Just glow with it: our summer 2022 beauty guide
Summer is busting out all over (at least if you live north of the equator). After two-and-a-half years of on-and-off lockdowns, mask mandates, travel restrictions and legitimate fear of contagions, airlines and hotels cannot book seats and rooms fast enough. The rush to the beach and sunny destinations is well underway.
Yes, most of the restrictions of the last couple of years have been lifted, however, that doesn’t mean one should throw caution to the wind when it comes to sun protection. It’s as essential now as ever, and the options get better and more beautiful every year.
We’ve compiled some of the most effective and innovative beauty products from make-up to body care to get you glowing like the eternal sun goddess you are, with good-for-you ingredients to let your inner light glow.
Everyday Humans Rose from Above SPF 35
What it is
A feather-light tinted mineral sunscreen and barrier protector made more luxurious with upcycled rose oil and botanicals to defend and protect the most sensitive skin while evening skin tone.
What’s in it
One hundred per cent non-nano, zinc mineral SPF for maximum sun protection without the harsh chemicals. Primes and comforts with rose oil while squalene and ceramides keep free radicals out and moisture intact. Yucca root and bisabolol calm redness and irritation.
What it does
Gives skin a fresh, even tone with a semi-matte finish. Skin-loving ingredients and mineral solar protection allow you to safely play in the sun with that coveted summer hint of a tint.
Dear Dahlia Paradise Dual Palette
What it is
Your dream vacation mini-make-up colour compact. A portable multi-purpose palette that will take you from day to night at home or on holiday.
What’s in it
The glide-on formula features a patented dahlia flower extract, organic sweet almond oil, argan oil, shea butter and cacao seed butter to nourish and pamper skin.
What it does
Gives a sheer to medium wash of warm-weather colour to eyes, lips and cheeks. The perfect solution to de-clutter your make-up drawer or carry in your purse or travel bag. Plus, the dual-sided mirror and velvety formula make application easier than ever.
Naked Sundays SPF 50 Clear Glow Radiant Sunscreen Serum
What it is
From the award-winning Aussie sun care brand, this is the first 100 per cent clear sun serum that replaces your daily morning serum, primer and moisturizer into one total protection serum hybrid.
What’s in it
In addition to protection from ultraviolet rays, this anti-ageing serum is enriched with squalane, watermelon and tomato extracts for protection from blue light. Vitamin C rich kakadu plum to brighten and fight free radicals, plus jojoba oil to lock in moisture.
What it does
A hero product to replace your morning routine with one exceptional, high-performance serum. Pairs equally well with other products or under makeup. Top off with Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist to top of your sun protection every two hours.
Brush On Block Protective Lip Oil SPF 32
What it is
Protect your pout with this mineral-based soothing lip oil available in three deliciously sheer shades.
What’s in it
Natural emollients of argan and sunflower seed oils plus vitamin E HEV protect lips from harmful blue light. Broad-spectrum UVA–UVB ensures your pucker doesn’t suffer after long days in the sun.
What it does
Imparts a sheer glossy tint leaving lips plumped, protected and ready for some serious sun.
Nuria Defend Matte Finish Daily Moisturizer Mineral SPF 30
What it is
An all-mineral daily protection face lotion with K-beauty plant extracts that protect delicate facial skin from UV damage in a sheer and lightweight formula. A 2022 Clean Choice Award Winner.
What’s in it
A 100 per cent mineral SPF lotion with peach flower to shield skin from the elements, while euphrasia extract decreases the look of fine lines for a flawless appearance.
What it does
Defends and beautifies skin with Nuria’s signature Asian beauty extracts. Imparts a soft matte rather than dewy finish making it ideal for under make-up.
Conscious Coconut Not Your Ordinary Coconut Oil Jar
What it is
An award-winning, 100 per cent USDA organic, Fair Trade Certified, virgin, hand-pressed coconut oil in a big recyclable glass jar with a bamboo lid. Laden with nutrients and emollients to quell dry, burned or irritated summer skin.
What’s in it
Lauric acid promotes total body health, inside and out. Medium-chain triglycerides for easy product absorption and maximum hydration. Plus, a hefty dose of antioxidant-rich vitamin E acts as a barrier between your skin and environmental oxidation.
What it does
Just about everything. Intense skin hydration, make-up remover, rash and itch reliever, immunity booster, deep hair conditioner, digestion aid and of course, after-sun skin soother.
Luxe Botanics Kigelia Corrective Serum
What it is
A potent solution for distressed skin featuring kigelia fruit extract. Natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and reparative properties help to calm and renew.
What’s in it
Hand harvested in Africa, kigelia extract addresses unsightly skin concerns and cell regeneration. Vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are proven anti-ageing ingredients, while plant extracts work to restore skin resilience.
What it does
Gives you the confidence to rock the minimal make-up look. Significantly reduces the appearance of skin irregularities and blotchiness.
Yensa Silk Bronzing Base Sunlit Glow
What it is
A light-as-air bronzer packed with antioxidant superfoods that can be worn alone, over makeup. Works great on decollete for an all-over bronze glow.
