Warmer temps and more sunshine make for a different set of skin-care needs than what our winter lineups can deliver. Here, NewBeauty editors share how they tweak their skin-care regimens for summertime.
Liz Ritter, executive editor
“I love this year-round, but U Beauty Resurfacing Compound ($88-$228) is a really lightweight first step of your skin care that goes well with sunscreen if you want to keep it simple on a hot day. I love all of EltaMD SPF, but I usually up the SPF factor during the summer months. I always have a bunch of Colorescience Total Protection Brush-On ($69) on hand to reapply during the day, especially if I’m going to hop outside or take a quick walk outside (my relaxation method of choice). I don’t typically wear any foundation, but I like DermaDoctor DD Eye ($28) for a little bit of extra coverage, color and SPF protection in the summer. It hits those areas your sunglasses don’t.”
Olivia Wohlner, editorial assistant
“In the summer, I change my rich nighttime moisturizer to something a bit lighter and, because I’m constantly sweating in the NYC heat, I need something that is also going to protect against acne. Jan Marini Bioclear Face Cream ($80) not only repairs and prevents adult acne with glycolic and salicylic acid, but also improves the skin’s texture and tone with the help of arnica extract. Year-round, I ensure I’m using a potent vitamin C—right now I can’t get enough of Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Serum ($62)—and a high SPF like Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($37). I also use an extra creamy eye cream like Epionce Renewal Eye Cream ($74), which taps meadowfoam and flaxseed to hydrate and illuminate the under-eyes.”
Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director
“The only change I make in the summertime is swapping my rich moisturizer—I’ve been loving StriVectin Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream ($99)—for something more lightweight, like Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream ($48), because there’s more humidity in the air and my skin isn’t as dry. My morning routine typically goes vitamin C (right now, LilyAna’s Super C Serum ($28), which is an Amazon steal), lightweight moisturizer, and then sunscreen. I’m prone to melasma, so I typically like a zinc-based formula like EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 ($37), though I can’t get enough of Supergoop!’s Glow Screen (starting at $17) on days I want to look dewier. I also like to keep a face mist near my desk, and though I swap them out often, La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water (starting at $13) is one I keep coming back to. At night, I cleanse with anything I have laying around—I’m obsessed with Tatcha’s Rice Wash ($35)—and then I layer retinol and hyaluronic acid serums—Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum ($29) and ISDIN’s new Hyaluronic Concentrate ($98) play well together—and top with moisturizer. A few times a week I resurface with chemical exfoliants: if I have a breakout, I love Dr. Zenovia’s Peel Pads ($42), and if I want more general resurfacing, I use an AHA-based mask, like Versed Doctor’s Visit ($18), or a glycolic acid serum like Sunday Riley Good Genes ($122) (the glycolic version).”
Tatiana Bido, features editor
“During the day, I usually rely on thick moisturizers in the winter months, but for summer it’s all about getting that natural glow. Right now I’m loving the calming and soothing Sk*p Face + Body Cleanser ($15) and Saint Jane The C-Drops ($90) for my daily vitamin C which helps brighten my skin without causing irritation. I tend to gravitate toward products with naturally derived ingredients, like Korres Black Pine 3D Eye Lift Super Eye Serum ($59) which works to smooth crow’s feet around my eyes. For my daily moisturizer, a little of Payot’s Radiance Boosting Jour Gelee ($38), which feels cool on the skin and smells like orange marmalade, goes a long way. Daily SPF is a must and Versed’s Guard Up ($22) is my favorite mineral broad-spectrum SPF because it completely absorbs without leaving a white cast and gives me a fresh, dewy finish. At night, Botanika Life’s Plant Stem Cell ($95) + Marula Face Oil or Prima Night Magic Intensive Face Oil ($88)—both ultra-hydrating sophisticated CBD formulas—help me wake up to face the day with plump, happy skin. For those special self-care moments, it’s either the 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask ($135) or ESPA Clean & Green Detox Mask ($44).
Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor
“I’m naturally oily, so my skin doesn’t warrant a rich moisturizer that I’d need to swap out right around now. Year-round, my morning routine involves a vitamin C serum—SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF ($166) is a must for slick complexions like mine—then a peptide-rich formula followed by a hyaluronic acid serum. I’m currently loving Biba Los Angeles Peptide Serum ($85), Hailey Bieber’s favorite, casually, then it’s a layer of PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum ($117). If my skin is feeling like it could use an extra dose of moisture, I’ll apply a gel moisturizer, currently Tatcha Water Cream ($68). Last is always sunscreen. I’m loving Native’s new line of mineral sunscreens—their Coconut & Pineapple Face Sunscreen ($16) smells like a piña colada—but if I’m going light on the makeup that day, I’ll use Alastin’s HydraTint ($55), which doubles as an SPF and a sheer foundation. At night, I’ll cleanse first with Tula Purifying Cleanser and follow with Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser for a tingly clean. Next, it’s a high-powered brightener to try to undo any sun sins—Bynacht Reverse Sun Recovery Serum ($310) is no joke—then it’s back to peptides and hyaluronic acid before bed.”
