While salt-drenched strands and a bronzed glow are the quintessential markers of an Australian summer, 37 degree heat and relentless humidity can wreak absolute havoc on your skin barrier.

And after a party-season well spent let's just say my usual 'lather and go' isn't quite cutting it. I've decided to double down on my 2025 resolution (yes, last years!) and up the body care ante.

I’ve enlisted everything from high-powered serums and botanical oils to faux tanners and weightless lotions that sit atop the skin like a silky dream. These beauties will have your skin glistening and glowing from tip-to-toe.

Long gone are the days of picking between a gorgeous scent or *actually* effective formulas. The new wave of skin-first moisture has arrived, offering deep nourishment sans any sticky or slick finishes.

Oribe Body Creme - Cote d'Azur - Oribe can do no wrong in my eyes and their foray into body care proves to be equally sublime. The luxe haircare brand have taken their signature Cote d’Azur scent (which smells heavenly btw) and transformed it into lavish medium-weighted body creme. The formula boasts a symphony of Sweet Almond, Meadowfoam & Starflower Oils (to rejuvenate and soften), Shea Butter (for moisture), Olive Oil (to protect against free radicals) and Jojoba Oil (to promote elasticity and firmness).

Alpha-H Daily Dose Multivitamin Body Serum 150ml - A masterclass in the 'skinification' of body care, the gloopy serum is packed with powerhouse ingredients like Niacinamide, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. It protects and brightens my limbs with the same clinical precision I expect for my face, working hard to even tone while plumping the skin's surface. I particularly love that it's unscented - the perfect weightless base for layering under lotions or fragrance.

Jurlique Rose Body Oil - Nurture the skin; and senses. The decadent yet lightweight formula blends Macadamia oil, Jojoba oil, Jurlique Rose, Chamomile and Calendula to leave skin feeling nourished, hydrated and ever-so soft.

The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba 85ml - Glow in a bottle. Pure 100% Australian Jojoba works to works to nourish, moisturise, soothe and repair skin (great for treating stretch marks and scars). The texture is more "natural wax ester that shares the same molecular build as the wax esters found in our own skin" than an oil. Hence, a beautiful second-skin feel. The finish is brightening and supple.

While the goal is always body love, we all have our gripes. These efficacious formulas deliver targeted (and impressive) results for the 90% of your skin that usually gets ignored.

Alpha-H Retinol Reboot Exfoliating Body Treatment 120ml - Like a facial - for your body. It combines a serious hit of Glycolic and Lactic acids with encapsulated Retinol to tackle everything from crepiness and dimpling to stubborn pigmentation while you sleep. I love that the texture stays light and nourishing, leaving my skin looking visibly firmer and more luminous by morning.

FIRST AID BEAUTY KP Bump Eraser with 10% AHA 226g - Strawberry- If you have Keratosis Pilaris aka strawberry skin - this little tube might just change your life.

A dollop's worth applied in the shower (leave on for 2 mins) has kept my stubborn bumps at bay. Chemical exfoliants 0% AHA (Glycolic & Lactic Acids) work to slough away dead skin build up, unclog pores and improve texture. There's also a gentle physical exfoliation (thanks to Pumice Micro-Beads) that leaves skin feeling smoothed.

Aspect Pigment Punch Body 220ml- Sun damage or lingering dark spots? Consider this the gold standard for body brightening. It is powered by Tyrostat-11 and a blend of botanicals to help support clarity and target dullness without any heavy, sticky residue. It is a lightweight, hydrating must-have for refining texture and bringing a uniform radiance back to your skin from head to toe.

In the spirit of a sun-safe summer (SPF always!), faux tanners add a healthy glow to the complexion.

Here are 3 I keep on high rotation:

Loving Tan Platinum 2HR Express Mousse 200ml - I've been a Loving Tan devotee for nearly a decade. For me, they just nail the undertone. They utilise a green base to counteract any orange and redness in the skin, which develops into a true neutral, dark brown. The shade is incredibly flattering and a far cry from anything resembling 'cheeto' or 'oompa loompa'.While I tend to oscillate between their full suite, the 2-hr express has become a go-to for events. Between the quick development time, fool proof application (easy, non-drying, rarely patchy) and streak-free finish; it's a winner!

Three Warriors Natural Gradual Tan - Gradual tanners are a great way to extend the longevity of your existing tan or add a more subtle hue.

I've been using this one ever since ever since I read our AB staffer Anika's review here - note: she always looks glowy. The formula's enriched with organic ingredients like Tasmanian olive oil and aloe vera to nourish while depositing a natural olive-toned finish.

Bali Body Self Tan Body Serum - I like to think of this as skincare with a side of sun-kissed. Brimming with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides (the formula is 85% skincare), it harnesses a natural DHA (less drying than synthetic) to achieve a natural-looking tone. The formula's lightweight, fast-absorbing and layers well under lotion.

Mindful practices and indulgent textures that linger on the skin long after you have stepped out of the water. Incorporating simple habits like dry brushing or choosing an oil-infused cleanser is an effortless way to ground your morning while future-proofing your skin's glow.

Moroccanoil Shower Gel Dahlia Rouge 250ml- This ticks every box and then some. It is a skin-softening cleanser meets warm, velvety floral fragrance. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil, it is designed to hydrate and soften the skin with every wash. No stripping or dryness.

L'Occitane Almond Whipped Shower Cream 200ML- While their cult-status Almond Shower Oil tends to get all the fanfare, this Whipped Shower Cream is my pick! The unique, whipped airy texture is enriched with sweet almond oil (rich in omegas 6 and 9) to deeply nourish and firm the skin while you wash. Petal soft and beautifully fragranced; it's the ultimate sensorial experience.

iKOU Japanese Body Brush-One of the best things you can do for your bod? Lymphatic Drainage. This traditional spa technique is a powerful way to stimulate blood circulation and boost the lymphatic system. Beyond the exfoliation of dead skin cells, it aids in the body’s detoxification process and acts as a simple but effective morning energiser. Ikou's natural brush makes it easy and seamless.