The 2020/2021 summer holiday was unlike any other, but that didn’t mean we didn’t make the most of it. These are the ten products that got out editor through lazy days at home and outdoors.
Everysun Sensitive Care Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 (R169.99)
While I don’t have sensitive skin, I’m always interested to try products formulated for sensitive skins, because I know they’ll be free of harsh ingredients. I love the new Everysun Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion – like other Everysun products it spreads evenly, absorb with ease, isn’t sticky and offers brilliant protection. It has a fragrance-free formula and is infused with antioxidants, vitamins and an infusion of superfruits. This went everywhere with me while I was on leave (which, let’s face it, was to the garden, the pool and the beach). Two thumbs up from me!
St Moriz Gradual Tanning Moisturiser (R149.95)
I’m slightly inexperienced at applying self-tan, so I’m a big fan of gradual tanning lotions. This one did not disappoint. I applied it every day, and achieved my desired tan after about four days. The colour gradually develops so you can determine how dark you want it to be, and it looks very natural. Unlike many of its competitors, it smells amazing (the scent reminds me of sunscreen) and it is free from that familiar chemical scent so often associated with tanning products.
Neutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel Cleanser (R124.95)
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost range is just what you need in hot weather – I love how refreshing and cooling the products feel on one’s skin. This cleanser is one of my favourites, and it was recently reformulated! It replenishes the skin’s water reserves while it cleanses, so you’re not left with that dreaded tight feeling after cleansing. It smells great and the gel formula feels soothing and refreshing on the skin.
Joico K-PAK Hydrator Intense Treatment (R585.00)
No matter what time of the year, my hair always benefits from a mask or treatment, but all the swimming in summer usually means I require a little something extra. This intense treatment did just the trick for me. It replenishes lost moisture in the hair, making it softer, shinier, more manageable and more elastic. Every time I used it my hair felt noticeably softer and more hydrated, it was shinier and it was sleeker. I love that it gets to work quickly – you only need to leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing. It can be used on extra-dry and over-processed hair too.
ZERO Hand & Nail Cream (R299.00)
As the summer holiday coincided with the second wave of coronavirus in the Western Cape, I was washing my hands all day long, and the constant use of antibacterial soap left my skin dry and itchy. I turned to my new ZERO hand cream to try combat this problem, and it went a long way in restoring my skin. It is 100% natural, plant-based and vegan, and made without any artificial colourants or fragrances. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue, but it offers intense hydration to counteract the effects of harsh soaps.
Skin Functional Daily Moisturiser (R290.00)
I’m a big fan of Skin Functional’s serums, so when they launched their very first moisturiser, I knew I had to put it to the test over the holidays. This one can be used twice a day and contains 5% black ginseng + ATP complex which is a powerful antioxidant combination. It’s a no-fuss product that absorbs quickly, isn’t sticky and has a neutral scent. It left my skin feeling soft and moisturised, with a healthy-looking natural glow.
Healing Earth Marula & Neroli Body Polish (R594.00)
How I love a good scrub! If you could bottle the scent of a trip to the spa, this would be it. I love the creamy consistency – it makes the skin feel moisturised and nourished, and I love that although the beads do a great job at exfoliating, they don’t damage the skin (or the planet!). The scrub is biodegradable, eco-friendly and cruelty-free. I used it every second day and will definitely repurchase once the tub is empty.
The Body Shop Coconut Bronze Glistening Glow Powder (R250.00)
What impressed me the most about this product is the colour pay-off. I expected it to be subtle on the skin, but instead it is highly pigmented. I love the two tones – I swirl my kabuki brush across both to get the perfect combination of highlighter and bronzer. It lasted really well on my skin, even on scorching hot days! It comes in the cutest little tin and like all The Body Shop products it is eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF15 in Rose (R235.00)
I absolutely adore these tinted lip balms by Elizabeth Arden, and they’re my go-to for everyday wear. Not only do they moisturise my lips the way my beloved Eight Hour Cream does, but they offer the addition of an SPF15 – and, the winning ingredient – a subtle tint. I used the soft pink shade called Rose pretty much every day of my holiday and loved it.
Shower to Shower All Day Freshness Fresh Dawn Deodorant (R29.99)
I’m not fussy when it comes to deodorant, but I know what I don’t want – I don’t like anything with an overpowering scent, and I don’t like it when the formula leaves a white residue on my skin. This is a real winner, and doesn’t do either: it kept me feeling fresh all day, and it has a lovely scent which I enjoyed when I spritzed it on, but which later disappeared (just the way I like it!). It withstood the heat of Cape Town’s festive season, making it a real winner for me.
