bdTrial: Summer essentials

The bd team trial products to help them survive summer in style.

Dermalogica Powerbright TRx range
Since I have fair skin, I'm continuously torn between my love of the sun and the damage that it does to my skin - my face especially. I started using Dermalogica's new PowerBright regime to prevent hyperpigmentation (read: guilt about spending far too much time in the sun) and was beyond impressed with its brightening and skin-tone evening results, and by how gentle and hydrating each product in the range was. My skin seems smoother and more luminous, and it stays hydrated well into the day, a benefit not all pigmentation products can boast. The C12 pure bright serum is one of the best serums I've ever tested (and there’s been a fair few!) - it leaves my skin feeling silky soft and super moisturised. It's a dream under make-up. The smell is almost non-existent, which is quite rare in such an active and powerful potion. - Nat

dermaviduals Zinc Liposome Serum
My skin is not unlike my personality: cheeky, volatile, unpredictable and frankly a real pest at the best of times. I’ve talked about my acne woes previously, and will continue to do so if the blasted problem doesn’t clear up. As it turns out, zinc is phenomenal for problematic skin, and the new dermaviduals Zinc Liposome Serum packs a powerful punch when it comes to replenishing skin’s zinc levels. Since it’s encapsulated in lipsomes, the zinc penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, rather than just sitting superficially on the surface. I’ve only been using it for two weeks but have already noticed a change in the texture and general appearance of my skin. Go, zinc, go! - Kelly

Vanessa Megan Love Scrub
Activist Emma Goldman famously declared, “I would rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck” - and I’m with her! Flowers are fabulous, and just as enjoyable in the form of a lavish beauty product. Vanessa Megan’s Love Scrub promised to banish dry skin and leave me smelling like a rose garden, and it didn’t disappoint. Thanks to its blend of sea salt and 100 per cent natural base oils, it scrubs away dead cells, leaving skin glowing, fresh and coated in a layer of oily goodness that soaks into skin and hydrates while you sleep. The only downside to this delightfully girly scrub is the possibility of shower-related injury - it seems oils and slippery surfaces aren’t the safest combination, so be careful! - Sarah

MOMMA Semi-Matte Mineral Base
When purchasing mineral makeup products or goodies with the ‘cruelty-free’ tag, I expect them to come with a hefty price tag. I’ve just gotten used to that. But MOMMA’s Semi-Matte Mineral Base surprised me, price-wise, and to add the cherry on top, it’s a really beautiful mineral powder. It contains natural mineral pigments to gently reflect light for a flawless, radiant-looking complexion without the metallic shine. While it can be built up to create a gorgeous base, I love using it as a finishing powder as it sets my foundation without fault. This product ticks all the boxes for me - affordable price, excellent performance, cruelty-free AND Australian made. What’s not to love? -  Whitney

ZASSNI Carrot Tan Jam
I am a typical modern-day woman in that I love multi-tasking products. If a product can give me more bang for my buck, it’s far more likely to become a part of my daily beauty regime. One such multi-tasking wonder is the ZASSNI Carrot Tan Jam. While it's designed to help speed up the process of sun tanning, it can also be used as an intensive moisturising treatment for dry areas on the skin. 100 per cent natural, the carrot-infused balm features vitamin-rich botanicals, shea and coconut butters that work to increase the development of a deep, golden tan when exposed to sunlight. Now all I need is a good book and a cocktail and my summer days are complete. - Yelena