THIS summer, you might want to take a holiday. A weekend getaway, or perhaps you would just like to swelter right here in Malaysia. We at The Malay Mail feel that there are some necessities that you might need to tide you through the heat of summer or what we can think of as everyday right here in Malaysia.

Hydrate, soothe and protect are the three most important things you have to remember to keep you looking good and feeling even better!

You don't have to stay at home and become a vampire for fear of the sun and the damages that it might do. With some help from off-the-shelf products, you can beat the heat!

Best part is we found and tried a few products and bring to you the ones we love best.

 

HYDRATION

Think of your face as an apple and, strange as this may sound, that is exactly what your face is like. Imagine if all the moisture left the apple - all you would be left with is a dried, wrinkled version of what used to be a deli­cious fruit. That is you.

Some underestimate the importance of hy­dration, often forgetting that the skin contains 70 per cent water. One should actually use a good skin-hydrating product every day after cleansing. We suss out what is new on the market and more importantly we tried it to see if it re­ally lives up to its promises.

 

Lancome Hydra Zen range

The range consists of Moringa Oleifera extract. An interesting thing to note is that seeds from the said Moringa tree are used in Africa to purify water and is great for countering the oxidising effect of pollution.

Also, the range contains Cohe­sium and this increases the level of natural moisturising factors and strengthens the skin's barrier function, minimising moisture loss. With this range, you are also able to pick the texture that suits you best.

Tried & Tested

We tried the Extreme Soothing Moisturising Cream Gel from the range. What one would feel is that it is like a decadent luxury for the face.

A silky texture which absorbs into the skin over time, what we love is that after applying the product, the application of liquid foundation glides on easier and is more evenly spread. It soothes and instantly relieves dry skin.

 

Estee Lauder Hydrationist Moisture Barrier Fortifier

Itis a powerful next generation serum to restore the skin's weakened moisture barrier with the new Ceramide Activating Extract. The serum also contains new bio-mi­metic water which revitalises skin and infuses it with intense immediate moisture.

It also has a new sustainable moisture complex to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.

Tried & Tested

The serum was soft and velvety, with a light, uplifting fragrance.

It ab­sorbed fully into the skin without leaving a single trace of residue. The only thing we were left with was smooth skin! After applying the serum religiously for two weeks, the result was ultra-hydrated skin. We just got the feeling that it penetrates real deep!

PROTECTION

After years of drumming the impor­tance of sun protection into the heads of the masses, it is surprising that many still do not use it. While the tanned look might be popular in certain countries or it even might be a look you want to achieve right here in Malaysia, worship­ping the sun without a smidgen of sun­block is like flirting with skin cancer.

If skin cancer is not a major concern of yours as compared to the immediate results of looking like a bronze goddess, perhaps the fact that sun exposure causes pre-mature ageing might scare you a little?

In short, use sunblock. We found two that we particularly love and we want to share it with you.

 

Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Mild Milk

With SPF 25 PA ++, this prod­uct contains photo s t a b l e broad spectrum UVprotection which filters both UVA and UVB light. This product contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, collagen for skin strength and elas­ticity as well as vi­tamins C, Eand B5.

Tried & Tested

Normally, sunscreen is oily and sticky. What we like about this one is that it is very light and does not give the feeling like there is residue left on your skin. Works for the face and neck as it does not hinder the application of make-up.

We also tried patting some on after make-up, and it proved light enough for re-application over cosmetics without destroying your handiwork too much.

 

Clinique's SPF45++ Targeted Protection Stick

Ever thought of applying sun protec­tion on your lips, under your eyes or even your ears? That is skin as well, you know?

Clinique's SPF45++ Targeted Protec­tion Stick is just what you need for those hard-to-reach, forgotten and sensitive places. The travel-friendly stick con­tains Vitamin E, Jojoba Esters as well as Avobenzone, Ethylhexysalicylate and Homosalate which ensure protection from not only UVB but UVA rays as well.

Tried & Tested

The best thing about this stick is its portability. It slips right into the handbag and is probably something you might want to have around al­ways.

It is also designed in such a way that you are able to reach nooks and corners on your face and body with just one wipe. It is good for sensitive areas like around your eyes and it does not sting or cause irritation.

We also love the fragrance-free stick because it doubles as a great lip balm!

 

SOOTHE

After prolonged exposure to the sun, the last thing you need is sunburn which would probably be the first thing you get anyway. Sometimes, exposure to the sun might not be on purpose. Imagine if you stood in the heat for an hour waiting for a cab. At the end of it, you would look like a boiled lobster and most likely you would feel like one too.

Falling asleep at the beach, waiting for a cab, swimming or even just going for a jog, there is no telling when the sun will get to you.

You might not get grossly peeling sunburn but skin irritation is a foresee­able effect of sunshine. What's impor­tant is to soothe the damage done. We found four products that work wonders to cool you down.

 

Johnson's Body Care Lotion for Women

Johnson'srecently launched an adult body care lotion range. For all those who have been stealing your kid's baby lotion, please rejoice now.

The range comes in three variants. The 24 Hours Lasting Moisture Body Lo­tion contains shea butter, Vitamin Eand Jojoba oil to revive tight and flaky skin. The Melt Away Stress Daily Calming lo­tion combines lavender, chamomile and moonflower to create AROMASOOTHE, pampering your body in a relaxing fra­grance. Lastly, the Naturally White Daily UVLotion with SPF protection lightens and nourishes skin with a natural milk extract and active vitamin C.

Tried & Tested

Beside the fact that this range is super affordable, it also lives up to all that it promises. What we have done is to use all three at the same time.

We tried The 24 Hours Lasting Moisture Body Lotion on our legs, leaving it silky soft for a day out in shorts or a micro-mini skirt. We put The Naturally White Daily UVLotion on our right arm as odds are, if you drive, your right arm is going to be more exposed to the sun and therefore it's darker than the rest of your body.

We especially love the Away Stress Daily Calming lotion. We think it's like aromatherapy but without the candle, oils and the constant fear of setting your house on fire.

 

OLAY Total Effects Advanced Daily Moisturiser With Cooling Essence

Those familiar with the OLAY Total Effects range would know that it is an affordable anti-age­ing skincare range. This mois­turiser fights the seven signs of ageing, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving surface dullness. This particular mois­turiser also comes with a cool­ing essence which keeps your skin refreshed throughout the day.

Tried & Tested

The texture was light and easily absorbed. The cooling essence kicks in almost instantly, calm­ing the skin while it absorbs the goodness of the moisturiser. The essence and the scent was very refreshing and the skin was in­stantly soothed.

 

 

Clinique All About Eyes Serum

Youdo know that your eyes are the most sensitive part on your face right? It is because the skin around the eyes is approximately one-tenth the thickness of the skin on other areas on your face, making it vulnerable to puffiness and dark circles.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum, cools, comforts and de-puffs. Amentoflavone and Humulus Lupulus Extract soothe the eye area while a medical grade stainless steel rollerball massages the under eye to increase micro-cir­culation and reduces fluids.

Tried & Tested

Thisis a great alternative to cold spoons and teabags kept in the fridge. It's also a handy little thing to slip into the handbag for an instant pick-me-up.

We love the immediate results and the fact that you use it frequently throughout the day. It might dis­pense a little too much serum per ap­plication, but the trick is to tap in any excess as this also helps circulation! Best part is - puffiness is instantly gone! Clinique being a cosmetic brand created by dermatologists also ensures that it does not cause ir­ritation to the sensitive eye area.