Even with 100 percent humidity, skin still craves moisture. Here is my hit list of hydrating stars for top to toe hydration.
Ibuki Quick Fix Mist, $55: For day-worn makeup and parched skin this refreshing gel mist, has an anti-shine complex, so it's great for using with makeup touch ups and ideal as a cooling spritz to keep on your desk.
Murad Instant Radiance Eye Cream, $145: Brightening is what this cream does within days, so expect dark circles to vanish, thanks to the vitamin C. Next the hyaluronic acid kicks in to smooth wrinkles - note to self - a little of this souffle-light cream goes a long way.
Pure Fiji Noni Coconut Milk Shower Gel, $31: I would never use soap in the shower. Firstly it destroys the glass, leaving a white film that's hard to clean, but more importantly it strips skin of any moisture. This shower gel cleanses with coconut and sugar cane (so it is super nourishing), and the pineapple extract brightens skin all over - it's also hard not to get addicted to the gorgeous tropical aroma.
Decleor Aromaessence Solaire Tan Activator Serum, $131: I want to put it out there, I'm not advocating sun tanning; however it's difficult to avoid sun exposure, on a beach holiday. OMG, this serum saved my sun-drenched skin after 12 days holiday in Hawaii. Apply before sunscreen, and after a day at the beach, and the argan, rice and rose oils prevent dehydration, while the carrot oil stimulates the bodies melanin production, so you get an even-looking glow, with no tell-tale sun damage.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, $54: If you let skin become dry overnight, it's hard to catch up on moisture loss during the day. I have been slathering on this ultra rich cream packed with flower essences, to combat that awful tight feeling by afternoon. Available from Kiehls counter 22 February 2016.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer SPF 30, $40. Anyone who knows me will tell you how much I love any cream that contains retinol, and Rapid Wrinkle is one of the most gentle, and affordable - for daily use. It has a unique combo of Retinol SA that corrects sun spots while glucose complex (sugar) strengthens skin - and it's not without the ever important SPF 30.
Top tips:
Water strips essential oils: Make sure you shower off quickly after swimming in salt and chlorine.
Stop scrubbing. Exfoliating makes skin smooth in the short term. But scrubbing daily causes inflammation that makes dry skin even drier (and flaky, and itchy) within days. Only exfoliateonce a week and wash skin first with a creamy, hydrating cleanser.
Moisturise all over: The best body lotions have ingredients such as glycerin that pull water from the atmosphere, into your skin. Keep an oil or lotion in the shower, so you remember to use it while skin is still slightly damp, it works better - faster - this is a beauty duty you must do daily.
