7 supermarket beauty buys that’ll make life a breeze

Call it the effect of the aircon, but in the Aussie weather, we really don’t mind the idea of a trip to the shops. It’s a little respite from the heat, and happens to house a plethora of beauty products. Our kind of place indeed!

But because the supermarket beauty aisle is overwhelming to say the least, we’re still determined to make your trip in there as easy and efficient as possible.

Whether you’re a time-poor mum or just have a jam-packed schedule, we’ve put together a trusty supermarket shopping list to make sure you get all your beauty buys sorted in a flash. We advise ticking ‘em off and checking ‘em out ASAP…

1: Banana Boat® Ultra Light Face Fluid Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+

Sun protection is obviously #1 on any beauty checklist, especially if you’re an Aussie. And because it’s a product that requires consistent and constant reapplication (yep, all year round), it’s a blessing if you actually enjoy the formula you’re using. Luckily, some sunscreens are designed to protect against sun exposure and offer skin benefits. For instance, Banana Boat®’s Ultra Light Face Fluid formula is loaded with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to provide a plentiful serving of 12-hour moisture. Don’t think all that hydration will equal a shiny face, though - it’s actually designed to offer a soft matte finish. On top of that, it’s crafted to be fast-absorbing, ultra-lightweight and non-comedogenic, which basically means it won’t feel heavy on the skin or clog the pores. Offering UVA/UVB protection (and boasting a fragrance-free status), Banana Boat® Ultra Light Face Fluid Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ ($20 at Coles or Woolworths) is a formula you can easily nab at your local supermarket - and we love easy!

2: Flavoured lip balm

If you’re avoiding the treats aisle in the name of self-restraint, but are still craving something sweet for your senses, you can’t go wrong with a scented lip balm. Think flavours inspired by fruity treats like strawberry and mango - they’ll offer hydrating comfort for your precious pout as well as an aroma so good you’ll be reapplying every ten seconds.

3: Multipurpose oil

A true year-round essential, a multipurpose oil can be used in a myriad of different ways. Of course, its classic use (being applied to skin or hair for a bit of extra TLC) is reason #1 on its ‘why you should nab’ list, but on top of that, it’s also great for saturating your strands pre-swim to protect them from the iffy effects of saltwater and chlorine. You can even sub it in as a pseudo hair mask or face oil - it’ll deliver the same moisture boost you’re after without having to add another formula to your basket.

4: Sheet masks

The sheet mask craze from a few years ago may have somewhat settled down in terms of social media selfies, but the masks themselves should definitely be part of your 2024 beauty stash. Another product that serves several purposes, sheet masks are as great for replenishing and plumping up the skin as they are for cooling your face down on a hot day or after a shower. It’s like an ice roller you can attach to your face while you nap, people!

5: Cream blush

Now as you well know by now, we don’t want to see any real flush going on – that’s what your SPF is for: protection! If it’s a little colour you’re after, promise us you’ll go the safe route with a deliciously good cream blush. Select the right blendable, buildable option in a shade that flatters your skin tone and you’ll be sorted for stunning tonal makeup. Seriously, the stuff looks as great layered onto lips and eyes as it does on cheeks.

6: Waterproof mascara

Considering ‘panda eyes’ haven’t been crowned the coolest trend of the year (rude, honestly), you’re probably going to want to reach for a waterproof or water-resistant formula in the mascara section if you see swimming/sweating/tearing up (relatable) in your future. Sure, mascara is hardly an essential if you prefer to go makeup-free, but if you want to feel a bit polished (even poolside, in a workout class, or watching Titanic) without threat of the panda effect, a quick coat of waterproof eye-defining action will definitely do the trick. And ‘not budging, even at the beach’ is a big reason to buy. 

7: Banana Boat® Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+

Of course, if you’ve got little ones at home (or perhaps even in the trolley), it’s important to remember that they can’t shop for themselves. So you’re going to want to carve out a slot in your own basket for a product designed to protect their precious skin. Banana Boat® Baby Zinc Lotion is mild enough for even the most delicate skin (being a mineral-based formula which is an effective sun protection format for babies). It’s a lightweight, non-greasy formula that’s dermatologically-tested, offers UVA/UVB protection, and boasts 4-hour water-resistance. It’s easy to get your hands on, too – you can pick up a tube of Banana Boat® Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ ($20 at Coles or Woolworths) at your local supermarket. Easy access and affordability for the win.

Main image credit: @romeestrijd

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