Summer in South Africa certainly demands more from our beauty routines — more hydration, longevity, and versatility. With early call times and midday meetings, I’ve curated a work beauty kit filled with products I can count on to last throughout the day.
In summer, makeup is only as good as the skin underneath it. My travel-size La Roche-Posay moisturiser is essential; it keeps my skin looking and feeling plump while fitting perfectly in my compact cosmetic bag. Sun protection is also a must, so my Woolworths Beauty sunscreen (SPF 50, of course) is a permanent resident in my bag. This ensures I can reapply as needed throughout the day.
For makeup, I prefer a skin tint or lightweight foundation like Catrice’s tinted foundation serum with a natural finish for breathability, complemented by a creamy concealer for areas that need extra coverage. For a pop of colour, my go-to is the Kylie Cosmetics lip and cheek blush tint, which blends easily, adds a fresh glow, and can double as an eyeshadow when needed. I’ve also been enjoying the W7 glow liquid blush for that extra shimmer and pink hue on my cheekbones.
My brow routine stays simple with Catrice’s waterproof Eye Brow Stylist, while Revlon’s Colorstay Full Time mascara gives my lashes a look akin to falsies. For lips, I use a dark brown Essence lip liner paired with Rimmel’s Thrill Seeker lip gloss in the frosted berry shade — a combination I never knew I needed.
No beauty kit is complete without essential tools and finishing touches. I carry a travel-size version of Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 62 fragrance, and Pepper Tree’s baobab oil hand and nail cream helps keep my dry hands in check — because summer beauty is as much about how you feel as it is about how you look.
This season, my work beauty kit includes multitasking products that travel well and enhance my appearance. After all, summer beauty should feel effortless—even when your schedule isn’t.
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