When it comes to a warm weather glow, the difference between Instagram (beachy waves, sun kissed skin, fresh glow) and reality (matted hair, lobster burn and sweat rash) is real. So, to help you create a vibe that you’ll actually want to share on your grid – without a filter! – here’s our pick of all the Summer beauty buys you need to help you live your best life this Summer (and beyond!).
Sun smart
You’d have to be living under a rock (although hopefully still wearing sunscreen!) to not realise that the blazing sun is both a blessing and a potential hazard. Which is why high SPF sun protection is the most important investment you can make when it comes to Summer beauty buys. Here are our picks of the best products to shield your skin from harmful rays this month. And those that follow!
Handy hack: If the damage is done a good Vitamin E serum (such as Daily Vitamins Vitamin E Body Serum, $49.95, by Salt by Hendrix) can help soothe sun burn.
Active Face Great SPF50+ Lotion, $58, by Ella Bache
Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50, $92, by Ultraceuticals
Rx Tinted Water-Resistant Sunscreen Cream, $59, by Aesthetics RX
Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $50, by Avène (paired with a blast of Avène Thermal Spring Water!)
Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist, $42, by Ultra Violette at Sephora
Fake it till you make it
Why wait for damaging UV rays to give you that sun-kissed look when you can achieve it without their harmful effects? If you really can’t wait invest in a good bronzer (we love the Beautiful Skin Sun- Kissed Glow Bronzer, $75, by Charlotte Tilbury). Otherwise, these fake tans will ensure you achieve that radiant glow without compromising your skin’s health.
Luxe Body Serum, $59.99, by St Tropez
Sunright Insta Glow Tinted Self-Tanning Gel, $51, by Nu Skin
The Face Self Tan Drops, $61, by Tan Luxe at Sephora
Oh Sole Mio Tempera Colour Bronzer, $41, by Espressoh at Sephora
24/7 Automated Tanning service, from $58 (first timers eligible for 20% off discount on the website), at Casa Soleil
Moisture magic
Summer heat can be harsh on your skin, leaving it parched and dull. Discover the magic of hydration with products and tips tailored to lock in moisture and smooth and soothe parched skin. From lips and hand, to body balms and nourishing creams for your complexion, these items will ensure you remain dewy and fresh throughout January. Insider tip: A blast of facial mist (such as the Exclusive Edition Aloe Vera Mist, $55, by Jurlique) can better support skin absorption of your favourite mosituriser.
Dramatically Different Lotion+ in Limited-Edition packaging by Narduna (Aboriginal artist Ryhia Dank), $60, by Clinique
The Ultimate Moisturiser, $148, by Status Quo
Exclusive Edition Aloe Vera Hand Cream $40, by Jurlique
Lemonaid + Lanolin Lip Treatment, $16.95, by Lanolips
Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, $65, by L’Occitane
Premier Cru The Cream, $160, by Caudalie at Sephora
Happy hair
Your hair deserves as much attention as your skin during the summer months. From protection against UV (or other heat!) damage to reviving moisture-depleted strands, these products promise to tame your tresses and rehydrate ravaged locks.
Mermade Mist thermal heat spray, $29, by Mermade Hair
Eimi Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray, $29.90, by Wella
Guava Leave in Conditioner, $38, by Ceremonia at Mecca
UniqOne Hair Treatment in Coconut, $29.95, by Revlon Professional at Adore Beauty
R+Co Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner, $49, by Rogue Beauty
Honorary mentions! Bucket Hat, $44.99, by Champion and Baby-puff scrunchies, $38, by Bread Beauty Supply at Sephora
Summer scents
The right scent can capture the essence of Summer in a spritz – transporting you to sunlit beaches and tropical paradises around the world with just a whiff. We love these fragrances, which are all designed to evoke memories of long, lazy days and balmy nights and take you on sensory journey through the scents of Summer.
Pacific Moss Rocks perfume, $239, by Goldfield and Banks
Sea Fragrance Body Mist, $72, by Ellis Brooklyn at Mecca
Rockaway Beach EDP, $281, by D.S & Durga at Mecca
Citrus Riviera EDP, $329, by BDK at Libertine
Oceanique Candle, $39.95, by Circa
