The Edit: Five African-Made Beauty Products to Kick Off Your Summer
Summer is finally here and with it comes the promise of beach trips, poolside reading, and late-night swims. Yet summer also brings the drawbacks of long days sweating in the sun, the harshness of chlorine on your skin, and peeling sunburns. To help you avoid these pitfalls and get you to exfoliate, moisturize, and hydrate your skin like a pro, we’ve selected five beauty products that will have your skin glowing all summer long and beyond.
Acai Gentle Exfoliating Face Mask by Suki Suki
Shop the Acai Gentle Exfoliating Mask by Suki Suki
Harsh days in the sun or in the pool can leave your face dry, peeling, and in desperate need of rehydration beyond a quick shower and a pass of moisturizer. Made in South Africa from all-natural ingredients, Suki Suki’s Acai Gentle Exfoliating Face Mask will not only strip off all that dead skin, but leave the skin soft and radiant. Along with anti-ageing properties and antioxidants, the mask is packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial elements to help sooth any irritation and combat breakouts.
Awaken Moisturizing Body Butter by Ilera Apothecary
Shop the Awaken Moisturizing Body Butter by Ilera Apothecary
No skincare routine, summer edition or otherwise, is complete without a great everyday moisturizer. This June, add Ilera Apothecary’s plant-based Awaken Moisturizing Body Butter to your daily regimen. With quick absorption and a non-greasy feeling, this body butter will hydrate your skin and protect against dryness and damage all day long. Hints of orange, lemon, grapefruit, and yuzu provide a mellow scent to keep you feeling fresh throughout the hottest days of the summer. Made in Detroit, Michigan, Ilera Apothecary brings forth the founder’s Nigerian heritage and strives to keep West African practices and philosophies alive through skincare products made from sustainable ingredients naturally found in the Earth.
Papaya Rose Hydrating Facial Mist by Suki Suki
Shop the Papaya Rose Hydrating Facial Mist by Suki Suki
Sometimes there isn’t time for a full cleansing in between the beach and the restaurant on those hot vacation nights, or between the gym and heading back to the office. Facial mists are a great way to refresh and rehydrate your skin quickly while on the go. Suki Suki’s Papaya Rose Hydrating Facial Mist contains papaya extract, the papain enzyme exfoliates the skin and quickens the cell turnover rate leaving the skin smooth and glowing. The brand’s uniquely formulated and handcrafted recipes celebrate Africa’s rich plant life while keeping you free from harmful and artificial chemicals.
Rose Water Facial Mist by The Moroccans
As is the case for all beauty and skincare products, one size does not fit all. Another wonderful facial mist to brighten up your mornings and refresh your skin is The Moroccans’ Rose Water Facial Mist. Made from fresh rose petals, this water has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to gently wake up your skin and start your day. The Moroccans use a range of products based on natural ingredients that all come from Morocco’s most reputed natural reserves offering a holistic approach sought after to reveal your beauty.
Summer’s Over Set by Pear Nova
Of course, skincare isn’t the only thing that matters in your beauty department this summer. Slipping back into sandals brings the promise of gorgeous new mani-pedis, and bright summer colors. Pear Nova’s bright Summer’s Over Set delivers four perfect summer shades, inspired by runway, travel, art, and music. Ranging from lemon hues to berry shades, these colors will have your nails look striking and summery with the simplicity of a single coat application. Designed in Chicago, Pear Nova’s products are always cruelty-free and vegan friendly.
Words by Eloise Johnson