Summer travel beckons with promises of sun-kissed adventures and carefree days. But for many, the thought of maintaining a diligent skincare and hair routine on-the-go can be daunting, often leading to over-packed toiletry bags and forgotten essentials.
This year, let’s revolutionize our approach and build a minimalistic summer skincare kit that keeps you equipped from sandy beaches to humid cityscapes with expert inputs from Jigar Patel, Founder and Creative Head of Brillare.
Summer Hair Essentials: Taming Your Tresses on the Go
Maintaining healthy and vibrant hair during summer travels, especially with exposure to sun and potentially harsh water, requires smart product choices. Here are the must-have hair products for your minimalist summer kit-
The Multi-Tasking Hair Hero: Bond Repairing Shampoo and Mask
For your tresses, Patel champions a “bond repairing shampoo and mask like Terabond.” Highlighting its versatility, he says, “It’s multi-purpose, keeps the hair soft and frizz-free and repairs damage caused by the sun, or even harsh sea water.” This ingenious two-in-one solution tackles common summer hair woes, from dryness to environmental damage, ensuring your locks remain luscious and manageable throughout your escapades.
Scalp Care
Patel feels that a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, and addressing sweat and build-up is key to preventing discomfort and maintaining hair vitality. Taking care of the scalp and making sure it’s clean and balanced ensures your hair remains healthy and shiny throughout the summer season. I recommend using tea tree clarifying oil shots in the summer because, with all the sweat and heat, the scalp can get irritated and build up with sebum.”
Besides this, you can use exfoliating scalp scrubs to help clear clogged follicles and reduce dandruff. The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub and The Body Shop Ginger Hair & Scalp Scrub are both excellent vegan options.
Skin Deep: Your Minimalist Summer Skincare Arsenal
When it comes to skin, simplicity reigns supreme. Here’s a breakdown of the essential products to carry for glowing summer skin.
Cleansing Power
Cleansing is a skincare must, especially in summer when sweat and environmental pollutants can clog pores. Some of the vegan and natural brands you could try are Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser and Plum Goodness Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash. Both are lightweight and refreshing and help control excess oil without stripping the skin. Jigar Patel suggests using powder face washes. “They are so easy to carry, and because they are liquid-free, you can pop them into your handbag too, no mess!” These water-activated cleansers are incredibly convenient and prevent potential spills.
The Multi-Tasking Marvel: Vitamin C Serum
A simple vitamin C serum is a powerful ally in your minimalist kit. It helps combat sun damage, brightens the complexion, and provides antioxidant protection, all while reducing the need for separate hydrating and brightening products. For potent yet gentle formulas, try ilana Brightening Vitamin C Serum (infused with lemon & papaya) or Juicy Chemistry Vitamin C Serum with blood orange and rosehip, both vegan, natural, and packed with skin-loving actives.
The Unsung Hero: Sunscreen
This is the absolute non-negotiable summer staple. “Although sunscreen is ideally to be used all year round, it gets a lot more attention during the summer. It is a total shield and should never be skipped,” asserts Patel. Brillare’s Zinc Powder Sunscreen is one of the best. “Its unique format works to prevent acne, gives total SPF and PA ++++ coverage, as well as provides a sheer tinted glow. It comes in a small, easy-to-carry compact case and is perfect for summer travel too”, concludes Patel. Conscious Chemist Sun Drink Hybrid Sunscreen is another power-packed sunscreen for the summer months.
With the right multitasking essentials and expert-backed tips, your summer skincare kit can be light, effective, and travel-ready. So, embrace minimalism this season and let your skin and hair thrive, no matter where your adventures take you.
