Vote for the top must-have beauty products for a daily routine in South Africa, focusing on items that suit the climate, skin types, and beauty needs of South African consumers:
A quality cleanser is essential for removing impurities, excess oil, and makeup. Choose a gentle, hydrating formula that won’t strip the skin, like Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser or African Extracts Rooibos Cleansing Lotion for sensitive skin.
A toner helps restore skin’s pH balance and preps it for further products. TheraVine Hydrating Toner or Avene Thermal Spring Water Mist offer hydration and are especially refreshing during warmer months.
Vitamin C is crucial for brightening the skin and combating sun damage, which is prevalent in South Africa. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum or Afriderm Brightening Serum are great options for achieving a radiant glow.
A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer with SPF is a must for daytime. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, like Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF 50 or Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 30 for ample protection without a heavy feel.
The under-eye area is delicate and prone to dryness, so a good eye cream helps keep it hydrated. Optiphi Moisture Control Eye Cream or The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream work well to keep this area soft and supple.
Many South Africans prefer a light base that evens skin tone without being heavy. Swiitch Beauty Air Matte Foundation or Garnier BB Cream Original offer light coverage, ideal for everyday wear.
To set makeup and control shine throughout the day, especially in humid weather, a translucent powder like Yardley Absolute Translucent Loose Powder or Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is excellent.
South Africa’s climate can dry out lips, so a nourishing lip balm with SPF is a good addition. Labello Sun Protect SPF 50 or MAC Glow Play Lip Balm add color while keeping lips hydrated.
Mascara opens up the eyes and adds definition. Essence Lash Princess Mascara or Revlon So Fierce Mascara are popular, affordable options for a bold, long-lasting look.
A gentle makeup remover helps keep skin clean and prevent breakouts. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water or Bioderma Sensibio H2O are effective and gentle on all skin types.
Exfoliating 2–3 times a week helps remove dead skin cells, making your skin appear brighter and smoother. African Extracts Rooibos Exfoliating Face Scrub or Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant are excellent options for a gentle exfoliation.
Facial oils can provide an extra layer of hydration and are ideal for South African winters when skin tends to get dry. Look for lightweight oils like Kalahari Marula Facial Oil or The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil for a radiant, healthy glow.
Night creams and masks help repair and hydrate skin while you sleep, which is when it’s most receptive to healing. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair or L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Renew Night Cream can revitalize your skin overnight.
A retinol or anti-aging serum helps reduce fine lines and improves skin texture. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil or Skin Creamery’s Facial Oil can work wonders for rejuvenating the skin, even for sensitive types.
Well-defined brows frame the face and enhance natural beauty. Benefit Gimme Brow or Essence Make Me Brow Gel Mascara offer definition and volume without a heavy look.
Protecting body skin from sun exposure is as important as protecting facial skin. Look for a hydrating body lotion with SPF, like Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF 50 or Eucerin Sun Protection Extra Light Body Lotion.
Hands can get dry, especially with frequent hand washing. Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy or Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream will keep your hands soft and moisturized throughout the day.
Keeping feet hydrated is often overlooked but essential, especially in warm weather when you may wear open shoes. Oh So Heavenly Soft Touch Foot & Heel Balm or Balea Foot Cream are good options for softening and repairing dry heels.
A setting spray helps lock in makeup, making it last longer in humid or hot conditions. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray or Nyx Matte Finish Setting Spray are popular choices for keeping makeup fresh all day.
