Some More Summer Finds

How’s the weather in your part of the globe? while it wasn’t as bad the prior years, over here in Hawaii we are between low to high 80s but it’s the humidity that’s paralyzing me (72% as of this writing). I’m also feeling a little bit under the weather so between going out and staying indoors, you bet I’d rather be a couch potato. For today’s post, I’d like to share some more summer finds that are worth checking out. With that I meant, products that I have found recently but not entirely limited to this season.

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If you ask me what is the most important step in skincare, my quick answer is sunscreen. With the ozone layer depleted, UV radiation has increased significantly at ground level. That is why I always emphasize the importance of using broad spectrum sunscreen which protects against UVA (culprit to photo damage, premature wrinkles) and UVB (sunburn). But more importantly, to shield the skin against both UV rays which can cause melanoma. For continued protection, reapply every two hours, more frequent if you burn easily or after swimming.

Try: (Malin+Goetz) SPF 30 Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum ($36, 1.7 fl oz, 48 ml). Paraben and fragrance-free, this sunscreen also provides extra hydration with the addition of Vitamin E. The use of physical vs. chemical sunscreen remains debatable but in the spirit of transparency, this product lists the following as active ingredients which fall under chemical: 

Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ocitnoxate 7.5%,Octocrylene 2.75%, and Oxybenzone 5%. This also acts as a makeup primer so if you prefer multi-tasking products, this fits the bill.

Try: Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Stick ($12.99, 0.45 0z/ 13 g). Specifically created for baby’s sensitive skin, this sunscreen use a blend of natural and mineral ingredients which protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Active: Zinc Oxide 20%. Inactive: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Beeswax, Betacarotene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Glyceryl Isostearate, Glycine Soya (Soybean) Oil, Parfum, Persea Gratissima (Avocado Oil), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Silica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil)


Summer also brings havoc to skin, in particular making it oilier due to increased sebum production (no thanks to heat and humidity). But even if you don’t break out, it’s a good idea to switch your skincare to something that controls shine and oil.

Try: Garnier Skinactive Clean Shine Control Cleansing Gel ($7.99, 8 fl oz, 236ml). It’s a decent cleanser for everyday washing. It features charcoal which draws out impurities as well as menthol for that extra pop of freshness. If you have pimples, don’t expect this to cure your problem because you need a regimen (over the counter or doctor-prescribed). I have to mention it because most often than not, people expect miracle to unfold using a single product. I have reviewed several anti-acne products on the blog, you may find one that best suits you.


Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Charcoal Powder, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Menthol, Panthenol, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyquaternium-7, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum/Fragrance


Try: Garnier Skinactive Clean Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask (8.99, 5 fl oz/ 150ml). If you have combination or oily skin, this is a nice mask or cleanser to try. I use masks 3x/ week (yeah, that obsessed) and found good results with clay/ charcoal- based products.

Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Zea Mays Starch / Corn Starch, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Carrageenan, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Edta, Parfum / Fragrance, Xanthan Gum, Ci 77499 / Iron Oxides, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Menthol, Citric Acid, Charcoal Powder, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate


One for faux beach, one for real beach. I’m talking about texturized hair ala beach babe and sun care post-beach. Two new products you need to check out.

Try: OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray ($7.99, 6 fl oz/ 177 ml). For limp or second (even third) hair day, this product renders just the right amount of volume. Spray on clean damp hair, crunch hair then air-dry.

Ingredients: Water, Magnesium Sulfate, PPG-5, Ceteth-20, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Parfum, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Citric Acid.

Try: Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist ($15.11, 5.07 fl oz/ 150ml). It’s a brand from South Korea which you can purchase online or standalone shops (here in Oahu, Hawaii, it’s inside the Pearlridge Mall). As you know, aloe provides relief vis-a-vis hydration in sun-exposed skin. I use it pre-makeup, to set makeup, and when I’m out and about!

Have you tried any of these?