As many of you will know by now, Omorovicza are a brand I have loved and used for many years. It all began one Christmas when I received a beautiful set of deluxe samples and since then the products have become a constant staple in my routines. When they asked me to take part in their Summer Skin Edit series I could not have been more excited and humbled. It was a huge honour to collaborate with one of my all time favourite brands and I had such a good time shooting my picks. You can check out my edit on Omorovicza’s blog here and below is a full description of everything I picked and why. Enjoy!

SKINCARE

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil 30ml $120/£75

Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Bakuchiol, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance) , Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Algae (Alaria Esculents) Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Linalool, Geraniol, Cinnamyl Alcohol.

This has quickly become one of my most favourite oils and I love everything about it. It smells absolutely incredible and feels like silk on the skin. It’s lightweight but still substantial and has an excellent roster of ingredients. Bakuchiol (nature’s retinol) is fourth on the list, making this a highly reparative, refining and healing oil. Using an oil at night in the summer is crucial for restoring balance (and therefore being less oily during the day), soothing the skin and keeping it soft and supple after prolonged sun exposure. This is not just an oil, it’s also a treatment product because it boosts the skin’s barrier function, protects against environmental damage and works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Good quality face oils are a worthwhile investment and as a comparison this oil is the same price as May Lindstrom’s The Youth Dew ($120 for 20ml) but 50% bigger and it’s over 1/3 cheaper than Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum ($185 for 30ml). I seriously could not love this oil more and it is now one of my favourite products out of everything I have tried from Omorovicza.

Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield SPF 30 100ml $125/£75

Ingredients: Aqua (Hungarian Thermal Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide, Silica, Squalane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyldodecanol, Stearyl Heptanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Saccharomyces (Hungarian Thermal Water) Ferment Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Alumina, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum (Fragrance), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isostearic Acid, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phospholipids, Linalool, Limonene, Citral.

If facial oils are a summer nighttime staple then sunscreen is the ultimate daytime essential. No matter what, sun protection is an absolute must for me when I am out and about in the sun and it should be for everyone. I know it’s not always easy to find one that works well with all skin types or tones, and I personally struggled for years to find a sunscreen that wouldn’t break me out or make me look like a ghost (boo, literally! lol). I have previously loved the Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 and Tarte’s Tarteguard SPF 30, but this has now taken the top spot. It’s a broad spectrum physical (mineral) sunscreen that uses zinc and titanium dioxide to provide UVA/UVB protection, which physically block the sun’s rays.

This is unlike any mineral sunscreen I have ever used and I now recommend it to everyone. The texture is thin and fluid and glides on to the skin beautifully. It absorbs easily and quickly and leaves behind no white cast or greasy feeling. It actually leaves quite a soft-focus matte finish, meaning it works really well with makeup and even without, your skin just looks nicely hydrated, not oily. I will be doing a sunscreen roundup very soon because this year there have been so many amazing new additions to the market and this is definitely one of the best out there.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist 100ml $90/£48

Ingredients: Aqua (Hungarian Thermal Water), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces (Hungarian Thermal Water) Ferment Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mannitol, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Pectin, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Water, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Water, Phospholipids, Yeast Extract, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol.

This stunning mist has been a longtime favourite of mine and I am pretty much addicted to the scent. It has become a yearly summer staple for me because it is ridiculously refreshing, as well as being purifying and hydrating. Even though this mist has an “inverted” inci list (most of the ingredients come after phenoxyethanol), I can’t help but love how luxurious and uplifting it is. It is definitely a splurge item but well worth the price, if you can indulge in it. This would actually be really great for those with sensitive skin because it’s exceptionally mild yet potent enough to have an effect. As I said over on Omorovicza’s blog, I have this in every size because it’s seriously that good and it is one of the best smelling mists I have ever used.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher 100ml $95/£65

Ingredients: Glycerin, Silt (Hungarian Mud), Copper Gluconate, Cetearyl Olivate, Lava Powder, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Silica, Aqua (Water), Phenoxyethanol, Lactobionic Acid, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Pulp Extract, Spondias Mombin Pulp Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Pulp Extract, Saccharomyces (Hungarian Thermal Water) Ferment Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aqua (Hungarian Thermal Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract, Phospholipids, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol.

