Butter Up Before Summer

By June Ramli

The days are getting longer, the beach is calling, and shorts season is almost here. Before you dig out your swimmers, though, think about your skin. Air-conditioning, salt water, chlorine and hot sun can all leave skin feeling tight and dry by February. That’s why a rich body butter deserves a spot in your summer kit.

Why moisturise in summer?

Many of us cut back on heavy creams once the weather warms up, assuming our skin needs less. In fact, time outdoors, long showers after a swim, and hours in air-conditioned offices can strip moisture just as much as winter does. A daily layer of body butter helps keep skin soft and smooth, and makes it look healthier when it’s on show.

A butter that tans too

Bondi Sands recently sent DailyStraits a sample of its new Self Tanning Butter in Gradual. The Australian brand has been making sun-free tans since 2012, and this product combines a body butter with a gradual tan. It comes in a tub with a thick, whipped white texture, plus a small spatula for scooping.
Gradual tanners are designed for everyday use. Bondi Sands says its gradual products can be applied daily like a moisturiser to build a glow, or used to extend a self-tan after five or six days. Rather than delivering a dark tan in one go, the colour builds slowly with each application, so it’s easier to control.

Summer skin tips

• Exfoliate before you start using a gradual tanner so the colour goes on evenly.
• Apply after showering, on dry skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
• Go lightly on elbows, knees and ankles so colour doesn’t cling there.
• A tan from a bottle won’t protect you from the sun. Always wear SPF 50+ and reapply after swimming.

So before summer kicks off, stock up on sunscreen, sunnies and a good body butter. If you’d like a little glow while you’re at it, a tanning butter does both jobs at once.

Editor’s note: Bondi Sands provided DailyStraits with a free sample via AMPR Group.