Summer 2018 has been a hot one in Korea, as well as the rest of the world. With temperatures soaring to 40 degrees C in some places it is the hottest summer on record since 1994 – the second hottest since observations started in 1907. The summer has sadly caused a number of fatalities, mostly amongst the older generation and outdoor workers, despite a whole lot of warnings issued by the government.

Of course staying indoors underneath a fan (or AC if you’re lucky enough) Wearing sun protection and drinking a lot of water is a must to stay safe, but these are some products that have helped me stay a little more comfortable and keep my sanity during this summer.

Before We get into it, I have a giveaway on my Facebook page! Link is at the end of the post^^

Note: I am not affiliated with any of the suggested websites, nor do I take any responsibility if you choose to buy from them. They are merely suggestions 🙂

1. A portable, rechargeable fan 

Any type of fan is handy when the weather gets hot, but this one is a godsend. It is rechargeable by mini USB, and the handle folds so that you can sit it on your desk at work or school. This one was W5000 from Daiso, but you can find a bunch online, such as these on eBay.

2.Face Masks

Skincare is important every season, especially in summer when it is exposed to harmful sun rays and sunscreen (which I’m pretty sure isn’t too good for your skin either but hey-ho. gotta do what you gotta do!) These are my two favourite go-to masks right now. The Sampar Urban Defense mask helps protect my skin against days when there is a lot of pollution in the air, and the JayJun ‘so cool’ daily mask sheet just to keep my moisture level up (they are what they say they are too, even in my 30 degree house i almost froze my face putting one on!)

3. Skincare and Backpack Essentials

Unfortunately it’s not really acceptable to walk around in a face mask outside, so I always carry my CNP propolis ampule mist with me. It is moisturising and refreshing when applied to the face. Just make sure to wipe any dirt or sweat off with a face wipe before applying!

I also carry around my sunscreen (I’m in the middle of converting to reef-safe, but I have stuff to use up first. Don’t worry, I’m nowhere near the ocean and I’m careful when applying!) and this cute little Hello Bear (Daiso – W2000) ‘cooling foot and leg mist’ which is actually just minty water in a bottle. It works though! Freshhhhh.

After getting a serious cooking in Okinawa last year, I also always keep a supply of aloe gel either on me (if i’m going to the beach) or at home to soothe my skin if i spend too long outside. When looking for aloe, the higher the concentration the better! I usually buy from The Face Shop, Skin79 or HolikaHolika, (all of which have 99% aloe) but this Daiso one does just as well if you’re on a budget!

4. A water bottle!

Simple enough right? I’m trying to move away from single-use plastics (I’m sure you’ve all seen what devastation they’ve caused to our planet by now) so keeping a reusable water bottle with me is a must. Korea has many places you can find water fountains – banks, restaurants, parks etc. I fill it up before I leave the house and at any fountain I can find while I’m outside. I also bought a little jacket that is cute but also clips to my backpack so I don’t have to rummage around inside to find my bottle. It also has an aluminium coating to keep heat in or out, depending on what I have inside my bottle!

What are you doing to battle the heat this summer? Leave a comment down below!

Want to win some Korean stationary? Follow this link to my Facebook page and follow the instructions! ❤

Until next time guys, see ya soon!