Summer time, something we look forward to all year and boy has 2020 delivered in terms of weather! Hasn’t it been gorgeous?! Although a little too swelteringly hot at times I must say. Whilst we enjoyed a very intense August heatwave here in the UK I made sure I didn't neglect my skin. Taking care to ensure it's kept well protected and hydrated. It is also important to remember to carry that routine through to Autumn as well.
Those who know me will already be aware that I’m a bit of a skincare nerd! I love learning more about the science behind how skincare products work and what new formulas and techniques are coming out and being developed. So I have picked out four body care products and four of the best skincare products from Boots.com that will help see you right through into the Autumn months ahead!
BODY CARE
Champneys Summer Dream Rewarding Salt Scrub: The perfect way to start you skincare regime is with a full body scrub! Exfoliate all those dead skin cells in the shower so you’re left with a lovely silky smooth base. This scrub is one of my favourites as the scent is just insane! It smells like a summer fruit bowl with notes of peach, mango, orange and passion fruit with a hint of sandalwood. Make sure you pay extra attention to your knees, ankles and elbows as these are all typically dry areas.
Nair Sensitive Hair Removal Cream: My next step would be hair removal. Now, I get this isn’t for everyone and if you prefer leave your hair au natural then go for it no judgements here! Personally I do like my legs to be silky smooth when I’m barring it in the summer months - however I’m also not fussed if I miss a patch or forget some days! I really like the Nair creams as you don’t get the razor burn bumps you can get with shaving or the painful redness that I always end up getting with waxing (my skin really hates wax!). You only need to leave it on for 5-10 to remove the hair too. This particular cream is for dry and sensitive skin and can be used on the legs, bikini area and underarms. It contains a moisturising formula of camellia oil & ylang ylang extract which gently and effectively removes your hair and leaves it soft and nourished. Just make sure you do a small patch test on each area 24 hours before you go ahead and do a full application just to make sure you don’t get any irritation or reaction.
Piz Buin Tan & Protect Sun Lotion SPF 30: Finding a good SPF is so important and it’s even more important to use it daily not just on those bright, hot and sunny days but on cloudier days too as the UVA and UVB rays are still able to penetrate and cause skin damage and ageing. I really love Piz Buin sun care, they offer really great protection and I never find that the texture is greasy or sticky! Plus it smells really good too. This formula contains Melitane which actually helps to enhance and intensify your skins own natural tanning process - bonus!
Piz Buin After Sun Tan Intensifying Moisturising Lotion: A product I often find gets over looked is after sun! You spend all that time prepping your skin for the sun but you need to make sure you take care of it afterwards as well. This Piz Buin after sun lotion offers 24 hour moisture action and contains Tanimel which is a plant extract that like the SPF above helps to intensify and enhance your natural tanning process. So if you use both you should be set for your best most beautiful tan ever! This product is perfect to apply after you’ve used the Champneys Salt Scrub in the shower as well.
SKINCARE
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer: There is nothing quite like a cooling face mist to give you an instant refresh I find, particularly when it's been warm outside! I’ve been reaching for this one by Liz Earle a lot to cool me down recently. You can use it on bare skin or even over make up to refresh and revive your skin. I also use this as my toner after cleansing and before my moisturiser morning & evening. It has a beautiful floral scent with naturally active ingredients of Aloe Vera, Calendula, Cucumber, Rose-Scented Getanium, Lavender & natural source Vitamin E.
Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask: After a day in the sun and heat it’s important to replenish your skins hydration levels. Obviously drinking plenty of water will help this but for an extra boost I will always plump for a good face mask. Sheet masks in particular are really good for hydrating as they’re packed full of serum and I always end up leaving them on longer than the allocated time on the packet as they’re just so relaxing! This one is described as super hydrating and glow-reviving - who doesn’t need that?! It has glow boosting Sakura as Hyaluronic Acid which is THE ingredient when you’re looking for hydration in skincare. It apparently contains the equivalent of a weeks worth of hydrating active in just one mask!
Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb Night Time Face Tissue Mask: I also went for another sheet mask that is designed specifically for night time use. Described as super hydrating and helping to repair the skin barrier and soothe before bed. So ideal if you’ve been out in the sun a little too long one day! It’s infused with a ultra-light moisturising formula of deep sea water & natural origin hyaluronic acid which will help boost tired and sensitive skin.
Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb Night Time Eye Tissue Mask: I think the eye area can often get overlooked or neglected when it comes to our skincare. I’m conscious that it’s usually one of the first areas to show signs of ageing so I’m always on the lookout for good eye products that can help halt that process. As with the full face tissue mask above it is infused with deep sea water and hyaluronic acid. It’s designed to use before sleeping, it covers your whole eye area and you can relax with it on for 15 minutes - maybe put some calming music on to help you wind down. So if your eyes are feeling tired and puffy this product could become your new best friend. Amazingly this eye mask also has an -4C skin cooling effect! You can even pop it in the fridge before use for a bit of an extra cooling sensation. Which is just what I want on my tired, itchy eyes in this heat!
I’d love to hear what your most recommended skincare products would be in the comments below! Do you have any products you can’t live without?
[This post contains pr products but all opinions are my own.]