After multiple (temper) tantrums about the heat and humidity, I wanted to know what my colleagues have been doing to survive (and honestly tolerate) the extreme weather. From the daily commute to going out on the weekend, you just can’t escape the heat. While I have a few tricks up my sleeve – like finding sweat-proof makeup, it’s always great to take inspiration from those around you.
So, I asked my fellow beauty editors to pick one summer essential they can’t live without with one catch – they can’t answer with sunscreens. We’ve covered everything under the sun about SPF products (read it all here) and it’s a no-brainer summer essential that no one should skip. Me? I wanted to know about products that spark joy or help switch up their summer routine. Here’s what they said:
1. Sana’s Skin Bestie
“The dark spots on my face are more prominent in the summer and I witness a lot of redness around the nose. Dr. Sheth's Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Sleeping Mask has helped me combat these flare-ups. I apply it every other night and my skin looks visibly brighter in the morning.”
Noteworthy Features: The brightening benefits of turmeric and hydrating hyaluronic acid make the perfect combination to relieve sun-damaged skin.
2. Diya’s Perfect Summer Blush
“This lightweight and creamy blush is the best for the summer as it just melts into your skin for a flawless finish. Also, the shade ‘Partner in Crime’ is the best rosy shade for my light-toned skin in the summer. It is also highly buildable and allows you to get a different finish depending on how much you apply”
PS: As someone with a dark skin tone, I highly recommend the shade ‘soul sisters’.
Noteworthy Features: The formula is highly pigmented and free from parabens and sulphates.
3. Clara’s Hot Day Hack
“This summer is turning out to be hotter than the Hot Priest from Fleabag . I am doused in sweat, oil, and dust that's stuck on my face all day long. And there's nothing my face needs more than some hydration and cleansing on the go. You will always find these wet wipes from Lacto Calamine in my bag for a quick boost of hydration.”
Noteworthy Features: These wet wipes harness the goodness of aloe vera and neem – are known to soothe the skin – as well as vitamin B3 which has hydrating properties, as per a study.
4. Surabhi’s Glittery Dreams
“I love micro glitter, and this blush-cum-highlighter monochromatic stick from e.l.f does my bidding during the summers when I prefer bare-face makeup looks. After applying sunscreen, I add a few dabs of the multi-stick by e.l.f. on my cheeks and eyes. The pinky, glittery glow it gives is just perfect!
Noteworthy Features: You can use it as a lipstick, eyeshadow, or blush – we love a multi-purpose queen. The packaging is also way too cute and the size is perfect for a small purse.
5. Drishti’s Line Of Makeup Defence
“My #1 concern in the summer is keeping my makeup in place. Between the sun exposure and the sweating, my base makeup has very little chance of survival. Enter, the Kay Beauty Matte HD Setting Loose Powder that keeps my make-up from being patchy and helps it last long. The fine, weightless formula is also perfect for my oily skin.”
Noteworthy Features: This loose-setting powder is available in 8 different shades suited to the Indian skin tone. There’s also a white translucent option for those who just want a mattifying effect.
6. Gizelle’s Perfume Party
While vanilla body mists are my go-to throughout the year, they are not potent enough when it's hot outside. My hunt for the perfect summer perfume led me to Kayali’s discovery set, which includes their bestsellers and founder Mona Kattan’s favourite fragrances. I love layering the sweet Vanilla and fruity Lovefest Burning Cherry scents. The Eden Juicy Flower and Deja Vu White Flower also make a great combo, while the brand’s signature Yum Pistachio Gelato is great by itself.
With a few more hot months ahead of us, stock up on essentials ASAP to make this unbearable heat manageable. Looking to combat a specific concern? Shop from Nykaa’s Summer Saviours curation for bestsellers and must-have products across categories like Skin, Hair, Bath and Body, and more.
