I’m a lifestyle writer, here are the products I'll be using this summer

From deliciously scented body lotions to plumping SPF lip tints — get ready to screenshot your way through this article.

So, it's now October, which means it's pretty much November which means summer is basically around the corner. 

If you're like me and are already daydreaming about days spent at the beach and long lunches outdoors, you're probably already thinking about the beauty and wellness staples you'll need to get you through the sweaty season.

However let's face it, you might not have the mental energy to figure out what the hell is good for your skin and what's BS. But don't worry. That's where I come in.

As someone who's tried, tested, and sometimes regretted more products than I can count, I’ve done the legwork for you.

Whether you're after a foolproof sunscreen, a juicy AF lip balm, or the ultimate deodorant that will save you on those scorching days, I’ve rounded up my must-have summer staples that are actually good.

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Image: Supplied

Sunscreen

Cancer Council SPF50+ Hydration Boost

Sunscreen* is a non-negotiable in summer (and all year round!), but finding one that doesn’t feel heavy or leave a greasy residue can sometimes be a struggle. Enter Cancer Council’s SPF50+ Hydration Boost, part of their fancy new SPF skincare range. 

This formula doesn’t just protect against UV rays— it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like Polyfructol Plus, Hyaluronic Acid, and Squalane to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. 

Why I love it: It ticks all the boxes: It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for layering under makeup or wearing on its own.

Plus, I can’t forget the super cute packaging! The bright blue tube is very 'grammable, and I absolutely love the pump dispenser, which makes it a cinch to apply.

Image: Supplied

We Are Feel Good Inc. Good Morning SPF 50

If you're after another sunscreen that keeps your skin hydrated without the greasiness and shine, may I introduce you to this Good Morning sunscreen from We Are Feel Good Inc.

This Aussie-made formula offers serious sun protection with Broad Spectrum SPF50 while also nourishing your skin with ingredients like Tomato Extract and Jojoba.

It's also free from nasties like parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Why I love it: It's ultra-hydrating but leaves a matte finish, which means no oily-looking skin — just a smooth, beautiful base on which you can apply your makeup.

It also absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores, so it’s perfect for anyone prone to breakouts (that would be me).

Image: Aesthetics Rx/Adore Beauty

Aesthetics Rx Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50

If you’re willing to splash out a little bit more for a high-quality sunscreen, then Aesthetics Rx Face & Body SPF50 should be your go-to. This fast-absorbing formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones, and is packed with patented Vitamin D SPF technology, so while it protects your skin, it still allows for natural Vitamin D production. Smart! And because skincare experts designed it, it also doubles as a makeup primer and accelerated ageing blocker. 

Why I love it: The texture is lightweight and dries quickly, leaving no white cast, and the tube is MASSIVE. Like 200ml massive. It’ll last you all summer long, making it great value for money.

I also love that it’s a 2-in-1 face and body sunscreen, meaning I don’t need to take a ton of products in my bag for a day in the sun.

Image: Bangn Body

Moisturiser

Bangn Body Tuscan Luminous Skin Set

If you’re hunting for the perfect Christmas gift (or just a treat for yourself), Bangn Body has brought together some of its best-selling products to keep your skin looking radiant this summer. 

High on my wishlist is the Tuscan Luminous Skin Set, which features a collection of their cult-favourite skin-loving goodies.

So, what's inside?

The Bangn Body Firming Lotion, affectionately known as the yellow tube of goodness.

Since the brand launched in 2019, it has sold over 600k of these iconic lotions, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s a natural moisturiser packed with pineapple fruit extract, shea butter, and green coffee beans that not only hydrates but also boosts skin elasticity, reduces redness, smooths out bumps and even tackles cellulite and stretch marks. 

Use it in five different ways: as a hydrating body lotion, daily face moisturiser, makeup primer, nourishing hand cream, and spot treatment.

It's also bump-friendly, with many mums swearing by it during pregnancy and postpartum to help keep their skin smooth and hydrated.

Illuminating Firming Lotion

This 4-in-1 product is a dewy makeup primer, face moisturiser, body illuminator, and cheek highlighter all in one.

Infused with Sapphire crystal-derived pigments, it gives your skin a golden glow while reducing the appearance of pigmentation, discolouration and age spots, giving you a youthful glow. 

Apply using the included buffing brush to add a natural shimmer if you're heading to the beach or a party and really want your décolletage or legs to pop!

Lip and Cheek Gloss Balm in Choc Caramel

A glossy, hydrating balm that gives your lips and cheeks a subtle hint of colour with a delicious scent. Perfect for an on-the-go touch-up. More on this later!

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

Finding a daily moisturiser that works for sensitive skin in the summer heat can be tricky, but Cetaphil’s Moisturising Lotion is a great option that I keep coming back to time and time again. 

This non-greasy lotion is a favourite for dry, normal and sensitive skin and is clinically proven to provide long-lasting, 48-hour hydration. The formula is packed with niacinamide and panthenol, which work together to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier in just one week.

Why I love it: It's hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, so I never have to worry about flare-ups.

