Things that are fun about summer: The beach, crop tops, and the ability to drink rosé whenever the F you want. Things that are not fun about summer: The effect it has on your skin.
The sunny, sweaty activities that we get to enjoy between Memorial Day and Labor Day are not exactly great for our complexions. Breakouts and UV damage happen a lot this time of year, which means you need a lineup of products that will keep you protected and prevent these issues from ever happening in the first place. To help you stave off these issues (and others), we rounded up our favorite summer skin-saving picks. Keep scrolling for the best summer skin-care products to shop for yourself.
Le Cleanse Officiel Cleansing Water, $24
It takes more than just a single lather and rinse to remove the grimy, sweaty film that most summer days tend to leave behind on your skin, which is where this gentle makeup water comes in. Use it as the first step in your double-cleansing routine and watch as it whisks away dirt, impurities, and whatever leftover mascara hasn’t already melted off of your face.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, $12
This facial spray is the perfect pick-me-up for midday skin. Aside from the fact that it’s highly refreshing (who doesn’t love a little spritz on a hot summer afternoon?), it also helps to keep your face free and clear of breakouts, because it’s made with hypochlorous acid, a gentle disinfectant that acts as an antibacterial agent.
Consonant Skin Care Come Clean Cleansing Cloths,$8
Now that “plans” are a thing again, these handy little cloths are perfect for tossing in your bag to give your skin a once-over when you’re on the go. They’re formulated with both cleansing and hydrating ingredients that will keep your skin clean and moisturized—wherever your summer schedule takes you.
Soleil Toujours Mineral Ally Daily Face Defense SPF 50, $58
I don’t have to tell you how important it is to wear sunscreen, but please allow me to introduce you to a product that will make you actually want to put it on every day. It’s a mineral formula, which physically protects your skin from UV rays, and antioxidants in the formula help to stave off damage from pollution. It melts easily into skin so that you won’t even notice it’s there.
Eir NYC Stay Away Spray, $18
Nothing can ruin a summer evening like getting eaten alive by mosquitos (except maybe running out of rosé). This bug spray—which the brand calls “mosquito kryptonite”—is infused with natural insect repelling ingredients like clove, cedar oil, and litsea, and will help keep even the thirstiest pests away from your skin. Plus, instead of the usual nasty bug spray stickiness and scent, it will leave your skin soft and smelling like lemongrass.
Holifrog Sunapee Sacred-C Brightening Powder Wash, $44
Because you’re spending more time outside during the summer months than you do during the rest of the year, derms recommend doubling down on vitamin C to help combat the effects of UV damage. Complement your usual C serum with this antioxidant-rich cleanser, which comes in powder form and is meant to be mixed with water to “buff and brighten” skin.
Golde Clean Greens Face Mask, $34
A “green smoothie for skin,” this mask is made with edible superfoods like chlorella, spirulina, and mango juice (told you re: the green smoothie), and works to detoxify and brighten skin.
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Spray, $18
Your face isn’t the only place that deserves a summer skin reset. Protect your pits against odor with this “anti-odorant” spray, which uses a blend of AHA to melt away dead skin-cells and do away with stink-causing bacteria. It can also be used on your feet, which means sweaty, smelly sneakers can officially be last summer’s problem
Dedcool Rose Balm Stick, $18
There’s no such thing as owning too much lip balm, and this rose-infused stick makes for a worthy addition to any collection. It’s made with ultra-nourishing shea butter, and the tasty flavor and softness it leaves behind will be damn near irresistible to all those #shotgirlsummer makeouts.
NOTO Botanics Moisture Rise Cream, $53
Yes, you still need moisturizer in the summer, and this lightweight cream is the perfect mate for sweaty skin. A combination of hyaluronic acid and skin-quenching natural oils with hydrate your complexion without making you feel like you’re totally melting under a thick, goopy layer of product.
Tammy Fender Awakening Eye Gel, $84
Whether your eyes are dry and tired-looking from allergies or a lack of sleep (because, ya know, #plans), this awakening eye gel can help. It’s got an entire alphabet’s worth of vitamins—seriously: A, B, C, D, and E—and will soothe and moisturize even the sleepiest under-eye skin.
Covey Skin Covey Routine, $122
To make your summer skin-care routine a no-brainer, snag this kit, which has everything you need to keep your complexion calm, cool, and collected. It’s got a cleanser, a vitamin C serum, and a lightweight moisturizer—all of the products that derms say you should be applying every morning. Just add sunscreen and you’ll be good to go.
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