’re hairy (gage my low maintenance lifestyle here). If I were in one of my smoother-than-an-otter moods, I’d choose waxing for hair removal. Let’s face it, ingrowns are the devil incarnated, but waxing helps to keep them at bay. You'll be hair free for 4-5 weeks (or six if we’re talking bikini line). Islanders, leave your razors at home and hop aboard the waxing table before taking flight.
• 5 Dramatic chop (for your hair)

  For the Love Island lot, their hair is about to face some drama too: chlorine, sunshine, muggy weather (see what I did there). Before heading off, it’s a good idea to get a haircut. That’ll rid your locks of any dry or split ends, that are vulnerable to sun damage. A little trim will keep the hair’s health in check. If you’re going to dye it, do so a month in advance, and remember: colour can fade in intense sunlight, so make sure your shampoo is seriously conditioning to keep that colour nourished. SPF for hair is a real thing, so grab yourself a bottle of that too.