This physical exfoliator has got to be one of the most interesting and underrated products that Omorovicza have and I love using it in the summer to keep my skin clear, bright and balanced. It’s a mask and exfoliator in one and combines a whole host of hardworking yet gentle ingredients to perfect, renew and heal the the skin. It uses mango and banana pulp extract to refine the complexion, lava stone to increase cell turnover and remove dead skin cells, Copper Gluconate to purify and regulate sebum and micro-algae to improve radiance. This is such an interesting and unusual mix of ingredients but they work so well together. I use this about once a week and the results are immediate and visible. I gently buff  the beautiful emerald green product into my skin and as I’m doing this the colour becomes a light grey, which means the masking step has been activated. Once this happens you leave it on for a few minutes (no more than 5) and then rinse off with warm water revealing soft, smooth, bright skin.

BEAUTY

ILIA Moondace Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20 $30/£25 and Kokomo Lip Conditioner SPF 15 $26/£22

Ingredients: Moondance – Mica, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Sunflower Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf*, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Leuconostoc/radish Root Ferment Filtrate. *certified Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Certifiés Biologiques. Kokomo – Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Coco-caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Candelilla (Euphorbia Cerifera) Wax, Butyro-spermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Shorea Robusta Resin, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry), Passiflora Incarnata (Passionflower), Tocopherol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide Ci77891, Iron Oxide (Ci77499, Ci77492, Ci77491), Red 7 Ci15850, Red 28 Ci45410, Yellow 5 Ci19140. *certified Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Certifiés Biologiques. 

As many of you will know from my previous post (here), I have recently started to use makeup again and these two products have been a dream for me. Kokomo is a beautiful mauve-y nude that looks so natural and understated on the lips, but also has the added benefit of SPF 15, which means it provides some much needed protection from sun exposure. It is a vast improvement on the typical lip sunscreens available and the colour would suit anyone. As our lips are particularly vulnerable to sun damage, using something like this is a no-brainer – it’s hydrating, feels comfortable on the lips and is a great way to combine sun protection with pretty, natural summery makeup. Moondance is a gorgeous translucent powder that contains SPF 20 and can be used in a variety of ways. You can dust it over the face to set makeup or buff it in to mattify, perfect and protect oily skin, as well as use it throughout the day to combat shine and top up your sun protection, which is my favourite method. It can be used on top or underneath makeup or alone for a very natural luminous skin finish. If you love makeup or struggle with finding the right sunscreen for you, then I definitely recommend checking this powder out because I think it would be amazing for those who are very oily or hate the feel of liquid sunscreen.

Hourglass Sunset Illume Sheer Color Trio $62/£54

Ingredients: unknown.

This is easily one of the most beautiful and versatile palettes I have ever owned and it has become such a go-to summer look for me. I really don’t like the feel of multiple layers on my skin and this is the perfect way to avoid that. I apply the stunning bronzer, blush and highlighter to bare skin and then blend them in with the incredible Artis brushes for a finish that is flawless, natural and undetectable. I am obsessed with the creme-to-satin formula of this palette because it makes application an absolute breeze and the end result is soft, fresh and natural. All three colors are sheer and buildable and would work well with most skin types. I love using them when I want a pulled together yet effortless look and they just make my skin look “alive” without looking like it’s caked in makeup. The colors are so gorgeous and work perfectly together but they can also be used indivdually. Sometimes I use just the bronzer for a very, very natural contoured effort or just the blush to bring a subtle wash of colour to my face. The highlighter is so beautiful and really natural, which means it can be used on the brow bone, cupid’s bow or inner eyes and it wouldn’t look over the top at all. Hourglass are quickly becoming one of my most favourite makeup brands and their products are just exquisitely made and of the highest quality. I highly recommend this palette because it’s so easy to use and the finish is just beautiful.

