It’s been a hot minute since I did a favourites for you and as I settle into Autumn in the Netherlands, I thought I’d share some products I’ve been loving that helped me get through the summer that I’ve carried onto this season. Sure it was the perfect time for all sorts of summer activities like swimming but anyone who knows me, knows I cannot stand to be in out in the sun for more than five minutes before I start looking for shade. I absolutely abhor the hot, greasy, not to mention sweaty mess I turn into and all I want to do half the time is lay in a nice cool spot and do nothing.

Yes, I know summer is all about that beach body and showing off the gains we’ve been working on for months but with the pandemic, wasn’t summer and summer bodies cancelled this year? Okay, it wasn’t necessarily cancelled but I will tell you right now, that even if I had the summer body of bodies, I will never be the person you’ll find laying out on beach enjoying the sun in the name of tanning. My skin is tanned enough, thank you very much. 

I have been quite happy being indoors during this time, only stepping out to run errands early in the morning or late in the evening to run my errands. The rest of the time, I was trying to survive the extreme heat. I even rescheduled a coffee date with a friend here thrice because of a heat wave we experienced that lasted about two weeks.

My skin and body in general are still adjusting to the whirlwind of change in the season and environment. Thankfully, the products I’ve been using have so far been working. Fingers crossed, I can stick with them for a while because in as much as I love everything to do with skincare, I can’t afford to shell out money every other day for new products!.

Skincare

Banila Co Clean it Zero

I have read great reviews about this product and I’m so happy I tried it out. I love this balm as the first step in my skincare routine, whether I have a full face of make up or the lightest bit of makeup on my face like doing my brows. It melts into my skin breaking down most if not all my makeup without leaving me feeling greasy as with most oil cleansers.

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser is another product I came across online and the reviews piqued my interest. The design of the packaging was another and after the rollercoaster ride my skin had been on for the past couple of months, I decided to try it out.

I have fallen in love with this cleanser because of the 2% Salicylic acid and Zinc component that work to unclog my pores and gently exfoliate control my oil. It also has an ingredient called Allantoin that works to sooth your skin and calm it down.

Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The creamy, non-foaming consistency of this cleanser has been instrumental in ensuring that my skin is clean, all the dirt and makeup has been removed while retaining the moisture and suppleness to my skin. A bonus advantage for using it is the anti-aging properties and restoration of moisture barrier. So, this is a cleanser I can use in both mornings and evenings, depending on how my skin is feeling and what it needs.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

For the past couple of months, I really cut down on completely anything to with exfoliating my skin to give it time to adjust and decide what direction it wanted to go in. Slowly, I have re-introduced physical exfoliation, and have found that the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant has works great for me. I’ve found it gentle on my skin and Immediately after using it, my skin feels super soft and smooth.

Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Skin Restoring Day Cream SPF 50

I’ve been using this day cream and I love how lightweight it feels on my skin. It moisturizes my skin without the heavy greasy feeling. It also has ingredients like Niacinamide, which has helped to reduce the size of my pores. The bonus of SPF 50 gives the cream a slightly yellow tint, but it gets absorbed into the skin and doesn’t leave me with a white cast. If I happen to be outdoors, I still top up with a separate sunscreen because you can’t have enough protection.

Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Barrier Repair Night Cream

Hand in hand with the day cream is the resist anti-aging night cream and one of the ingredients listed is Retinol, which is good for its anti-aging properties and in this cream, is not at a high percentage. So far, I’m loving it and will keep you posted on the progress.

Palmer’s Shea Formula Hand cream

I love myself a good hand cream, but I love it even more once I apply it and it’s fully absorbed, leaving my hands soft and moisturized without feeling greasy. This Palmer’s Shea Formula hand cream does that for me, and I absolutely love the scent and consistency of it and will re-purchase.

The Body Shop White Musk Chiffon Sheer Body Mist

I’ve been spraying this mist immediately after I shower while my skin is still damp, before going in with my moisturizer. I tend to go for a mix of floral, musky scents with woody and citrus hints but decided to try this out for a change. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked its subtle musky, almost woody scent yet light floral notes.

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Oil

I knew I couldn’t afford to be a greasy mess in summer, but I also knew I could not afford to be ashy. Most body moisturizers I had tried were getting absorbed completely, leaving my skin, especially around my elbows and heels thirsting for more. I liked this body oil because it locks in the moisture, gives me the look of well moisturized, supple skin without me feeling super greasy, which was great given the temperatures we were experiencing. I’ll definitely consider layering on a thicker moisturizer as temperatures continue drop but this will remain a staple in my routine.

Fashion

I thought I’d include these two items, even though fashion is not my forte to give you of glimpse of non-skincare related products I’ve been loving too.

Bra tops

These bra tops have been a life saver from the dreaded enemy known as boob sweat. They are so comfortable and provide my girls the support they need without feeling constrained. I’m all for banishing bras to hell and freeing the boobs but these get a pass from me and are now part of my wardrobe for the foreseeable future.

Bershka Quilted Bag

I’m in love with this bag, mainly because of the quilted design on the front plus it’s a basic that can go with almost everything I wear. Whether I wear it over one shoulder or as a crossbody, which is my preference most of the times, I love the minimalist, chic look of it and how it easily compliments my outfits when I’m out and about.

Curious to know my thoughts on these products in detail? Check out the video!