With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start prepping your beauty shelf for the warmer weather.
Below, the BD team has reviewed some of the best products to use as the short sleeves, sunnies and summer dresses make their way out of retirement.
EDITOR'S PICK: Medik8 Physical Sunscreen - Aja
What it is: An SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection sunscreen.
My experience: As someone who is very passionate about sunscreen, it takes a lot to impress me. But this new addition from Medik8 has done just that. Perfect for daily face protection and rich in antioxidants, the innovative sunscreen is reinforced with anti-pollution, anti-infrared, and anti-glycation technologies to shield skin from environmental aggressors to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Living on the Gold Coast, with the harsh sun all year round, these are the boxes I need my sunscreen to tick, and Medik8 Physical Sunscreen does that in spades.
EDITOR'S PICK: Bondi Sands SPF50+ Sunscreen Spray - Aja
What it is: A sunscreen spray with SPF50+ protection.
My experience: This new offering from Bondi Sands is going to live in my beach bag all summer long. As well as smelling like a pina colada (my pick is the Coconut Beach fragrance, but if you prefer fragrance-free that's available too), it's also so convenient with the spray-and-go application. Offering the same level of SPF50+ UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection, this weightless, quick-drying aerosol mist works to reach even the most hard-to-reach-places.
Remescar Instant Wrinkle Corrector - Tamara
What it is: A facial cream that instantly targets small facial wrinkles.
My experience: The Remescar Instant Wrinkle Corrector really surprised me because even though it is called an ‘instant’ product I was sceptical as to whether I would actually see results instantly, and I absolutely did. After washing my face in the morning I simply applied a tiny amount of the product to the small lines between my eyebrows and the smile lines under my eyes. The hardest part of using the product was keeping my face free of expression for two to three minutes while the cream dried; but once it was dry I could feel my skin tighten and could see a big reduction in the fine lines I had applied it to. The cream comes in a small tube which goes a long way as you only need a rice sized amount of product for each area and the cream is perfume free.
Natio Aluminium Free Roll On Deodorant - Tamara
What it is: An aluminium-free deodorant that is fragranced with essential oils.
My experience: The Natio Aluminium-Free Roll-On Deodorant comes in a 100mL Plastic Roll-On Tube topped with a screw cap. The formula excludes aluminium as one of its key ingredients which makes it a more natural choice. From my own personal research I have learnt that aluminium free deodorants are known for killing the odour causing bacteria, rather than blocking sweat itself; which is great for someone like me who can have quite sensitive underarms. It is fragranced with lavender, rosemary, clary-sage and lemon and smells lovely and fresh.
Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30 Hydrating - Sam
What it is: A moisturiser that protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays to help reduce the signs of premature skin ageing.
My experience: I was definitely not genetically blessed with good skin. In fact my skin type falls somewhere between acne-prone teenager and overly-sensitive and always red faced. This unlucky combination means finding a moisturiser that works for me has been an ongoing battle since my tween years. I have to say that Ultraceuticals has managed to create the perfectly balanced moisturiser that calms, hydrates and protects my skin. The formula is light but not watery and the scent is pleasant but not offensive or overwhelming. The product works as a base under my makeup and doesn’t create the oily slip and slide effect that occurs with some competitor brands. The added SPF30 ensures that an additional sunscreen is not required in my morning routine also. This product is the perfectly balanced everyday moisturiser!
Schick Hydro Silk® Perfect Finish™ - Sam
What it is: A multi-purpose trimmer and styler that features one handle with three trimmers for face, eyebrows and bikini area.
My experience: I have only recently discovered the benefits of female face shaving and this product is the perfect way to achieve a silky smooth face. I use the face trimmer which is a rounded flat surface that is so much safer to use than the alternative competitor blade products. I use the product on dry skin but it can also be used on wet skin. I hold the styler lightly against my skin working over my chin and cheek area in circular motions to get rid of all the pesky face fluff. My skin is left hair free and smoother than a baby's bottom, making for the perfect foundation canvas.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Spray SPF50+ - Eleni
What it is: A fast absorbing spray that offers 12-hours of moisturisation, while also providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
My experience: Having been on a recent family holiday, this sunscreen came in very handy! I am such a fan of the convenience of a spray bottle and found it to work much more effectively due to the even spread of sunscreen you get with this aerosol spray. I was sure to apply it 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and it is such a fine mist that works to protect your skin. It has the very classic and signature scent of coconut, which is very tropical, you smell and feel like you’re on the beach. I love that it was water resistant and super hydrating for the skin, so almost like a moisturiser as well as a sunscreen! Protecting and nourishing all in one convenient spray can! I love this and have easily incorporated it more into my daily skincare, as I tend to neglect the body. The non greasy formula and spray can design is definitely a winner in my eyes!
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Body SPF50+ - Tiarne
What it is: An everday sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, which helps shield from the harsh Australian sun.
My experience: First of all, this sunscreen virtually has no scent, which is amazing because a strong SPF-like fragrance is really not my cup of tea. Secondly, I found it so easy to rub in compared to other sunscreens with SPF50+. I try not to use anything less than SPF50+ as being in Australia, it’s so important to protect your skin from the harsh rays. This one is also formulated for sensitive skin, which my temperamental skin was very thankful for. In the past, I have been known to break out in a rash or two shortly after applying an SPF. This time, I was left with nothing but protection and gratitude. I will ill definitely be recommending this to my friends and family.
JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser - Tiarne
What it is: A body moisturiser that gradually tans skin and reduces the signs of cellulite.