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Cleanser

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

Summer is… sweaty, to state the obvious. So if you’re dealing with breakouts or oily skin, this is a great option to keep your skin in check. Developed with dermatologists, this budget-friendly gel-to-foam cleanser is designed specifically for those with blemish-prone skin. 

It tackles dirt, oil, and impurities head-on—perfect for clearing off the layers of sweat and sunscreen that tend to build up during a hot day.

Why I love it: This is an absolute daily essential for me. It keeps my blemishes at bay and clears up my clogged pores like nothing else I’ve tried before. 

Image: tbh skincare

Lip balms 

tbh Skincare Pucker Up SPF30 Tinted Lip Balm

Okay, you didn’t think we were going to do a summer beauty roundup and forget about our lips, did you? They can burn too, guys! 

So when it comes to summer, a lip balm that offers added sun protection is an absolute must. This coconut-flavoured balm from tbh Skincare is a great choice and protects and hydrates your lips while giving you a buildable, rosy pink tint. 

Why I love it:  The texture is lovely and smooth and not at all sticky. I also like how it goes on clear, so it doesn't look like you're wearing lippy to the beach!

Image: Bangn Body

Bangn Body Lip and Cheek Gloss Balm

As promised earlier, I simply must talk to you about this little powerhouse of a lip balm. It launched earlier this year with a jaw-dropping waitlist of over 50K people and trust me, it’s well worth the hype. 

These multitasking tubes deliver a sheer, natural tint that add a subtle glow to both your lips and cheeks while keeping them moisturised and plumped all day long. 

There are three delicious flavours and shades to choose from: Choc Caramel, Raspberry Drop, and Chai Vanilla, all formulated with natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil.

Why I love it: The buildable coverage is amazing because it basically gives you two products in one - a gloss or a tinted balm, depending on how much you layer it. And the cooling metal applicator is refreshing on the lips which is always welcome on a hot day.

Image: Gem/Instagram

Deodorant

Gem Skin-loving Deodorant, Coconut and Vanilla

If you’re looking for a product that feels like deodorant but smells like a luxury perfume then… you’ve probably never found one. Until now.

I just came across this incredible deodorant at Woolies and have been telling every woman and her dog about it.

Unlike regular deodorants, Gem’s pastel-coloured sprays are totally free from alcohol and parabens. They're also packed with ingredients you’d typically find in high-end skincare, like Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E, to keep your underarms moisturised and velvety smooth.

The Coconut and Vanilla scent is my personal fave, but if you’d like to switch it up, you’ve got options like Macadamia and Vanilla, Santal, and Cool Fresh.

Why I love it: As a certified sweaty girl, I’ve dabbled with clinical strength deodorants in the past, and honestly, this is better. By the end of the day, I’m still smelling fresh, and people have actually commented on how good I smell, which is the ultimate compliment! 

It's also hands down the most aesthetic deodorant I’ve ever seen. The sleek, pastel packaging alone deserves a spot on your beauty shelf. 

Image: Ready Freddie

Other summer essentials

Ready Freddie, Short Freddie’s

Okay, so this isn’t your typical beauty product, but it’s an absolute game-changer when it comes to getting ready.

Ready Freddie has created a onesie that is explicitly designed for people doing their makeup, skincare, or self-care routines. 

It’s gone viral around the world, because seriously, who wants to throw on a heavy dressing gown after they get out of the shower, then get all sweaty and then need another shower? Nahhht me.

The Short Freddie is a great choice for summer, whereas the long Freddie will see you through the colder months and is also available in kids’ sizes! 

They come in an array of cute colours like brown, black, orange, pink, sky blue, and beige, and more fun colours will be released soon! 

Why I love it: Because it's utterly genius. As someone who loves to do her foundation with her hands (sue me) and also pack on the powder, this is a total lifesaver for getting ready without worrying about ruining my going out clothes. 

It’s also perfect for doing my nighttime wind-down routine in, and who am I kidding, just wearing it at any given opportunity, really.

Image: Hydralyte

Hydralyte Plus Collagen Powder Sticks

This also isn’t your typical beauty product, but Hydralyte Plus Collagen is perfect for giving your beauty routine a boost from the inside. It’s packed with Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, which helps improve skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness. It's also super easy to use. Just mix it into your water and you’re good to go - no waiting for tablets to dissolve!

Why I love it: Not only does it help me stay hydrated after a spin class or a long hike, but I also love knowing that the added collagen is working in the background to help my skin look plump and refreshed.

It also tastes delicious, so I pretend it’s a little summer mocktail and actually savour it (you’re meant to sip on it slowly, so this works perfectly!)

Hydralyte Rehydration Ice Blocks

Another enjoyable way to have Hydralyte during the summer months is in the form of these delicious ice blocks. 

They're a refreshing way to stay cool and hydrated, and they’re handy to have around for when you need a little pick me up without reaching for a sugary ice block. 

A note on sunscreen:

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses when exposed to the sun. Re-apply frequently.

Originally published as I’m a lifestyle writer, here are the products I'll be using this summer