Ah, the bliss of a summer break. Nothing compares to setting off on an eagerly anticipated trip. But with relaxation comes organisation. Luckily, we’ve got this covered – whether you’ll be dining al fresco, dancing your heart out, sipping champagne at sun-soaked wedding receptions or Instagramming endless pictures of you frolicking in the waves. From multitaskers to dry shampoo to a refreshing herbaceous scent, we’ve curated an edit of the easy-to-pack beauty products you’ll wish you had in your bag sooner. Happy summer!
Endocare Aquafoam
With summer in full swing, now more than ever a cleansing routine is crucial. Whether you have dry, combination or sensitive skin, a foam cleanser can penetrate the pores and help remove oil, debris and dirt. We’re big fans of this foam-based product in Endocare’s line to refine congested pores without drying the skin. The foam is super-light and cloud-like, but still contains plenty of powerful actives – namely, SCA Growth Factor Technology, citric acid and Cantabrian Sea minerals such as zinc, manganese and selenium. The affordable price only adds to its appeal.
R290 from www.dermastore.co.za and www.skinmiles.com
NeoStrata Enlighten 15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum
Your daily routine isn’t complete without a vitamin C serum. If you want to combat age spots and pigmentation (and quickly), this new serum is your lifeline. A potent blockbuster of antioxidants – vitamin C, polyhydroxy acid, feverfew and green tea extract – penetrates quickly and deeply into the skin to deliver free radical-fighting benefits. A couple of drops of this serum every morning brings brighter, tighter-looking skin. Open pores and fine lines won’t stand a chance! In mere minutes your complexion is perkier, and the results speak for themselves.
R805 from www.dermastore.co.za and www.skinmiles.com
Lamelle Luminesce Rich
Nothing is more of a buzzkill than hyperpigmentation. One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of developing unwanted dark spots is to scoop up Lamelle’s new Luminesce Rich – an indulgently rich cream we recommend to just about anyone asking for easy-to-incorporate products. This face cream is powered by anti-inflammatory amino acids, plant extracts, vitamins, peptides, dexpanthenol and genetic modulators, which makes it extra effective. It’s rich and creamy but not heavy, so it works just as well during the day as a nighttime treatment. Oh-so worth it.
R1,150 from www.dermastore.co.za and www.skinmiles.com
Eco Diva Natural DivaGlow Shimmer
For the girl on the go, this super-clever skin luminiser delivers glass skin in seconds. The handbag-friendly Eco Diva Natural DivaGlow Shimmer’s consistency is perfection – it doesn’t settle into lines, but it also doesn’t slip around on your skin. Instead, it stays dewy with just a touch of the most flattering shimmer. Wear it all over, use it to spotlight your eyelids or tap it strategically atop your cheekbones with a ring finger for a truly multidimensional face. True to the brand’s natural vibes, it’s 100% natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free and pregnancy-safe.
R190 from www.ecodiva.co.za
Softlips Rose Tint Lip Conditioner
Beauty trends come and go, but lip tints will never go out of style. This is our go-to everyday lip balm for good reason. It leaves your natural lip colour slightly enhanced and your pout undeniably hydrated. It’s not by chance that Softlips has been around for decades … it’s really that good! Whether you’re going bare-faced or doing a full facebeat, this is the perfect finishing touch. We’re partial to the Rose shade – with one simple swipe, lips look rosy and blushed – but don’t sleep on the Bronze or Pearl either. You can put them on without a mirror and still look fabulous.
R35.99 from Clicks and Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Down to Earth Recharge Face Wash & Shaving Gel
If you choose to shave this summer, you’ll need a high-quality lubricant for the smoothest skin ever. Down to Earth’s Recharge Face Wash & Shaving Gel is loaded with plant extracts like aloe ferox, buchu and patchouli. It’s also designed with sensitive skin in mind. So, you immediately know it’s going to provide a super-close, comfortable shave and leave skin soft. No nicks, no stubble – and bonus points that the formula doesn’t clog up your razor. Don’t be surprised if the men in your household borrow this multitasking product and “forget” to give it back.
