Summer Beauty Picks

On a daily basis, we are all inundated with beauty products and recommendations from magazine editors, friends, bloggers and the likes. It can get overwhelming especially for me. Let's face it, there are atleast 4 new beauty products launched every day. And each of them are marketed so well that you want to head straight to either Bloomingdale's or Sephora to buy it. I know, I know...I shouldn't give in, considering I'm in the media industry.

Nonetheless, there are a few that when discovered tend to gain brownie points either immediately or after a couple of uses. They either end up becoming a summer or winter favorites. I tend to change my skincare and beauty routine in the summer. I don't usually use heavy moisturizers or foundations and tend to skip products that aren't necessarily made for the summer.

Having said that, here's a round up of a few products I've discovered (and love) that are apt for the unforgiving summer season.

Let's start with the basics. Moisturizers. Summer tends to render the skin dry because we sit in air conditioned rooms and cars, among other things. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost range of cleansers and moisturizers are one of the best when it comes to hydration. The Gel Cream is a super hydrating moisturizer and has a secret ingredient that keeps the skin supple. I've reviewed it and the range previously- read all the details here.

If you are stepping out, a sunscreen is vital. I always use it and the times I forget to, I feel awfully uncomfortable. Skin damage is a serious health concern and applying sunscreen should never feel like a chore. Try Labo Suisse's Fluid Base with SPF 50+. Unlike the traditional sunscreens, this one is a liquid version. I mix a few drops with my moisturizer and find this is the best way to apply it. And I truly appreciate sunscreens that don't leave a white cast post application.

Nobody's a fan of dry, scaly skin especially when its the arms and legs. I discovered Farmhouse Fresh, an American brand that specializes in paraben and sulfate free products. Their Sweet Cream Body Milk lotion leaves the skin hydrated and smooth like silk. And it has such a wonderful fragrance. Infused with Vitamin E, rice bran oil, jojoba seed and sweet almond oil among others, this cream is a summer winner.

As for the evening, my skincare stays the same unless I discover new products. Fillerina, a Swiss brand have devised products to keep the skin youthful whilst we blissfully sleep. Read my review about their Night Cream here.

MedColl is a brand that's new to me and is a collagen boosting supplement. We all know the significance of collagen and this pills claim to work towards sustaining those levels, thereby leaving you with youthful skin. I haven't taken these yet, but have read a handful of good reviews about MedColl. Will update this space soon!

And what's summer without a little update of the wardrobe? There's a quirky new boutique in Jumeirah that I absolutely love and you will too! They play host to limited edition collections from across the world, all curated under one roof. Find out about Jumeirah's new secret here.

And that's a wrap of my summer beauty picks. What are yours?