What’s in it
Powered by Yensa’s black superfoods blend to calm, improve skin texture, retain moisture, fight free radicals, boost radiance and prevent wrinkles. The exclusive blend includes black sesame oil, black seaweed, black tea, black rice, shiitake mushroom, Korean black raspberry, nettle and chia seed.
What it does
Imparts a healthy, sun-kissed glow wherever you need it. Use it to slim features as a contour, as a blush or eyeshadow. Works on all skin tones for a radiant, but sheer finish.
St Tropez Lux Tan Tonic Glow Drops
What it is
A supercharged multi-action serum that leaves a sun-kissed glow with age-defying properties.
What’s in it
Dual weight hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. Niacinamide to even skin tone and smooth fine lines. Acerola cherry adds radiance while fighting free radicals. A special detoxifying flower complex, plus vitamin E and echinacea to calm and protect.
What it does
Available in three shades for a customized glow. The more drops you apply, the deeper the tan. Transfer-proof, so no pillow or collar stains, just sunlit skin without the UV damage, plus extra skin care benefits.
Kubra Kay Radiating Body Oil
What it is
An easily absorbed blend of precious oils to deeply hydrate and nourish even the driest of skin.
What’s in it
Coconut oil to smooth and lock in moisture. Sweet almond oil reduces irritation, protects from environmental stress and evening skin tone and lightening stretch marks. Avocado oil nurtures and repairs, and vitamin E oil is an antioxidant powerhouse.
What it does
Leaves skin opulently hydrated and radiant, yet quickly absorbs without ever feeling greasy.
Valoie Hydro-Honey Serum Moisturizer
What it is
A high-impact facial serum with a proprietary honey-infusion complex to restore skin vitality and glow after the first use.
What’s in it
Honey deeply penetrates the skin to remove impurities and restore softness. Multiple-chain hyaluronic acids, niacinamide, ceramides and peptides restore skin strength and resilience and assist the honey to work its magic.
What it does
A do-it-all serum to visibly regenerate skin with an instant summer glow and healthy radiance.
Attitude Plastic-Free Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
What it is
This plastic-free eco-friendly alternative to liquid sunscreen comes in a concentrated waterless formula and is a must-have for travel season and no fuss applications. Available in clear, tinted and sensitive skin formulas.
What’s in it
Non-nano zinc oxide offers full-spectrum sun protection. Glides on effortlessly with natural skin emollients such as sunflower seed oil, shea butter and coconut oil. Unscented and suitable for all skin colours and types.
What it does
Everything a sunscreen should be without the wasteful plastic packaging or messy application of lotion sunscreens. Reef-friendly and free of potentially harming UV filters for coral reefs. PETA-certified and vegan.
Inner Beauty Coco Balm Creme Blush
What it is
A coco oil-infused blush for an effortlessly blendable wash of sheer colour.
What’s in it
Jojoba, cacao butter and coconut oil create a streak-free, high-hydration look and feel.
What it does
A sheer sweep of multi-tasking colour, even on lips and lids!
Spongellé Sunflower Dreams Body Buffer
What it is
Spongellé’s iconic body cleanser and exfoliant with the sunflower symbol of peace and solidarity. Spongellé has partnered with Save the Children Ukraine to help raise awareness and fund relief efforts.
What’s in it
An all-in-one body treatment with extracts of yuzu, edelweiss and vetiver. Bright citrus top notes then reveal notes of delicate florals and warm woods.
What it does
An at-home spa experience to thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate, leaving skin squeaky clean and sumptuously soft and smooth.
Versaspa LipoTan Body Self-Tan Tightening Creme
What it is
A clinical-strength anti-cellulite treatment that leaves a healthy glow.
What’s in it
A proprietary blend of plant-derived and scientific ingredients to reduce and diminish the look of fatty tissue formation. Odor-Ban 200 eliminates the unpleasant odours of most tanning products. Seagrass and sage leave a refreshing aroma.
What it does
LipoTan Tri-Plex helps to reduce the visibility of cellulite by impeding the fat cell’s ability to expand, allowing noticeably smoother and toned skin, while building a radiant finish.
Love & Sage Beach Rose Lip Balm
What it is
A cult favourite super-emollient lip balm in the most flattering shade of pink.
What’s in it
A figurative encyclopædia of essential oils. Coconut, sunflower, jojoba, baobab fruit, castor, argan, lemon and rosemary leaf extract. That’s a lot.
What it does
A tinted balm with buildable colour that can take you from poolside to an al fresco lunch, then on to dinner and cocktails, increasing tint intensity as the day wears on. The brightly-hued rose colour is not a best seller for nothing.
Kinfield Sunday Spray
What it is
A soothing spray for hot and bothered skin that stayed in the sun past the SPF expiration. No more need for goopy alœ vera gels or products with strong odours.
What’s in it
Calming and moisture-rich extracts of natural spearmint, eucalyptus, prickly pear, aloe and cucumber. Naturally scented and cooling on contact.
What it does
Refreshes, cools, hydrates and rejuvenates over-exposed skin. Perfect for picnics, long days at the beach or amusement parks, camping or long days playing sports. Works even better if you can leave it to chill in the fridge.
Header photograph by Engin Akyurt/Unsplash
