Tried and tested: 6 new summer skincare products

Courtesy of Elemis

Courtesy of Sephora

Courtesy of Shiseido

Courtesy of Oleva +

Courtesy of Clarins

Hafsa Lodi

Protect and nourish your skin with our top picks from the latest summer beauty launches to hit the UAE.

Shiffa Healing Balm

15 different plants with healing properties combine to create the secret blend of this multi-use balm. Shea butter, jojoba, lavender and rosemary are just some of the many ingredients that work to rejuvenate the face. The rich serum is hardened into a creamy, grainy texture, which can be applied on pimples, acne scars, dry skin and areas of eczema and rosacea. It can also help heal burnt or wounded skin, and can be used as an evening serum to keep the skin hydrated overnight. Use the balm as a primer, between applying your moisturiser and your foundation, to protect your skin and to give it a fresh, dewy look.

Dh390, Courtesy of Shiffa

Elemis Smart Cleanse Micellar Water

Micellar water is the new face cleanser in the beauty world — it removes impurities from the skin, without stripping it of its natural oil. This particular product is the 10th cleanser to come out of the Elemis range, and is infused with organic English rose water and anti-oxidant rich camomile. The formula’s cleansing micelles contain natural surfactants from Apple amino acids, Rosehip seed oil and Indian soapnut. It’s gentle and non-abrasive, and clears up make-up and pollutants from the skin’s surface. Squirt a little bit of the liquid onto a cotton pad, and use circular motions to rub your face with it. Unlike other cleansers, this one is strong and effective, and doesn’t require multiple wipes of the same area, nor will it leave your skin red or irritated after use.

Dh203, Courtesy of Elemis

Sephora Instant Moisture + Cream

The key ingredient in Sephora’s latest range of moisturisers is hyaluronic acid, which helps to retain water in the skin. When applied to the face regularly, the skin will start producing more hyaluronic acid, which then smoothens and brightens the complexion. Use this cream as a daily morning moisturiser. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and serves as a great base before you begin priming your skin and applying your make-up. You can also apply it to other areas of your body that suffer from dry skin.

Dh89, Courtesy of Sephora

Shiseido Suncare Expert Sun Protection Lotion for Sensitive Skin & Kids SPF 50

Always use trusted names in skincare when shopping for your summer beauty essentials, even when you’re deciding which brand’s sunscreen to pick up. This particular lotion from Japanese skincare brand Shiseido is multifunctional — you can apply it on your young ones, as well as on your face, even if you have sensitive skin. The cream isn’t greasy or smelly, and it rubs in quickly, without leaving a white residue that many suncare products tend to have. Plus, its handbag-friendly travel-size is ideal for a weekend getaway.

Dh184, Courtesy of Shiseido

Oleva + Total Solution Bio-Celluose Eye Mask

Between facing the sun’s harsh rays and the bright screens of our laptops and other devices, our eyes go through a lot. That, combined with the general lack of sleep the average working person suffers from, takes a toll on the skin around our eyes, often leaving them dry and with visible bags. A 15-minute session of this eye mask will leave the eye area refreshed and revitalised. The brand produces a range of masks targeting other areas like lips — use the summer months try out the different types of masks available.

Dh37, Courtesy of Oleva +

Clarins Daily Energizer Lovely Lip Balm

Summertime glamour calls for lipcare that stands out from your run-of-the-mill lip salve. This variation just launched by Clarins, not only hydrates and conditions your lips, but it adds a rosy pop of pigment too — the brand likes to refer to it as a “bitten lip look”. One application uplifts the look of your lips, giving them a plump-but-natural appearance. The sweet peach flavour is an added bonus.

Dh75, Courtesy of Clarins