WSS Beauty: Our Top 10 Summer Beauty Essentials

Days are getting longer, we are exposing more skin and spending more time outdoors and socialising. This usually means more time at the beach, travelling, BBQs, parties, family get-togethers and more. Unfortunately, exposure to sun, sand, chlorine and salt water all play havoc with our skin and hair.

From hair to skin to SPF essentials, these summer beauty must-haves need to be shared:

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Body Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ (RRP $36.95)

I have sensitive skin, which usually reacts to regular sunscreen and heading into my mid 40’s, I’m noticing some pigmentation and skin damage caused by my lack of sun protection over the years (thanks to clogged and irritated skin from sunscreens, I avoided using them). However, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50 Body Sunscreen leaves my skin protected from Australia’s harsh sun without any skin irritation and offers a nice glow to my skin. It is non-sticky and absorbs well into the skin. Unlike other sunscreens, it doesn’t leave white marks or leave your skin looking pale. It offers a very high, broad, UVA/UVB protection of 50+. This product is a must-have if you are serious about your sun protection!

2. Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micellar Solution (RRP $31.99)

I must admit, I am really lazy at taking my makeup off before bed (I’m usually too tired by the time I go to bed to go through a complicated nighttime beauty routine and I usually do a deep cleanse during my morning shower ). However, Micellar water has been my saving grace. It is effective and easy to use. Just pop some of a cotton cleansing pad and wipe over your face a few times (until all traces of makeup is gone). Specifically formulated for dehydrated dry skin (like mine) and skin lacking radiance, it gently cleanses the skin, removes makeup and moisturises the skin. The ultra-gentle micelles help capture fatty molecules such as dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving dehydrated skin cleansed, soothed and hydrated. A bonus with Micelle water is a cool, refreshed feeling before getting into bed, which is lovely during Summer.

3. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle (RRP $15.95)

The longtime choice of celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Diane Kruger, this Klorane dry shampoo is specially formulated for oily hair. Summer exacerbates sweat and oil production on the scalp, which leaves your hair looking greasy and limp. Dry shampoo soaks up excess oil, revives second-day hair, boosts volume, extends the life of blowouts, and doubles as a volumiser. Dry shampoo has become every busy women’s go to product for those days when you sleep in a little too late or when you need to give your hair a bit of lift after the gym or before heading out after work. Just spray the dry shampoo on your scalp (I usually do this upside down), then brush or shake it through your scalp with your fingers and you are ready to go.

4.  Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturiser (RRP $15.99)

This product is my summer holy grail. Not only is it an amazing firming moisturiser but it gives you the perfect glow too. I’m fairly pale, so I use the Fair to medium. However, if you want a darker tan, you can use the medium to dark version. We love a multi purpose and easy to use product. 

5. Kérastase Soleil Collection (RRP from $39.50) 

Your hair needs extra care in Summer. With damage from the sun, chlorine and salt water, you need to protect your hair from these elements. With Kérastase, your hair will at last love the sun thanks to the Soleil hair care range. The collection contains SPF shampoos, conditioners and sprays designed to protect your hair from the sun. The Kérastase range may seem expensive but a little goes a long way. Personally, I use the Kérastase Bain Vital Dermo-calm range because I have a sensitive scalp and it is the only product that helps.

6. Lanolips Golden All Over Salve (RRP $19.95)

Lanolips Golden Dry Skin Salve is an intense skin salve that can be used all over the body. A universal skin salve for exceptionally dry, rough & unhappy skin. The Lanolips Golden All Over Salve contains a 100% natural mix of Lanolin, Manuka Honey and Vitamin E which re-conditions, nourished, super hydrated & silky skin. Ideal for dry skin areas such as elbows, knees and as a an overnight treatment for cracked heels (lather your feet in Golden ointment and put some cotton socks on or for an intense treatment or wrap your feet with plastic wrap and cover with socks).

7. Schick Hydro Silk Razor (RRP $14.29) and Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor (RRP $19.99).
The Schick Hydro Silk Razor is the best razor I have used. Quick, easy and painless. My skin is silky smooth, hair free and hydrated for at least a few days. Schick hydro silk for woman’s razor has five curve sensing blades. Moisturises for up to 2 hours after shaving and hydrates longer than any other razor. The Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor combines the hydrating Hydro Silk razor with a waterproof bikini trimmer for all your leg and bikini area needs.

8. Nivea Q10 Firming Lotion (RRP $9.99) 

The Nivea Q10 Firming Body Lotion is amazing. It formula contains the skin’s own co-enzyme Q10, it supplies energy to cells, supporting the natural repair and restoration process and leaving the skin noticeably tighter and smoother. From the first use, you notice how smooth the skin is. After using for a few weeks, you definitely notice a difference in the texture of your skin. I was pleasantly surprised when I started using it a year ago. My skin is so silky and soft, I won’t use anything else now.

9. Clarins Tonic Body Balm (RRP $40.00)  A smoothing balm with a firming blend of ginseng and apple seed oil soothes dryness and promotes toned, supple skin. Refreshes the senses with the aromatic essences of geranium, rosewood, mint and rosemary. Non-oily texture delivers a satin-fresh finish.

10. Scholl Expert Care 2 in 1 Electronic Foot File System (RRP $34.99)

Strappy sandals, heels and thongs mean our feet are exposed during summer and prone to drying out and cracking, which is never a good look while wearing said shoes. The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi is your best friend if you suffer from dry and cracked heels.

Get feet that look great and feel super smooth without any hassle. Velvet Smooth buffs away hard skin in minutes leaving you with fabulous feet that you’ll want to show off. It’s so easy to use. Gently rotate the file over hard skin and see the dead skin disappear. Once your feet are smooth and soft, breathe a sigh of relief.

What are your essential Summer beauty items?