Staff Picks: What's in our summer survival kit
While I love the chill summer break, being stuck in the humidity and heat has honestly been spoiling my fun! The PV girls have had to switch up our beauty routines to make up for the sweltering heat. Whether you're looking to up your sun protection or finding products to help you cool down, take inspiration from what's currently in our summer kits!
Liz: My latest sunscreen discovery is the Silka Green Papaya with SPF30. I don't like the scent of the orange papaya version but this one is pleasant! Love how lightweight it is and yup, the niacinamide in the formula does wonders to soften skin. This is my everyday lotion these days as it's only P174 for 200ml. Can't beat that price.
I also love the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel - it's more lightweight than the Silka one - but I am a bit more matipid with it as it's almost P500 for a bottle. I'd go for Biore if I'm going to play tennis outdoors. For the beach though, I'd go for a waterproof formula from Nivea or Neutrogena.
I had my mom get me a few bottles of the 2017 formulation of the Biore Watery Essence while she was in Japan recently so this is what I've been using for my face everyday. I'll do a comparison with the old formulation next time, but I can say this isn't that much different from the 2015 essence.
For my face, I go for a super watery, lightweight base like the Make Up For Ever Water Blend. Powder foundies with SPF like the Lancome Blanc Expert Brightening Compact serves me well for retouching!
Den: My skin has been behaving pretty well so aside from my acids, my regimen has been pretty stripped down. I use Proud Mary StemS Renewal Age Control Serum as a lightweight moisturizer followed by Mild Sun Block Shake PA+++ SPF50+ from the same brand. This sunscreen is HG for me because I don't need a separate moisturizer and it provides sun protection without the stickiness, white cast, or distinct sunscreen smell. The heat zaps my energy so I just use Jordana Fabubrow to quickly brush up my arches and swipe on the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie lippie in Sorry, Not Sorry.
Stacie: Increased sun protection and gel texture products have taken over my everyday routine because of this intense heat! I put more care into slathering extra sun protection on my hair using Vitress Hair Polish Sun Protect, which also makes my hair manageable. I now use my Mamonde Rose Water Gel to moisturize my body because the cool feeling it leaves is perfect for my dry, hot, and irritated skin.
Charlie: During the summer, I bring out my lightweight skincare must-haves. I love using my The Saem Tea Tree Cleansing Water because it gets rid of the dirt on my face and it's a bit cooling. I also like using the iWhite Aqua Moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated. I love it because it makes my skin feel so refreshed. To keep my skin and lips protected, I use the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence and my trusty Blistex lip balm.
Angela: I now always carry my Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Mist from Nature Republic because of the heat. It feels so refreshing on the face and it smells so good! I tend to always wash my face when it's summer so to prevent my skin from drying out, I use In Her Element Cleansing Oil instead of a normal foaming facial wash at midday then double cleanse at night.
I also use Zenutrients bug spray because there are more bugs at this time of the year in our place. I still use my regular sunscreen for the face, It's My Suncream SPF 45. And for the body, I just use Silka since it's lightweight but moisturizes really well.
I usually wash my hair every other day but when it's summer, well, that's not a luxury I can afford. Washing every day dries my hair out but the Argan Oil Thermal Shield from Art Naturals really helps my hair. It moisturizes my hair, gives it a beautiful shine, and infuses it with a lovely scent.
Gett: For summer, it's all about SPF and lightweight products for me. Right now, I'm loving the Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream as moisturizer because it feels light enough on the skin while being moisturizing. The Simple Soothing Eye Balm feels so nice for the under eye area, not too heavy but still hydrating! For my face and body I use the Bioré Aqua Rich Watery Gel sunscreen. Love the SPF50 and how it doesn't pill under my makeup.
I always have in my bag the Nature Republic By Flower Lip Essence because of its moisturizing properties, plus it has SPF!
Crystal: I always make it a point to switch to really light formulas during the summer and load up on SPF that gives high protection but is non-sticky at the same time. I currently use the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ on the face, the Lancome Bienfait Multi Vital Eye SPF 28 for the eyes and the Belo Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ for the body. I ditch my traditional lotions and use the Kracie Natululu Skin Conditioner which feels almost like water. I also like the Yves Rocher Sebo Vegetal Mattifying Gel Cream as a moisturizer because it leaves my face feeling matte.
Did you make any changes to your beauty routine this summer? Tell us about your updated essentials!