Top products for surviving summer

It seems that, no matter in which part of South Africa you find yourself, there is intense heat and no rain. Not only are we at the start of summer, but with the current drought there is no summer rain to cool us down. I wanted to make the title of this post something along the lines of "Tips for surviving summer", but that would entail drinking lots of water, taking cool showers, and splashing in the pool, all things you need a lot of water for. So instead I'm focussing on skincare products to see you through summer.

Vichy Idéal Soleil SPF 50 BB Cream

I've spoken about this before and I think it's absolutely perfect for the South African summer. You get a BB cream with an SPF of 50 in one product, what could be greater? The texture of the BB cream is velvety smooth and blends beautifully into the skin. It doesn't just sit on the skin like some products do, and adds a lovely glow to the skin. It doesn't offer a lot of coverage in terms of blemishes, so you might need a bit of concealer afterwards. It has serious staying power and doesn't break me out.

Vichy Eau Thermale Thermal Water spray

I use this as a toner, to wet my makeup sponge, and to cool myself down during the day. It has become an absolute godsend. It yields a fine mist of mineral-rich water that hydrates the skin and I'm obsessed.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Mist

This was probably the first facial mist I ever owned and I still always have a bottle on hand. The mist is fine and it has a lovely rose scent. I suppose it doesn't even begin to compare with the thermal waters, but I still love it for a quick refresh in the afternoons.

REN Vita Mineral lip balm

My lips get disastrously dry during summer and I can't stand all the flaking and peeling. This covers my lips in a nice thick layer of moisture and soothes my flakey lips. The texture might be a bit too heavy for some people during the hot summer, but I slap on anything that helps my lips.

The Body Shop Spa Of The World Japanese Camellia Cream

Now this is technically not a summer survival must-have, but hear me out. In summer I have to moisturise every day and I hate the oily and greasy feeling that is left on my skin by certain products. That and the fact that some leave a white residue on your skin and you have to keep rubbing and rubbing until everything is finally rubbed in. Not with this body butter. The texture is light and creamy and it is instantly absorbed into my skin. No greasy residue, no tackiness, I can immediately get dressed and the smell is also absolutely divine. When I want a bit of a glossy look on my legs, I mix some of this with another Spa Of The World product, but more on that later in the month...

Nivea Sun SPF 30 Pocket Size

I have to admit, I'm not the most diligent when it comes to applying sunblock. I tend to only apply it if I know I'm going to have an outdoorsy day, oops. That being said, no more excuses with this little travel friendly guy! It's small enough to fit into a handbag or even your pocket (not skinny jeans, but I anyway hope that you won't be wearing skinny jeans in this weather) and there's enough product for a couple of applications.

What are your summertime essentials? Let me know in the comment section!

Until next time!

Hildegarde

xoxo