Now that summer weather has finally landed at our doorstep, it’s time to switch up our beauty and skin care regimen. Reality is, I tend to avoid fancy and expensive items for my self-care, so I’m thrilled when I find items like these that are easy to use AND don’t cost a fortune. These are great anytime, but for spring/summer, it’s healthy hair, skin and sun protection that we’re thinking about!
Garnier Whole Blends Honey Water for Hair
Garnier Honey Water Moisture Restoring Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Cream all contain honey and floral water that promise up to 100 hours of moisture and repair for your hair. What I love most about these products is the smell!! Upon opening the lid, I was immediately transported to the lounge of a luxurious spa. The spa vibe lingered even after rinsing. It left my hair soft and smelling great. The leave-in conditioner added another layer of scent and softness.
The Garnier Whole Blends Hair Honey repairing serum is a product I didn’t know I needed! Like the others in the line, it smells great. It claims to visibly reduce split ends up to 94% after a single use. When I tried this, I could see and feel a difference in my ends. I also loved the practical pump that was easy to use after a shower. No slippery hands trying to operate a spray bottle here! When my 19-year-old daughter stole this from me, I knew I must be onto something!
The Garnier Hair Honey Milk is a leave-in protective guard against heat and breakage with long-lasting anti-frizz. It left my hair soft and easy to style. If you are a daily blow dryer, this is something you’ll want to try.
Sun protection skincare from Vichy
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 UV + Age Daily is an easy-to-use formula that is light and doesn’t feel like a sticky sunscreen. I don’t mind putting this on in the morning, even if it isn’t sunny (which is necessary according to my Derm friends!) It even comes in a perfect little pump bottle.
Even better for spring pale skin, Vichy has a tinted version of this light moisturizing sunscreen, with their Capital Soleil UV-light tinted lotion. This also goes on easily, and for someone like me who doesn’t use foundation, this does a little magic on my skin tone while providing sun protection. And of course, I love the cute little bottle that’s easily portable!
For summer workouts and outdoor fun, Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 UV Sport is going to be my go-to this season! It provides up to 80 minutes of water and sweat-resistant sun protection. This is a light and refreshing lotion that is hypoallergenic and can be applied easily on wet or dry skin. I look forward to using this before my summer bike rides!
Summer Skincare Essentials from CeraVe
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is an ideal everyday moisturizer for normal to oily skin. It feels smooth when applied and does not leave a greasy feel or any scent behind.
CeraVe Moisurizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin is so needed, especially after our long winter. I found the skin on my elbows and knees constantly feeling dry and tight. This stuff helps! This cream provides long-lasting moisture, is fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin.
CeraVe Healing Ointment is great for those problem areas — think cracked heels or hands from too much washing and sanitizing. This cream is thick and soothing. A tiny amount goes a long way on cuticles and knuckles!! It provides lasting protection and contains 3 essential ceramides.
Bausch & Lomb Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops
From travel time changes to late-night patio season, Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops have definitely come in handy recently! A drop helps to bring relief to tired “red eyes” and make the white part of the eye brighter. Use them as needed. Sonya mentioned she has this in her bag and has been recently using it to not look soooo jet-lagged. It’s clinically proven by doctors to be effective and safe. Pssst…we learned this was a favourite amongst celebrities’ make-up artists too!
ZAXS ORIGINAL (Canadian Brand!)
As we enter mosquito season, have this one handy in your first aid kit! Zax’s Original Bug Bite & Itch cream works effectively on providing relief for a variety of skin concerns and not just bug bites! Our editor Sonya brought this with her recently to Los Cabos, and it came in handy even for itching from minor itching from the humidity and sun exposure. Formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, and Menthol for quick and soothing relief from bug bites, rashes, exposure to poison ivy, sumac, oak and other minor skin reactions. It’s a must-have at home, cottage, camping and away!
If you’ve been overzealous in enjoying the great sunny outdoors and suddenly find yourself slightly more than sun-kissed (we know it happens), then add Zax’s Original Burn Cream to apply to the skin for much-needed relief. This one contains Aloe Vera Gel, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Arnica and Calendula.
Let us know what your go-to drugstore skincare and beauty finds are for the summer!
Want more? Here’s a post about Bathing Belle, a local Toronto swimwear designer who creates great-fitting styles for every body type! Link here.