It’s the time of the season… the festive season that is. And no matter what you have planned for the coming weeks from alternative music festivals to a lock-in with your cat at the family bach, it’s always a challenge to know what to pack. Particularly if you’re not exactly a minimalist when it comes to your skincare routine…
The Kiwi summer Christmas and New Year period tends to have a few non-negotiables; heat, sun, swimming and fun. Keeping all these things in mind, here are the top items we advise you to pack if you’re going away, and which items we encourage you to use if you’re staying where you are.
Sunscreen
A skincare girly without her sunscreen is like a crab without a claw, disturbing to witness and alarmingly vulnerable to the elements. The New Zealand festive season is known to reach some pretty high heights temperatures wise and if you’re left exposed without adequate SPF, well, you know the rest. People often ask us what our ‘desert island beauty product’ would be, and the answer to that question is always sunscreen. So if you’re travelling to a desert island this Summer, or even if you don’t plan on leaving the house, make sure your sunscreen is both packed and applied all day every day and don’t forget to reapply.
Product Suggestion
Not all SPF is created equal, and our City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is pretty much the overachiever in the sunscreen world. This 100% mineral sunscreen not only shields your skin from the sun’s powerful rays, but also offers next-level protection against blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. In other words, it’s got your back, whether you’re beach-bound or couch-surfing.
The lightweight, peach-tinted formula blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind zero white cast (we’re looking at you, flash photos). Bonus? It doubles as a makeup primer, creating a smooth base while keeping your skin protected and hydrated. Pretty much the top on our summer must have list.
Travelling? Take travel size
Looking for skincare that travels as well as you do? Well, look no further than these handy (and cute) travel-size products. Compact, convenient, and carry-on friendly, these pint-sized products are perfect for on-the-go skincare enthusiasts. No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing these travel size skincare essentials can go with you, without weighing down your luggage.
Our Travel-Size Collection has all your favourites in perfectly portable sizes. From the cult-followed AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser to the Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream, there is something for everyone and every occasion. And the even better news is that these travel-size companions are now on sale, so fill your boots for future trips while you’re at it!
Under eye masks
If you’re planning on doing a lot of socialising this summer (‘tis the season after all), or if you’re attending some festivals where you will be exposed to amplified decibels, you may want to invest in some under-eye savers.
Product Suggestion
Enter the Murad Youth Renewal Eye Masks, your ultimate event-ready saviour. Whether you’ve got a big night out or just want to look less like you’ve binged an entire series in one sitting, these masks deliver a hit of intense hydration while working their retinol magic.
Specifically designed for the delicate under-eye area, they help smooth fine lines, firm up the skin, and leave you looking like you’ve had 8 hours of sleep (even if, in reality, it was more like 4). Plus, they’re a game-changer for keeping your makeup from creasing or bunching, just pop them on about 20 minutes before you do your makeup and you’ll never go without them again! Your eyes will thank you, and then you can thank us etc etc.
Another great one for the festival-goers is the Targeted Eye Depuffer. Imagine you’ve just woken up in a steaming hot tent dazed and confused and you feel this cooling applicator touch your under eyes. That’s what dreams are made of my friends.
Hydration heroes
A long day soaking up the sun is all fun and games until you catch yourself in the mirror and notice your skin looking a little less glow and a little more… fried. Post-sun care is essential to soothe any redness, replenish lost hydration, and keep your skin looking radiant. So make sure you are stocked and ready to go with some hydrating heroes to get your skin back to happy and healthy after a long hot day. Aloe vera is the classic go-to, but adding antioxidants to your aftercare routine can also help repair UV damage and neutralise free radicals. Try opting for a moisturiser that is creamy and calming because remember, happy skin will glow long after the sun goes down.
Product Suggestion
Our Intense Recovery Cream is your ultimate soothing companion for stressed, sun-exposed skin. Formulated with nourishing shea butter and hydrating microalgae extract, this rich cream works overtime to reduce redness and restore moisture. Keep it in your bag for those moments when your skin needs an instant pick-me-up after a sunny day.
Don’t forget to exfoliate
If you’re thinking your exfoliator can be left in the shower, please think again. Summer adventures often bring a mix of sunscreen, sweat, and layers of makeup, which can leave your skin feeling clogged and dull. This being said exfoliation is actually a key skincare step during this time of the year to clear out those pores and get your glow back on track. Summer skin might need a gentle touch though so don’t opt for a harsh physical scrub that could lead to irritation, particularly after long periods of sun exposure. Instead, reach for a chemical exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells. A regular exfoliation routine will not only help your serums and moisturisers absorb better but also keep your complexion smooth and radiant all season long.
Product Suggestion
Our AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is the perfect solution to gently polish away dead skin and impurities while improving texture and clarity. With a powerful trio of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids, this cleanser offers a deep clean without stripping your skin. Use it 2–3 times a week for a refreshed, summer-ready glow! If you’re worried about the big bottle taking up too much space, opt for the travel size version.
Cleansing on the go
I know some people swear by makeup wipes when travelling but we prefer to remove our makeup the old-fashioned way; with cleanser and water. Between sunscreen, sweat, and environmental pollutants, your skin goes through a lot in the warmer months, and a good cleanse is the first step to keeping it healthy and glowing. Look for a cleanser that deeply cleanses without stripping your skin, leaving it feeling balanced and refreshed. Whether you’re washing off a day at the beach or prepping your skin for a night out, the right cleanser will leave your face feeling clean and ready for the next steps in your routine.
Product Suggestion
Our Essential-C Cleanser is the ultimate summer staple. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamins A, C, and E, it not only cleanses but also helps brighten and protect your skin from environmental stressors. The citrusy scent is a refreshing bonus, making every cleanse feel like a spa moment. Perfect for morning and night, it’s a must-have for glowing summer skin, and much like the above, it also conveniently comes in a handy travel size version for your packing pleasure.
Wrap up your summer skincare
We know that the quintessential summer mindset is to live and the moment and soak up all the adventures. But, while we implore you to embrace this sonic hedonism we also (strongly) suggest that you don’t let your skincare take a back seat. The truth is, the heat, sun, and constant movement can wreak havoc on the skin. So by staying prepared with the right products and a few smart skincare habits, you can keep your glow intact no matter where the season takes you.
Whether you’re staying home or travelling, your skincare needs actually don’t change. So if you know your skin thrives when using certain products, don’t leave them behind. And with our expert-designed range, it's easy to stay consistent. Whether you’re reaching for a travel-sized cleanser, reapplying SPF under the blazing sun, or soothing sun-kissed skin with a recovery cream, you’re giving your skin what it needs to glow.
Try not to view your skincare as a chore, but rather as a little moment of relaxation before you return to the hecticness of the silly season. Sunscreen is your real MVP, fighting off UV rays while keeping your skin safe from sun damage. A refreshing cleanser wipes the slate clean after a long, sweaty day. And your hydration game? That’s what keeps your skin looking fresh and radiant, no matter how many hours you’ve spent on the move.
So, pack smart, glow brighter, and enjoy every second of the season. Because when you take care of your skin, it takes care of you. Shine on glowy angels.