Summer is nearly around the corner, which means it’s time to change up my beauty routine! I shift my go-to products every season, as our skin’s needs depend a lot on the weather and the elements. The past few months, my skin has been dryer given the cold and wet winter we had here in San Francisco, and my week trip out east into the freezing winter of New York.
That said, these past few weeks have been amazing here in the city weather-wise, so I’ve been pulling out my summer go-to’s a little early. There are a few key products you need to have at your fingertips:
Daily Sunscreen
If you’re not applying a DAILY shield to your skin, you’re aging it! I wear a daily sunscreen and vary the brand based on season and the needs of my skin. For summer, I stick to the following brands due to their lightweight nature and/or higher SPF rating.
Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra-Lightweight Sunscreen: Super lightweight, and SPF 50. This stuff feels like thin silk on the skin, and doesn’t leave that thick sunscreen style residue. I wear it every day.
Glossier Invisible Shield: BIG DEAL GUYS!! This stuff is BRAND NEW from Glossier, and officially LAUNCHES TODAY! It’s strictly sunscreen, which allows you to pair it with whatever moisturizer/makeup/primer you want, making it completely universal for anyone’s skincare routine! It’s a great one for everyday wear that won’t break the bank, yet works.
Clarification
The higher temps of summer make sweat a chronic issue, and if you’re not on top of it, you can become more prone to breakouts and uneven skin. I take colder showers, power up my clarifying oils (oils keep you from getting greasier during the day – counterintuitive I know!) instead of drying gels to combat breakouts, and also add in some body sprays that help when you’re forced to sweat in your clothes due to walking around/working out.
Acne Free Body Clearing Spray: This spray is a lifesaver! It’s a drugstore find and actually works. I spray it all over my back, shoulders, and chest after showers and it keeps my body clear of any breakouts due to wearing sweaty workout gear or simply exploring the city on a sunny day.
Glossier Super Pure Serum: This serum is one of the best ways to reset your skin, and won’t break the bank! From combatting the pollution of city life to replenishing your skin after a long summer evening out, it comes ready to work.
Sunday Riley UFO Oil: This oil absorbs quickly and primes your face perfectly for a bright summer glow. It’s a great way to get rid of blemishes without over drying your skin with acidic gels during warmer weather.
Exfoliation
It’s super important to get rid of dry skin during the drier months and the best way to do it is before you shower by dry brushing or adding in an exfoliating scrub. I use my Clarisonic with a body brush and add in one of my favorite scrubs.
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub: best for your budget! This stuff, just like the rest of the line, is pretty solid. It’s my go-to during the super sweaty months inside and outside the studio.
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish: I started with the lip scrub from this line, and immediately got hooked by all of it! This stuff smells amazing and leaves you feeling super silky.
Ole Henriksen Rub n’ Buff Sea Salt Scrub: I love everything from this line, and this scrub is no different! If you’re sensitive to sweet smells, this one’s for you.
Lip Care
Your lips shouldn’t be neglected when it comes to the above steps! It’s sensitive skin, so it’s really important to apply sunscreen and care for it the same way you do the rest of your body. I start by exfoliating, priming, and then add in my Glossier daily sunscreen before applying lip color.
Bite Everyday Agave Lip Scrub: This stuff is PERFECT for summer. It keeps your lips hydrated post-scrub and leaves them ready for the rest of your lip regimen and lipstick.
Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy: This soothes dry lips, and is the perfect match to your favorite lip scrub. It has anti-aging properties that really help out during the sunnier months with fine lines/etc.
Brightening
With all the sunshine, it’s super important to care for your skin and treat dark spots and blemishes, which can darken during the summer months. The best time to add in skin lighteners and brightening products is at night when your body has time to regenerate. I love my brightening sleeping masks!
Obagi Nu-Derm Fx Set: This is one of the most powerful skin lighteners out there, and one of my favorites. Blend the two together to reduce sun spots, and reveal a more radiant skin tone. It’s worth the splurge.
Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Mask: THE best on the market. It even moisturizes your skin, which preps your skin perfectly for warmer weather!
