Untapped Innovation pride ourselves on being product experts; our expertise span all sectors from food and beverage, to technology and beauty brands. Deirdre, Sally and Suzanne have worked closely with a diverse scope of clients, innovating products and ideas to deliver consistently brilliant and breakthrough products. The biggest challenge scientists and engineers face when imagining or reimagining a product is anticipating the needs of the future user. We revel in being the user and testing products ourselves, paying close attention to what truly makes a product sing and stand out. Our team delved into summer products, sharing our favourite summer essentials that enhance how we feel this time of year. Discover our top picks…
KERRY
St. Moriz self-tan and Provence rosé wine
Why is this a product that you love? I searched for years to find a non-streaky, non-orange self-tan to suit my fair skin. I came across this one (recommended through a friend) and it’s so great. It only takes an hour to develop and gives me a healthy look. It makes me feel a bit more confident in the summer months!
How did you discover this product? I really love a pale rose wine on a warm summers’ afternoon in the garden! Rose wine used to bring back memories of dark, sweet rose I drunk as a teenager in the pub! but I discovered this on holiday in France that it can be so light and refreshing.
SUZANNE
Dove self-tan lotion
Why is this a product that you love? My legs come out in summer and I’m the palest person ever (more blue than white) – this lets me gradually take the blue edge off without looking too fake! Plus it smells nice and feels good to apply.
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? Less greasy, less streaky, better colour overall.
How did you discover this product? My sister was using it (also pale and Irish).
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? First it has to work, and hopefully be sustainable as well….always cruelty free, And easy to get hold of, I don’t have time to faff about with waiting for orders…..!
IZZY
Eucerin sensitive SPF50 face suncream
Why is this a product that you love? Sun protection is important to me, but I’ve got sensitive skin and can get eczema on my face which means most sun creams don’t work for me. This product is the first product I’ve used which is both a high SPF and which doesn’t make my eczema worse.
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? This face suncream is much lighter than others I’ve used, and once I’ve put it on I don’t notice it! (no white marks, no flaking, no dryness).
What influenced you to buy this product? I discovered this by years of trying lots of different products! A couple of years ago I used a similar one by Eucerin, but then discovered the sensitive version and I haven’t looked back.
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? I like products which are both useful and which I can use again and again.
New Balance 580 trainers
Why is this a product that you love? These trainers are so comfy! When I’m not working I spend my days chasing after my two kids, and I need to be comfortable.
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? I wear prescription insoles (hello fallen arches!) so I need shoes that I can wear with my insoles – these are perfect for that. Not all trainers fit my insoles, and often the ones that do aren’t my style, so these tick both boxes.
How did you discover this product / what influenced you to buy this product? I’ve worn New Balance shoes for a while, but I used to get the suede versions, which don’t stay looking smart for that long. These are leather which means they don’t look “worn” in the same way as suede shoes.
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? I try to buy my shoes (and sometimes clothes) from Vinted, which is where I got these ones. They were brand new (in the box!), but I know I’m not buying “new” which should help reduce my impact on the environment.
MEG
Sol de Janeiro and Allevia hay fever relief
Why is this a product that you love? The Brazilian Bum-Bum Collection smells delicious. It’s so warm and summery, plus it’s a great name. I try lots of different products and brands but ultimately if it smells good it’s a winner.
I suffer from savage hay fever so I am always fully stocked up on allergy relief and dosed up on everything that tranquillises me and helps relieve the symptoms.
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? I have very sensitive skin so I prefer products with gentle, calming, moisturising ingredients.
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? I always look for cruelty-free products, I love discovering new brands. I often get sucked into the Instagram ads… they know me too well!
SALLY
Braun epilator
Why is this a product that you love? I love this for ease and efficiency in summer. Used once a week on legs, it keeps them hairless and smooth. It only takes a few minutes and is painless since the hairs don’t have time to properly grow back. It’s cordless so can be used anywhere.
Pomegranate Molasses
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? Waitrose do a good one and this for me is a must for a summer BBQ. It can be used as a BBQ marinade on fish and meat, or sprinkled on salads or vegetables.
Havaianas Luna flip flops
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? I’ve had these for years and live in them in summer due to their versatility and comfort. They work with shorts or a casual dress and since they stay on your feet with a robust sole, you can wear them in the sea or for short walks with rough terrain.
TINA
Hayfever trio
Why is this a product that you love? As a hay fever sufferer, summer without these products can be pretty unenjoyable.
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? It did take a while to find the right combination that work for me, I switched between the two main types of drug for the tablets until this combo did the trick.
What influenced you to buy this product? Necessity is the driver – but I am totally non-brand loyal – the tablet and eye drop can be supplied by any store.
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? I’m definitely price driven and the branded ones are much more expensive – I do tend to stay with the spray though.
DEIRDRE
Estẽe Lauder Bronze Goddess
Why is this a product that you love? I ADORE the scent!
How does this product compare to others that you have tried? It’s not as funky, or new and different as I would like but the character of the fragrance and ‘lasting-ness’ make me keep coming back to it as it’s so much better than others.
How did you discover this product? I smelled a friend wearing it and couldn’t stop commenting on it throughout the evening.
What factors typically affect your decision to buy a product? Word of mouth, recommendations and sensorial benefits (how it looks, smells, feels) followed by everything else – but what’s in it for me is first in a beauty brand.