Artis Elite Gold Limited Edition 10 Brush Set $495/£410

Ingredients: Animal-free Cosmefibre brush hair.

Probably one of the best non-skincare discoveries of the summer (if not year), these revolutionary brushes are my everything. I have been using them for over a month now and believe me when I say the hype is real. Nothing compares to these and I haven’t used anything else to apply my makeup since they landed on my desk. As I’ve said before, in the summer I love natural looking makeup and the best way to achieve that is with proper application. With these I can apply my makeup quickly and easily (the design makes total sense and feels so comfortable) and the finish is sheer yet flawless and looks perfectly seamless. My current favourite is the Oval 6, which I use for full face coverage and/or concealing using my Cover FX Click Sticks or to blend in my Hourglass Illume Palette. I also love Circle 1R for eyeshadow and spot concealing and Oval 8 for the quickest but still perfected all over coverage. It’s easy to be skeptical about these until you try them but they really are worth the money. I can clearly see a difference in how “good” my makeup looks when I don’t use these and I just figure if you’re going to wear makeup, whether it’s every day or once in awhile, why not have it look the best it can be? With these my skin looks flawless, all without looking like I’m wearing a mask. I have seriously become addicted to these magic wands and have been using them in so many different ways, so stay tuned for a full blog post on them because I am in love!

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Hand Cream 30ml $35/£23

Ingredients: unknown.

As you would know if you’ve read my May Non-Skincare Favourites (here), I am having quite the love affair with Byredo scents. I have been “borrowing” the beautiful Black Saffron from my sister but as it has become her signature summer scent I thought it was high time I found my own. I have always been a fan of sweet, floral notes and Bal D’Afrique is the perfect balance of the two without being too sweet or girly. It has top notes of Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli, African Marigold and Bucchu, heart notes: Violet, Jasmin Petals and Cyclamen and base notes of Black Amber, Musk, Vetiver and Moroccan Cedarwood, which add a beautiful warmth to the cotton candy flowery vibe. I love carrying this in my bag because it’s a great way to top up my scent throughout the day and also keep my hands hydrated. I dab some on my neck, behind my ears and on the tops of my shoulders and I find it helps to envelope me in the scent without being too heavy. All the Byredo scents are so beautiful (I’m also obsessed with Mojave Ghost), so it’s pretty hard to choose just one, but I think I could happily have Bal D’Afrique be my summer fragrance because it’s just so lovely.

ACCESSORIES

Saint Laurent Palm Tree Print Low Top Sneakers $495/£275

When it comes to my summer style I like to keep my look casual and fun but still with that cool, relaxed Cali vibe and these pieces are exactly that. These Saint Laurent sneakers are my newest favourite fashion piece and I adore the palm trees at sunset design. It represents everything I hold dear about the west coast and whenever I wear them I feel like I’ve got a piece of home with me. They are surprisingly comfortable and really go with anything. I’ve worn these with skinny black jeans, denim cutoffs, a black dress and they just add a fun but effortlessly cool element to any outfit. This Surf Sound collection was one of the last Hedi Slimane created before announcing his departure from the iconic fashion house and it will always be a special one to me.

Gucci Navy Soho Shoulder Bag $980/£650

As I said in the Omorovicza feature, I hate carrying around large, heavy bags in the summer. I feel weighed down and uncomfortable, and that’s the last thing I want when I’m spending the day exploring a new city. This bag is the perfect compromise because it’s compact but still roomy enough to fit every single thing I need and because of the long strap it’s extremely comfortable to carry. I picked navy over black because it’s more summery and I’ve always thought it was such a chic colour. It actually goes really well with everything and it’s a timeless style and color that defies trends and will become a classic.

Ray Ban Black Original Wayfarer Classic Sunglasses $150/£125

These sunglasses are the epitome of California cool and I have had them for years. They go with absolutely every look and suit everyone. They’re timeless and legendary and despite the numerous pairs of sunglasses I own, I always come back to these ones.

I hope you enjoyed this rundown of my summer essentials and I would love to know what items you love to use when the temperature heats up!

Arly

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