This is your friendly reminder to hydrate – go on, drink a glass of water. Skincare is extremely important all year round but especially crucial during the hot season.
We might be approaching the last stretch of summer but the weather doesn’t seem to simmer down anytime soon. So, I’ve put together a list of products that are set to protect your skin, moisturise and also keep you cool thanks to their amazing ingredients and formulas.
Let’s start with face masks
No matter if it’s the morning, afternoon or late at night, if you give me a face mask I’ll be happy and can go into a calm state of mind immediately. Be it a cooling sheet mask or a heavy-duty hydration shot, your skin will thank you later.
So, take this as your sign to spend 5, 10 or 20 minutes, however long you have, to relax – with the added bonus of having glowing skin after. Zen music, comfy robe, feet up and cucumber slices as eye masks are optional… but preferred.
I’ve recently started using this Syrene Aqua Hydrating Masque, £70, available at Look Fantastic and it’s so refreshing and light – basically the perfect summer face mask. Enriched with marine collagen and manuka honey, it plumps and nourishes the skin overnight.
Face creams
Gel face creams are the ideal choice during the hot season as they are light on the skin but still really hydrating. I personally hate the feeling of greasy face creams that I inevitably sweat off the next second – so no, thank you!
For years and years I’ve been using the Avene Hydranting Aqua cream-in-gel and I always go back. Its gel locks in water for up to 24 hours and soothes the skin, mattifies yet illuminates the complexion and minimises pores. It’s like magic.
Eye serums
The Dr Botanicals Kiwi Superfood Cooling Eye Serum is a holy grail beauty product whether you’re on holiday or trying to survive a heatwave. Yes, you read that right, it has a cooling effect that feels just SO refreshing.
With kiwi fruit oil and grapefruit extracts, it hydrates, smooths and improves the apprearance of the skin. So, if you are looking for something new this summer, it’s worth giving it a try.
Face mists
I am running out of my Pixi Rose Glow mist and I need to grab another one as soon as possible because I really use it each and every day. Before or after doing my makeup, to hydrate throughout the day, before going to the gym and so on…
It has 100ml, so it’s the perfect addition to your travel makeup bag if you’re off on holiday anytime soon. Boosted with rose, avocado and argan oils, this mist helps moisturise, restore and soothe the skin.
Lip treatmets
I take lip care very seriously around here. Be it a classic lip balm, ones packed with SPF or lip-plumping, I love them all. However, I always reach for the Gisou honey infused lip oil – and it truly is as good as it sounds. Formulated with Mirsalehi honey AND hyaluronic acid, it smooths, plumps, protects and defines lips. And not to mention how good and juicy it makes your lips look!
Tools
Swollen eyes? Puffy face? I couldn’t do a post about skincare and not mention all the amazing tools out there. From ice and eye rollers to the trendy gua sha, you will see a difference from the first use.
Why are they good? Well, face massages, be it with your fingers or a special tool, help drain the lymphatic system, relax your muscles, improve elesticity and give the skin a lifted appearace. It’s like a workout for your face.
Ice rollers are especially great for the summer time to depuff your skin and cool down for a bit.
SPF
Skin protection comes first no matter the season. I’ve been trying and testing different SPFs from multiple brands in my search for the one that wouldn’t leave a white cast on my skin, that would work well under makeup and not sting my eyes… I know, lots of boxes to be ticked off.
But not impossible beacuse that’s what the La Roche-Posay Anthelios sun cream does – plus more. It has SPF 50+, no fragrance, and it’s water, sweat and sand resistant. See, what more could you want, right?
It’s on my vanity, in my travel bag, and definitely top in my summer skincare must-haves.
Got a summer skincare must-have? Let me know in the comments or get in touch on Instagram. I’d love to know.
Irina Iacob 