The Edit: 5 Summer Beauty Products for Your Top Shelf

Words by Shreya Wankhade

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As we get ready to embrace the warmer months, it’s important that we remember to take care of ourselves through all the fun and sunshine that the summer brings. And no, we don’t just mean retail therapy – this summer is the summer of investing in our physical being as well. The forecast for this summer is looking nude and natural. The Folklore Edit has got you covered for your summer beauty must-haves that are both sustainable and sourced from creators from Africa and the diaspora.

The nail lacquer

New York City-based lifestyle brand For Tmrw is the go-to brand for this summer’s nail-related essentials. Not only are the polishes easy on the eye, they are also created using color psychology. This For Slow Beauty set is a perfect beginner set for summer nails – it includes three sheer shades that are bound to complement all your warm-weather outfits. For added wellbeing points, the set also comes two herbal tea bags from the brand Aesthete.

The lip balm

Your nails are not the only areas of your body you need to pamper this summer. From Detroit in Michigan, Ilera Apothecary creates sustainable and plant-based skincare products from ethically sourced ingredients. The lavender and mint Smile Stick with shea and cocoa butter is the perfect balm to keep your lips hydrated this summer. Specifically designed to heal and repair dry and cracked lips, this balm is perfect for use after being in the sunshine all day.

THe full-body kit

Ilera Apothecary also carries a variety of skincare and bath and body products. In the summer especially, it is important to treat your skin and body in the best way possible so the heat does not do too much damage. If you aren’t sure where to start your summer skincare journey, Ilera’s Discovery Set is the perfect kit to help you begin. The box contains body butters to keep your skin hydrated after long days in the sun, body washes to both start and end the day, as well as toners and oils for full nourishment.

The fragrance

Further ensure feeling good as well as smelling good with the House of Gozdawa’s Extrait De Parfum. The scents by Cape Town-based House of Gozdawa are specifically made to capture the smells of nature and Africa. Using natural ingredients such as grapefruit and tuberose to give it a mild sillage, the charming Hel parfum is composed of 30% aromatic compounds and stays close to your skin.

The deodorant

Though the sun gives us the vitamin D we very much need and brings out the best tan in our skin, it also brings out dreadful sweat. Ilera Apothecary’s Deodorant is designed to neutralise odor and naturally absorb wetness to keep you fresh all day. It’s free from aluminum and alcohol, and is specially crafted to prevent pore blockage, irritation, stains and dark underarms.