ootdfashion
A couple of weeks ago, I stayed overnight at a friend’s place and made the mistake of using a really thick and sticky night cream on my face and neck the next morning. I won’t mention the brand because I used it at the wrong time. Had I applied it at night, it might not have been as bad, although still quite uncomfortable. Honestly, I can’t imagine how anyone wears this cream unless they sleep perfectly still on their backs, with no hair touching their face, and away from any fabric like pillowcases or sheets.
Describing this cream as “rich” is an understatement; it’s incredibly sticky and greasy at the same time. Imagine if you turned it into fly paper—it would trap flies but would allow them to slide around like on an ice rink. It’s kind of like being stuck on one of those exercise machines, forever moving back and forth without stopping, which is a grim thought.
After applying the cream, my hair clung to my face like a sticky mess, so I tied it back. While heading to the bus stop, it seemed like every insect was drawn to my skin, and as the bus ride to Paddington continued, the cream started to melt. My face felt like a roasting piece of meat, and the cream pooled around my nose and chin. With no tissue on hand, I ended up redistributing the excess oil to my hands and ankles as makeshift moisturizer.
In short, this is not what I’d choose to use on a particularly hot day, like the current heatwave in the UK. Heatwaves make it tough to sleep (though my house stays cool), require you to water the plants, and zap the energy right out of you. Simple tasks become daunting, and my beauty routine turns minimal; if it doesn’t come in a spray or spritz, I’m not using it during the day when it’s hottest.
During a recent trip to Greece, I packed my “Ultimate Laziness Kit,” which included Colab Dry Shampoo, a must-have as a founder of the brand. I chose the “Unicorn” variant, although “Paradise” would have been more fitting because of its lovely scent. Paired with Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc body spray, it saved me from carrying extra deodorant and perfume, as the scent improves when you get a little warm.
For sunscreen top-ups, I rely on Institut Esthederm’s Adaptasun Silky Body Mist, which is a bit pricey but gives me a great sun-kissed complexion. The labeling can be confusing, but the product is delightful to use. I also tried Coola’s Pina Colada spray, which, despite feeling lightweight, provided solid protection. I usually apply a thicker sunscreen in the morning and use sprays for reapplication throughout the day.
Another great option is Vichy’s Solar Protective Water spray, which is light and easy to apply, offering fantastic protection. I can’t recommend it enough and you can find it at reasonable prices.
If you’d like more details on sunscreen options or my Greek vacation with two toddlers, feel free to check out my posts. I must have been crazy to travel with little ones!
