Along with the warmer weather comes the need to switch up our skincare routine. Thick, creamy lotions should be traded in for light-weight moisturisers. SPF? Essential all year, but an absolute non-negotiable come summer. And don’t get us started on vitamin C…
From cutting back on layers to lightweight products that won’t clog the skin, these are the best skincare products for summer. Start mixing things up now.
Foaming Cleansers
Dissolving sun cream, removing sweat and getting rid of any trace makeup; it’s always key to keep things clean but even more so in summer. But a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin? It’s time to switch in a foam cleanser to your AM and PM routine.
Dr. Barbara Stum’s Cleanser gets rid of all those things you don’t want resting on your skin, without affecting the skin barrier. Sisley’s Radiance Foaming Cream turns to cream on contact with skin, packing in nutrients while it cleanses. While La Mer’s The Cleansing Foam was made for sensitive skin and those who like things luxe.
LA MER
THE FOAMING CLEANSER
Hylauronic Acid
Thirsty skin? Hyaluronic acid is the one. Lightweight and soothing, it helps plump, hydrate and soothe the skin without feeling heavy. Skin on the oily side? Ditch the moisturiser and wear solo. More on the dry side? Use under a lightweight moisturiser, especially after days spent in the sun, to lock in moisture for longer.
The hyaluronic heavy weight, Estee Lauder’s newly formulated Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix de-puffs, moisturisers and reduces dark circles. Looking for something to go all over? Medik8’s Hydra8 B5 also packs in vitamin B5, which further hydrates the skin. Bliss.
Lightweight Moisturisers
Need to lighten up? Switch out your go-to moisturiser when things heat up. Thick moisturisers can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne – joy – especially if you have more oily skin. Luckily, these beauty brands have come up with hot-weather solutions with innovative new formulas that pack in the moisture without weighing you down.
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly combines a refreshing gel-like formula with Clean Shield Technology to boost hydration and soothe the skin. Kiehl’s clever Calendula Serum Infused Water Cream will keep you looking dewy but fresh. And Charlotte Tilbury’s cult Magic Cream has been reformulated into a light version for oily skin and those hot summer months.
Non-negotiable SPFs
In case you missed the Baz Luhrmann memo, wear sunscreen. A staple in your daily routine all year long, but for summer, it’s essential. A sure-fire way to protect skin from anti-ageing, experts recommend an SPF 30 or above, and with sun cream these days coming in gels, minerals and barely-there formulas, there’s no excuse.
Top of our list are Sarah Chapman’s genius Skin Insurance SPF50 Invisible, which provides a feather-light layer of sunscreen, Omorovicza’s Mineral UV Shield SPF30, which blurs imperfections and protects all in one, and Revive’s incredible SPF50 that’s nowhere near chalky. Even for an SPF50.
Get Your Daily Vitamin C
Getting your daily vits is just as important for your skin as for your diet, and none so more than vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your skin from UV damage – told you it was key in summer – stimulates collagen production and evens out skin tone. Aka, your short cut to glowing skin.
The best way to apply? In a potent serum. Destroyed by sunlight and only powerful when it’s fresh, its formula is key. Clinique’s Fresh Pressed Daily Booster releases the good stuff as you need it. While Dr Sebagh’s clever Pure Vitamin C Powder comes out like talc and turns into a creamy formula as it hits the skin.
Exfoliators
Too much sun can leave your skin dry and flaky. Hot, we know. So, buffing away dead cells is key. Not only will all that goodness in your skincare absorb better, but it’ll also leave your skin smoother, more radiant and healthier.
Exfoliators come in all shapes and sizes and these four are the best place to start. Tom Ford’s Exfoliating Energizing Scrub features crushed apricot seeds, Lancôme’s Rose Sugar Scrub combines acacia honey and rose water, and Sisley’s Gentle Facial Buffing Cream is packed with chamomile to soothe while it works. Pick your poison.
Dual-Purpose Products
To keep things light, switch out your usual multiple steps for products that hit two in one. Medik8’s Daily Radiance Vitamin C will give you that daily dose of the good stuff and solid sun protection. Shiseido’s Waso Colour Smart Day Moisturizer SPF30 gives an instant hit of colour, with a healthy level of SPF. And Coola’s Mineral Face SPF30 protects while perfecting your complexion.
Who needs a seven-step beauty regime in a heatwave?