My experience: What an absolute star this product is! Being mid spring and currently working from home, my skin has probably never been more naturally pale. Since I’ve always tanned easily and usually have medium to olive skin, I'm completely useless at applying fake tan in the lead up to summer. Coming into the party season, I always attemp to apply a tan but usually end up with unsightly streaks or an orange hue. The JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser, however, is a game changer. I've been applying it to my wet skin every now and then, and have noticed a very nice glow developing. It dries really fast and fades evenly with no patching as well. The added bonus is the amazingly pleasant smell! I will definitely be using this time and time again.
essence CHOOSE YOUR Glow! highlighter palette - Caitlin
What it is: A highlighter palette with three shades to be used for everyday life or for special occasions for a unique glow.
My experience: This was a fantastic palette to essentially choose your glow. With three different shades, the Candlelit Glow was a more rose nude which was perfect for an everyday glow, the Summer Glow was a bronze highlighter which is fantastic for the summertime when my skin is a bit more tanned and can accentuate my features. I loved just wearing a tinted moisturiser with mascara and popping this on my cheek bones and down my nose to give me that effortless radiance. The Major Glow is a stunning champagne colour with maximum shine, perfect for when I do a full face of makeup for a night out. Each shade is super pigmented and sits beautifully on the skin.
Weleda Citrus Deodorant - Caitlin
What it is: An organic, non-aerosol spray that refreshes skin and eliminates the sources of unpleasant body odour.
My experience: This was my first time trying a natural deodorant and I was very intrigued to see if it can hold up to my current non-natural deo. After reading the box it was great to learn that it has no aluminium salts, free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants and raw materials derived from mineral oils and most importantly doesn’t clog the pores. Something I have never even thought about with my current deodorant. As it is packaged in a glass bottle it does have a non-aerosol spray pump so that did take some getting used to as you do feel a bit wet for one to two minutes. However after that it feels like a normal deodorant and I can go about my day. The product is infused with natural essential oils of lemon and litsea cubeba which smells fresh without being overpowering. Throughout my day it worked just as well as as a non natural deodorant and could hide my body odour very well.
Mitten Black Medium Turkish Bath Deep Exfoliation Body Mitt - Rhianna
What it is: A body exfoliating mitt that has been specifically crafted for the sunless tanning enthusiasts.
My experience: The Mitten Black Deep Exfoliating Body Mitt has made exfoliating so much quicker and easier! As someone who wears fake tan quite a lot throughout the year, exfoliation is extremely important. The Mitten Deep Exfoliating Body Mitt effectively removes dead and dry skin, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft to touch – creating the perfect base for fake tan. The mitt feels extremely gentle on the skin and doesn’t leave my skin red or irritated unlike other more harsh exfoliators on the market. Not only does this body mitt exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, but it also promotes skin oxygenation which can help fight against the formation of cellulite.This is the perfect mitt to get your skin exfoliated and smooth for summer!
Jurlique Smoothing Body Exfoliating Gel - Rhianna
What it is: A smoothing shower body scrub.
My experience: The Jurlique Smoothing Body Exfoliating Gel has quickly become a bathroom staple of mine! This gentle but powerful exfoliating scrub helps to remove dead skin cells and lift skin impurities. The tiny little granules in the formula are gentle on the skin while still being extremely effective. You use the product on wet skin while in the shower, and gently massage the product on areas of the body that you wish to exfoliate. I often get dry skin around the tops of my arms, and this scrub helped to exfoliate and soften that skin. The little bumps I get on my shoulders decreased after using this scrub. This product leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. It also has a subtle rose scent – which smells devine!
Scunci Hair Accessories Scrunchies Comfort Mini 6pc - Deborah
What it is: A pack of small scrunchies that are perfect for creating cute hair styles.
My experience: These pastel coloured mini scrunchies are SO fun! They are the perfect accessory for completing any summer outfit and holding all my hair up off my neck in the warm weather, and when I take it out it doesn’t take any hair out with it. I have long fine hair, and these scrunchies are also great for holding up sections of my hair when I’m styling with a hair tool. It doesn’t leave unsightly dents or kinks when I let down each section. I also wear my hair in a bun for ballet regularly, and the mini size of these scrunchies are perfect around a bun as they add a touch of hair decoration without overwhelming my bun like something out of a bad '80s aerobics video. Definitely a summer hair staple!
Daily Naturals Primer Thermal Spray - Marsha
What it is: A versatile heat protectant spray that preps and primes the hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools.
My experience: I have long black hair which has quite damaged ends from being bleached and tangles easily. I lightly sprayed the Daily Naturals Primer Thermal Spray through my towel-dried hair and combed through the product evenly before drying my hair. After my hair dries, my hair feels softer, less frizzy and I can actually run my fingers through my hair without tangles!
Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Papaya Brightening Clay Mask - Marsha
What it is: A yuzu lemon and papaya clay mask that lifts dead skin cells and surface debris while brightening, creating a smoother, more radiant complexion.
My experience: The Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Papaya Brightening Clay Mask comes in a resealable pouch and has a fresh fruity scent from the yuzu lemon and papaya. The consistency of the mask is not too thick, which makes it easy to spread without cracking. Once applied to the skin, it felt cooling and refreshing, I left it on for five minutes as advised on the packaging, then washed it off with warm water. The clay mask left my skin feeling soft, and it appeared brighter and fresh.
Reef Coconut Sunscreen SPF50 Dry Touch Lotion - Ruby
What it is: A non-greasy broad spectrum SPF infused with a light coconut fragrance.
My experience: As someone who burns easily but can’t stand the feeling of a sticky sunscreen against my clothes, this SPF was the perfect solution. The dry touch formula meant once it was applied, it had instantly absorbed into the skin and I hardly even remembered I was wearing it. I loved the fact it was water-resistant as this took the worry out of constant reapplication after swimming or sweating. The coconut fragrance transported me beach side on a tropical holiday, and who doesn’t love that?
