We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
These summer skincare buys are must-haves, according to the Good Housekeeping beauty team
From light-but-potent creams to refreshing mists, these are the essentials for bright and hydrated summer skin.
What we need from our skincare changes in summer. Throughout winter, our skin requires fortifying formulas that relieve dryness and nourishing ingredients that care for chill-chapped complexions. As the weather gets warmer, those protective textures that cushion our skin from the effects of cold weather can feel a little heavy and surplus to requirements. So it's time to switch up to lighter lotions, gel-creams, spritzes and serums, all of which can be layered up or pared back as desired to balance your complexion's needs with ensuring your skincare doesn't pill under skin tints and sun protection.
Texture is not the only element of skincare that needs a summer switch-up; our ingredients priority list also changes when packing our beauty bags for the holidays. As well as the obvious upping of SPF (in both protection factor and application), other ingredients come into their own at fighting the effects of UV light. Vitamin C, for instance, is a crucial antioxidant that combats oxidative stress and mops up free radicals that can be caused by exposure to UV light, brightening the complexion and working in harmony with SPF to make skin its best summery self. Diligent cleansing with formulas containing skin-kind ingredients, meanwhile, is also key in removing all SPF, sweat and daily dirt without irritating sun-exposed skin.
The season of sunshine is well and truly upon us; these are the skincare buys that our Good Housekeeping beauty team will be sporting for the rest of the summer.
Shop: Good Housekeeping beauty team's summer skincare buys
Trinny London's first foray into vitamin C is a favourite of Good Housekeeping Beauty Director Eve Cameron. Bursting with potent antioxidants, it is her key to keeping her complexion bright, even and glowing all summer long.
If the summer holidays have you too busy for a multi-step skincare routine, we recommend using a lightweight micellar water before your cleanser; this Vitamin C Cleansing Water will break down dirt and makeup with just a few swipes. What's more, this 400ml bottle of skin-cleansing goodness will last you all summer long and it's under £10.
If you're looking to add a sensitive-skin friendly cleanser to your summer skincare, Eve recommends following your micellar water or makeup remover with a non-stripping wash, such as this gentle rinse from Biossance. Its amino acid formula breaks down pore-clogging debris while aloe vera juice and squalane calm inflammation and lightly hydrate.
This gentle everyday cleanser is another one of Eve's best summer skincare products. Not only does it deeply cleanse, balance hydration and protect the skin against oxidative stress, she also finds it to tones down her facial redness.
While we know that one product can’t do it all, this supercharged skincare concentrate comes pretty close, especially if dullness is among your prime skin concerns.
"It’s a soothing all-rounder that fits into any skincare routine, no matter what else you’re using," says Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend. "I noticed a glow and bounce after a couple of days and am already planning a second bottle."
Antipodes Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream, £35
Alexandra loves a product that does a bit of everything. With hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C and skin-firming bakuchiol, it's no surprise that this lightweight cream made her list of top summer skincare.
"It feels gloriously cooling and gives tired faces an instant boost."
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster, £25
This cult favourite moisture booster from Vichy is a summer skincare must-have for Beauty Editor Anna Lao-Kaim.
"My rosacea tends to get worse during the warmer months and this cooling, gel-textured booster is my go-to soother. It provides immediate relief, with fast-absorbing hyaluronic acid to smooth and soften my rough, inflamed skin."
"Fresh Rose Instant Hydration Mist is rich in hydrating glycerin and anti-inflammatory rosewater so delivers serious skincare as well as sensory benefits," says Anna. "I apply it after cleansing and before my morning and nighttime skincare serums to really sandwich in moisture. I’ll be adding it to my hospital bag in preparation for the birth of my first baby, too."
Glossier's best products, according to our editors
10 best collagen supplements to buy now
The best collagen creams, tried and tested
Face shaving is my £4 secret to ageless skin
