The Beauty Shelf: with Emily Darlow
Summer is wonderful for the soul, but it can be brutal on our hands. Between sun exposure, salty sea water, chlorinated pools, constant handwashing and the drying effect of heat, hands often end up tight, flaky and prematurely aged by the end of the season.
A good hand cream in summer isn’t just a bedside essential. It’s something to keep by the sink, in your handbag, in the car and even in your beach bag. These are the hand creams earning a permanent place on The Beauty Shelf right now.
KōTIA Nourishing Hand & Nail Cream
Price: $20.00
This is a brilliant everyday hand cream that punches well above its price point. The texture is rich but absorbs quickly, making it ideal for frequent use throughout the day, especially after handwashing or applying sunscreen.
It also targets nails and cuticles, which tend to suffer quietly during summer. If your hands feel dry but you hate heavy creams that linger, this one strikes a very wearable balance and is easy to keep in a handbag or by the kitchen sink.
Buy it HERE
Apicare Repair Me Intensive Hand Cream with Manuka Honey
Price: $24.95
This is the hand cream you reach for when summer has well and truly won. With Manuka honey at its core, it feels deeply restorative and soothing on hands that are cracked, overexposed or irritated by sun and water.
It’s richer than most, making it ideal for evening use or whenever your hands need serious attention. If you garden, swim daily or find your skin struggles in heat, this one delivers comfort almost immediately.
Buy it HERE
DU’IT Tough Hands
Price: $14.95
This is the no-nonsense classic, and yes, it’s perfect for the blokes, but just as good for anyone with hands that take a beating. It’s designed to repair rough, dry skin fast, without fragrance or fuss.
Despite its budget price, it works incredibly well. The formula sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave residue, making it ideal for tradies, gardeners, swimmers or anyone who dislikes anything remotely greasy.
Buy it HERE
NUXE Very Rose Hand & Nail Cream
Price: $21.99
If you like your hand cream to feel a little luxurious, this rose-scented option is a pleasure to use. The fragrance is soft and elegant rather than overpowering, and the cream itself is lightweight but nourishing.
It’s particularly nice in warmer weather when you want hydration without heaviness. This is the kind of hand cream you’ll happily reapply during the day just for the experience alone.
Buy it HERE
Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream
Price: $19.95
This is a beautiful plant-based option for summer, with a fresh, citrusy scent that feels uplifting rather than cloying. Sea buckthorn oil is rich in nutrients and works hard to support skin exposed to sun and water.
The cream is nourishing without feeling heavy, making it ideal after swimming or long days outdoors. If you prefer natural formulations and want something that still delivers results, this is a strong choice.
Buy it HERE
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mains Hand Cream
Price: $21.99
This is a dermatologist-favourite for a reason. Designed to protect the skin barrier, it’s especially helpful for hands that are sensitive, cracked or prone to irritation in summer heat.
The formula creates a protective layer without feeling thick or sticky, making it ideal for repeated use throughout the day. If your hands react to sun, washing or products easily, this one feels genuinely supportive rather than just moisturising.
Buy it HERE
Hands are one of the first places to show the effects of sun and dehydration, yet they’re often the last area we treat properly. Keeping a good hand cream close by during summer can make a visible difference in how your skin feels and looks.
Whether you prefer something light and floral, rich and reparative or completely fuss free, these picks prove there’s a hand cream for every summer routine and every pair of hands.
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