What we’re loving: 9 things that put us in the summer mood

Photo by Aarti Jhurani

Photo by Aarti Jhurani

Courtesy of Clarins

Courtesy of Vita Coco

Photo by Hafsa Lodi

Courtesy of Sephora

Credit Shiseido

Courtesy of Marni

Tried and tested — nine products that have put us in the mood for summer.

Yes to Coconuts Ultra Light Body Lotion Spray

A perfect body moisturiser for the summer — it is, as the name suggests, a very light formula that hydrates without leaving the skin feeling sticky or overly moisturised. It is super convenient too, just spray all over and lightly massage it in. It absorbs really fast and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. As for the scent, it’s a light coconut fragrance that does not linger for very long after application. A little goes a long way, so the 295ml bottle really lasts.

• Dh62, www.feelunique.com

* Aarti Jhurani

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof Volume Mascara

A fantastic option if you are in the market for a budget mascara. The formula lifts, curls and volumises the lashes, and the waterproof formula makes it perfect for a dip in the sea at the beach or at the pool. It stays put the entire day without flaking off or fading. Like all waterproof mascaras though, it is quite difficult to clean this one off at the end of the day — but nothing a little coconut oil can’t fix.

• Dh41, available at Boots

* Aarti Jhurani

Dermalogica Pure Light

This nifty little bottle is quite the multitasker. It is a moisturising cream that contains SPF 50, providing protection from UVA and UVB rays, and it works on lightening acne scars, which is the main reason why I am using it. It is a bit pricey but worth it considering it is a 3-in-1 and a brand that really knows skincare. A pea-sized amount is all you need for your face and neck and, used every day, a bottle lasts about three months.

• Dh289, available at Boots

* Aarti Jhurani

Clarins Lait Fondant Auto-Bronzant

As someone whose skin tone tends to be more on the side of Casper than Kardashian, I was hesitant to try a self-tanning lotion. Clarins self-tan lotion, however, put my fears to rest. I applied the residue-free formula before bed — it went on smooth and silky, and dried relatively quickly. When I woke up, I was a convincing shade of mocha and, even more surprising, streak-free. I’ll be trying this again as a preferable alternative to harmful tanning.

• Dh160, available at Clarins

* Ashley Lane

Vita Coco coconut water

I’m a picky eater — and a picky drinker. Coconut water never held much appeal to me until a recent holiday in Zanzibar, when I couldn’t get enough of the fresh drink being sold on the beach. Once back in Dubai, I was craving that subtle sweet taste — and almost miraculously, stumbled upon Vita Coco. Now, whenever I have a full day of errands, I keep a cold one in my car. Somehow, I can gulp down a whole carton of it faster than a bottle of water.

• Dh12 for a 330ml carton, available at leading supermarkets and online at www.dubaisupplements.com

* Hafsa Lodi

H&M nail polish

For me, autumn and winter nail colours were all about blues, greys and the occasional burgundy — I took a break from pink, my go-to shade. While I have some nice Essie and Revlon pinks, my latest addition is “Tickled Pink” by H&M beauty. I’ve found the fashion brand’s nail polishes to be of really good quality — the pigments are strong and you don’t need numerous coats to achieve the saturated hue seen in the bottle. This particular shade is perfect for summer — it’s fun, feminine and lies somewhere between bubblegum and grapefruit — though my colleague has decreed it is a noxious Barbie-pink.

• Dh10 to Dh40 at H&M

* Hafsa Lodi

Starskin Nourishing and Cooling Double-layer foot mask socks

Think face masks, but for your feet. Aside from a monthly, or bi-monthly (when I get really lazy) pedicure, my feet don’t get much pampering. This foot mask from Starskin is a convenient way to cleanse your feet from the comfort of your home. The socks look a bit like shower caps — they have plastic exteriors and moist felt-like inner linings, soaked in a serum that contains safflower oil, rosemary, green tea, camomile, grape and peony root. Leave for about 20 minutes, then take them off. There wasn’t a drastic difference, but my skin felt softer and refreshed. Each packet contains a single-use pair of socks, and the brand advises to repeat the regime two to thee times a week.

• Dh39, available at Sephora

* Hafsa Lodi

Shiseido Future Solution LX Universal Defense Optimale

When it comes to protecting my face from the sun, I’ve learnt the importance of using top-quality skincare products. We often overlook the face when it comes to sunscreen, or simply use whatever we’re using on our body. But faces require extra care and this is where Shiseido comes in. The SPF 50+ serum feels and smells like other sun protection, with a dewy, only slightly greasy texture. It can be used as a primer before foundation — which coupled with the fact that it defends against UV rays, air pollutants and dryness, is its biggest selling point.

• Dh404 for 30ml, available at Paris Gallery

* Hafsa Lodi

Marni Edge glasses

I like to consider myself a simple soul. I am not wildly materialistic (despite working in fashion) but I confess to having a soft spot for sunglasses. I have too many to count, and am incapable of saying no to them. So it is little surprise I fell for this glorious creation from Marni. Was it the geek-chic, oversized frames that first caught my eye (pardon the pun)? Or perhaps the retro creamy buttermilk colour? Or was it the asymmetric shape? It’s a mystery. But one thing is certain, it was love at first sight.

• Dh2,590, available at Marni

* Sarah Maisey