The HIKOCO Edit
Part Three: Warm Weather, Fresh Skin
What to Reach for When the Season Changes
In the final instalment of The HIKOCO Edit, the team shares the products worth having on hand as spring arrives and the skin’s needs shift with the temperature.
As the weather warms, skin tends to behave differently. The heavier textures that felt necessary through winter can start to feel like too much. Sun protection becomes non-negotiable — particularly in New Zealand, where UV levels climb fast. And for skin that’s prone to redness or congestion, heat and humidity introduce their own set of challenges.
The products HIKOCO has picked for this edit are chosen with that shift in mind. Lightweight hydration, effective sun protection, and formulas that keep skin comfortable when the temperature rises.
Fully Green Tomato Toner – now $26 A super-lightweight, water-based toner for anyone wanting to target pores without weighing down the skin. With 95% green tomato extract, it delivers a vitamin-rich boost while helping improve the appearance of pores and uneven texture. A great option for layering into a routine, especially in warmer weather.
Dr. Althea Aqua Marine Watery Cream – $26 Perfect for anyone who wants hydration without the heaviness of a traditional cream. Made with 70% bamboo water, this water-cream texture absorbs quickly to replenish moisture, while panthenol and guaiazulene help keep the skin feeling calm and comfortable. The fresh, breathable finish makes it particularly nice for daytime or summer use.
Purito SEOUL Hypochlorous Acid Rescue Spray – $35 Keep this one on hand for those moments when skin needs a little reset. Hypochlorous acid helps calm irritation and redness while supporting a balanced skin environment, making it particularly useful for sensitive or easily stressed skin. The fine mist is also handy after exercise or sweating when skin needs to be quickly refreshed.
TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 – now $29 A convenient way to top up sun protection throughout the day, especially under the strong New Zealand sun. The soft, non-sticky stick glides easily over the skin without leaving a heavy finish, while SPF50 broad-spectrum protection helps shield against UVA and UVB rays. The compact format makes it easy to keep in a bag for reapplication on the go.
When skin becomes overheated, it can be more prone to redness, irritation and breakouts. Warmer weather, humidity, exercise and long days in the sun can all leave skin feeling congested and uncomfortable. The following two products are particularly useful for bringing overheated skin back into balance.
iUNIK Centella Relief Sorbet Cream – $37 A refreshing summer moisturiser with a soft sorbet texture that melts into the skin without feeling greasy. It helps balance excess sebum while maintaining hydration, leaving the skin feeling moisturised rather than tight or oily. A particularly good pick for combination or oily skin that finds heavier creams uncomfortable in warmer weather.
SOME BY MI PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask – now $42 Think of this as a mini at-home cooling treatment for skin that’s feeling hot, stressed or irritated. The sherbet-like texture provides an instant refreshing sensation, while plant-derived Spirulina PDRN and marine extracts help soothe and replenish the skin. It’s a great one to reach for after a hot day when skin needs some extra comfort.
The HIKOCO Edit is a three-part series created in partnership with HIKOCO, now open at The Crossing, Christchurch. Visit the team in-store for personalised recommendations and expert advice.