Ah, holidays. Remember them? The smell of sun cream, the taste of a fruity cocktail, the distant sound of splashing as you sunbathe by the pool…

Unfortunately, for most of us a vacay isn’t on the cards anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still look like you’ve spent 10 days relaxing on a sun lounger.

From blusher in unexpected places to the Simple Protect ’N’ Glow products you need in your beauty bag, here are four ways to fake that post-holiday glow – no plane ticket necessary.

1. Scrub slowly

      a reusable face mask held in the palm of a hand
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      If lit-from-within skin is what you’re after, regular exfoliation should be an essential part of your skincare routine.

      “A common cause of a dull complexion is the build-up of dead skin,” explains Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist at The London Dermatology Centre.

      Regularly sloughing away these dead skin cells, alongside dirt and oil that can build up (particularly after donning your reusable face mask), will reveal a smoother-than-silk, healthy complexion.

      Whether you prefer a physical exfoliator, like a scrub or cleansing brush, or a chemical formula, such as salicylic acid, the key is to be gentle. Start small, with a low percentage acid exfoliant or scrub once a week, before building up to more if needed. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, leaving skin red, flaky and seriously dehydrated.

      2. Double up on SPF

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      If you’ve ever made the mistake of skipping the sun cream on holiday and ended up a peeling, pink mess, you’ll know it isn’t something you want to recreate at home. So, if you aren’t already (and you really should be by now), make wearing an SPF part of your daily routine.

      You might think that it feels counterintuitive – how will you catch a tan if you’re slathered in factor 30? – but you can still bronze beautifully while protecting your skin.

      “Ultraviolet radiation results in premature ageing and pigmentation, and can even cause skin cancer, so daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential and will help protect you from UVA and UVB damage,” says Dr Laftah.

      Apply a lightweight SPF day cream, like Simple Protect ’N’ Glow Triple Protect Moisturiser SPF30, every morning – even if you’re not planning to spend much time in the sun. For a day in the park, double up your protection by layering on Simple Protect ’N’ Glow Radiance Booster SPF30. Invisible, non-chalky and with added vitamin E and algae oil, this lotion will leave skin looking luminous and feeling soft and supple. Just remember to re-apply every two hours, and after you’ve been in water.

      3. Maximise the moisture

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      All of the hydration means all of the glow. As well as drinking your daily two litres of water (which you’re already doing, of course), incorporate a much-needed moisture boost for dull, dehydrated skin.

      “A smooth, radiant complexion is a reflection of a well-hydrated skin barrier,” says Dr Laftah.

      Pamper yourself with a K-beauty-inspired treatment, like Simple Protect ’N’ Glow 48 Hour Glow Sheet Mask. Packed with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the harm caused by free radicals (the bad guys created in your skin cells by UV damage), it’s great for nourishing skin, reducing fine dehydration lines and giving you radiance.

      For an added sheen, try Simple Protect ’N’ Glow Illuminating Under Eye Mask. Using naturally derived fruit enzymes, it brightens and de-puffs the under-eye area, leaving you looking well-rested (even if you don’t feel it).

      4. Get your blush on

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      So you can’t have your week in the Mediterranean sun, but the British weather won’t play ball either. Time to fake those gorgeous freckles, bronzed skin and sun-kissed nose at home, with the help of a few makeup superheroes.

      Stick to cream products to keep skin looking juicy, dewy and delicious. Buff a cream bronzer into the perimeters of your face and tap a little bit of highlighter onto the cheekbones. Try UOMA Double Take Contour Sticks for a really wide shade range.

      Next, apply a tiny bit of blusher over the bridge of your nose – try Fenty Beauty Match Stix in the hyper-vibrant Ridiiic. We promise this TikTok hack will give you an extra-luminous shine. Finally, dot Freck Faux Freckle Cosmetics pen across your nose and cheeks for subtle freckles that would make even Meghan Markle jealous.

      So, think you’ve got the holiday glow down? Stick up a parasol in the garden and pour yourself a mojito. Who needs Ibiza, anyway?

      Nail that glow and protect your skin in the process with Simple’s Protect ’N’ Glow range