R179 from www.downtoearthcare.co.za, www.faithful-to-nature.co.za, www.takealot.com and Wellness Warehouse
That’so On The Go Dark
The best self-tan formulas for the face make it simple to maintain a faux glow – and without the threat of harmful UV damage. If, like us, you’ve tested more than your fair share in the past, give this one a chance for smooth, streak-free sailing. The sugar cane extract-packed formula applies just like your favourite face mist to give you the golden glow of your dreams. We also love that it dries down within a few minutes, but the shade still deepens for three to four hours afterward. Spritz on and be sure to buff around the nose, eyes and mouth with a muslin cloth.
R665 from www.haircair.co.za
NIVEA 3in1 Q10 Anti-Age Care Hand Cream
The hands are among the most-neglected areas when it comes to sunscreen application. So yes, you should be using an SPF-spiked hand cream! We love NIVEA’s affordable 3in1 Q10 Anti-Age Care Hand Cream because it’s mixed with the good stuff (co-enzyme Q10 and nourishing ingredients) and protects hands with UV filters. All without leaving behind a greasy residue, which is very important to us. This product has brought life back and fixed our dry hands and cuticles. We put a huge dollop on our hands and rub the rest into our arms.
R42.99 from Clicks and Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Bio Sculpture Mint Mask
Get ready for sandal weather after a long season in boots and sneakers. For the ultimate summer pedicure, use this foot mask that will rehab your soles in no time. You can thank the potent elixir of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils for the quick payoff – the whole process takes just 10 to 15 minutes. For an extended cooling sensation, leave it on for an additional 10 minutes. It gives your feet that bouncy, walking-on-air feeling that a good salon pedi does. Afterwards, use a pedicure cloth and sponge with warm water to gently remove the product.
R130 for 75ml or R210 for 250ml from www.bio-sculpture.co.za and select salons
LUSH Pansy Perfume
Sun-kissed skin in a bottle coming right up. All-natural, non-toxic essential oil perfumes – without any funny business like harmful chemicals – have come a long way. With floral notes of orange flower steeped in earthy rosemary and oakmoss, LUSH Pansy Perfume is a quick refresh for the busy beauty bee on the go. Not only can the 30ml chill conveniently in your bag, but it also costs a fraction of a typical perfume – so you can spritz away without buyer’s remorse! If you’re in the market for a versatile fragrance, you can’t go wrong with this one.
R245 for 30ml or R520 for 100ml from from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and www.lush.com
Be Bare The Headmistress Shampoo Bar
Looking for a shampoo bar that’s vegan, cruelty-free and works on greasy hair? Try Be Bare, perfect for multitaskers and lazy mornings. Their sweetly scented Headmistress Shampoo Bar is something of a two-in-one, promising both deep-cleansing and scalp health benefits. It’s made from sweet orange, white grapefruit and petitgrain for deep and thorough rejuvenation, plus cacao butter to feed your tresses. We tend to use this shampoo bar followed by the Genie in a Bar Conditioner Bar and it works a treat – leaving strands squeaky clean but still hydrated.
R109.95 from www.bebarelife.com, www.faithful-to-nature.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.superbalist.com as well as select Wellness Warehouse, Woolworths and Food Lover’s Market stores
Pureology Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo
Along with a new blow-dryer, you might be on the lookout for the right dry shampoo to help you preserve your style. The Pureology Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo – specifically designed for colour-treated hair – is easy to use and requires little elbow grease to blend it into hair. Guaranteed to give limp and greasy hair an instant refresh, this can be used days in a row without building up on the scalp. It perks up volume and improves texture for a styled look that will last all night. The bottle doesn’t hurt either – it’s a fun addition to any bathroom vanity.
R580 from www.retailbox.co.za, www.salon500.co.za and select salons
