Walking on sunshine

It has been a scorching-hot couple of days since summer is officially here. And yeah, I am feeling the telltale signs that I have to change my beauty routine — my hair is extra frizzy, my freckles are appearing out of nowhere and I have a slight tan.

This season is what makes shopping for beauty products one of those tasks that starts out being fun — when we’re daydreaming about lazy afternoons on the beach and getting a suntan. But finding the right summer products is no easy task.

So, if you want to create your own summer of love, here are my hand-picked beach essentials that will make you glow and sizzle like a sun-kissed goddess that is walking on sunshine.

Gorgeous Hair

If your hair is dull, dry and chemically damaged, you need a product that will protect and repair your crowning glory and make it shine like a star. Try Kérastase’s Huile Généreuse (P1,280). It works like sun block for the hair. Made with ceramide, UV filters and vitamin E, this "during sun exposure" spray protects the hair from the drying effects of the sun’s UV rays, salt and chlorine. You will definitely get smooth, shiny and radiant locks. Available at all leading salons nationwide.

Super Protection

So they say that prevention is the key to radiant-looking skin. Glytone has a range of sun protectors to suit different skin types, which are all P2,080. The Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 is a chemical-free sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. There is also a sweatproof and waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or Glytone Sunscreen SPF 25 that moisturizes the skin that can be used both on the face and body. For more information, call 815-2524 or visit www.glytone.com.ph.

Killer Tan

For a long-lasting golden, sun-kissed look like a real Hawaiian beauty, try Maui Island Secret Browning Formula, P820. Since this is not a stain, dye or sunless tanner, the vitamins A, C, and E, aloe, kukui and macadamia oil, passion flower oil, Hawaiian ginger and green tea extract blended with Maui coffee extract will ensure a fast, dark and long-lasting tan. Just make sure to apply this product over sunscreen and enjoy soaking under the sun. Available at Nothing But Water and Nail Spa.

Shimmer Galore

Fashion designer Coco Chanel started the tanning trend back in the ’20s when she accidentally got burned while cruising around the Mediterranean. To keep your long-lasting tan, use Clarins After Sun Shimmer Oil, P1,300 after sunbathing. This ultra-fine, lightweight oil contains golden glitters in a natural spray. This gives the tan a beautiful light-gold shimmer and leaves the skin radiant and incredibly satin-smooth. Available at Rustan’s Department Stores.

Skin Soother

If you stayed under the sun too long and got a burn, immediately apply Burt’s Bees Aloe and Linden Flower After Sun Soother, P850. This intensely hydrating, quick- absorbing lotion instantly soothes, calms and comforts skin after prolonged sun exposure. Made with aloe, linden extract and nourishing coconut oil, it naturally replenishes and relieves the skin, leaving it smooth and healthy. Available at Beauty Bar.

Juicy Scrub

Scrub your beach body clean with The Body Shop’s Pink Grapefruit Body Body Scrub to get rid of icky stuff brought by sun, sand and sea. Made with pink grapefruit seed oil, this refreshing and gentle exfoliating scrub not only removes dead skin cells but at the same time invigorates the skin. Plus, it helps boost circulation, leaving the skin soft and smooth. Available at The Body Shop.

You are pretty much set to look hot like a darling bud of May. All you need now is a tropical getaway.

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E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/beccacrodriguez.