Unlike my Winter Skincare Routine where hydration is the most important factor, my summer skincare routine is more about keeping breakouts at bay and maintaining clear skin, especially for those no-makeup days at the beach. I feel like I’m in a good place with my skin and although it’s been through a lot of ups and downs over the years (check out My Skincare Journey for more details), it has thankfully stabilized (for good I hope!).
So I’d like to share with you the details of what my morning and evening summer skincare routine is to also help you get into a good skincare regimen to maintain beautiful, healthy, and clear skin to have your best hot girl summer yet!
Morning Summer Skincare Routine
I’m not a morning person, so for those who also want to get in those few extra minutes of sleep, but do everything you need to for your skin to start the day off right, follow this routine.
Step 1 – Clarifying or Balancing Cleanser
During the spring and summer times, I like using a clarifying or balancing cleanser in the morning and night. This helps get rid of the extra oils on my skin from the night before’s skincare products that can cause breakouts. A clarifying or balancing cleanser also doesn’t add any extra oils or hydration that I don’t need during this season, which can also add to my skin being over-nourished (if that’s a thing), and in turn, producing pimples. Currently, I really enjoy using the Farmacy Whipped Greens Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser as it not only purifies and detoxes my skin, it also gently exfoliates and clears the pores without stripping it. My skin also doesn’t feel tight either after washing my face which is great. I also really see that this cleanser has helped keep my skin clear for the months I’ve used it. For more recommendations on cleansers and other skincare products, Shop My Favorites – Skincare.
Step 2 – Soothing Toner
Because most of the toners I purchase are for nighttime use only and I haven’t opened up my other toners yet, I’ve been using the Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray in the morning as my toner. I’ve been using this for over a decade and it’s a great soothing spray that provides instant comfort to the skin. It also removes residual impurities after cleansing the face. When applying before the next steps of your summer skincare routine, it preps the skin so your products absorb better. And it has so many different uses that I even like taking this with me on my road trips during the summer to help with sunburns or bug bite relief.
Step 3 – Vitamin C Serum
I’ve been using Vitamin C serums religiously for the past year or so and I’m adamant about using this, especially in the mornings. It is high in antioxidants so it helps with protecting your skin from environmental damage and free radicals as well as minimizing dark spots. For detailed benefits of Vitamin C serums and how to choose the right one, use my Guide To Vitamin C Serums And Why You Need It In Your Routine. I’m currently using the Summer Fridays CC Me Serum and I can see that my skin is clearer, brighter, and more even. When I do occasionally get a pimple or two, this serum has helped heal the scars quickly. Another Vitamin C serum I love and highly recommend is the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum. However, the best one that has won many awards is the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. It is pricey, but if you have the money and are willing to splurge, this one is a great investment for your skin.
Step 4 – Eye Cream
I use eye creams year-round and luckily the areas around my eyes don’t get dry like the skin on my face does in the winter so I am able to use the same eye creams in my summer skincare routine without a problem. I prefer eye creams that help with dark circles and puffiness and if it also has added benefits of helping with fine lines and wrinkles, even better! I like to rotate between the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème and the Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment but I am always testing new eye creams out. I’ve also shared my favorites under Shop My Favorites – Skincare. If you also need an extra hand with dark circles and puffiness, these 2 products instantly help improve the situation.
Step 5 – Moisturizer
For my summer skincare routine, I need to make sure that I’m not using a moisturizer that’s too heavy so that I don’t break out. Currently, I’m using the Malin & Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer which I received in one of my FabFitFun boxes. It’s been working well to keep my skin hydrated during the spring and summer, but not over-moisturize my skin. It hasn’t caused my skin to break out and it also doesn’t feel too heavy during the day or night. It definitely feels like it brings the right amount of hydration to my skin. However, I do find that it is a very basic moisturizer and a little pricey and I do prefer a moisturizer that does a little more. A couple of moisturizers I like using during the summer are the Tarte Cosmetics Drink Of H2O Hydrating Boost and Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Creme.
Step 6 – Sunscreen
One of the most important things to do for not only a summer skincare routine, but any skincare routine year-round is to use sunscreen during the day, even when it’s cloudy out. The sun’s UV rays are strong and you want to protect your skin from damage. Here’s A Guide To Sunscreen Use And Choosing The Safest One For You. I also have some great sunscreen recommendations in that blog post.
Evening Summer Skincare Routine
Like my evening winter skincare routine, my evening summer skincare routine has a couple more steps in it to help me with ensuring my skin stays clear and has a deeper cleanse since I am wearing makeup during the day a majority of the time.
Step 1 – Oil-Based Cleanser or Makeup Remover
Because I do wear makeup during the day, I’ve been opting for an oil-based cleanser along with using my MakeUp Eraser to first remove all my makeup in one shot. Using both of these ensures that I’m able to remove all the makeup on my face so I have a clean palette to work with. Currently, I’m using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and I can see what the rage is about. It literally melts away all the makeup on my face without leaving residue and makes the makeup-removing process much faster. A lot of the time, I procrastinate at night and actually stay up later than intended because removing makeup is such a drag but this definitely makes things a lot easier!
Step 2 – Clarifying or Balancing Cleanser
I actually use the same cleanser in the evening as I do in the morning.
Step 3 – Exfoliate The Body, Face, and Lips
In the evening, I like to exfoliate my body, face, and lips about 2 to 3 times a week. I’m actually able to use the exact same products from my winter skincare routine in my summer skincare routine. I am also testing out new face scrubs and have different ones to use in rotation, but I’ve really enjoyed using the Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub (which I also find that it’s perfect for winter since it is extremely gentle!) and the Ole Henriksen Pore Balance Facial Sauna Scrub which really refreshes the skin and is inspired by traditional Scandinavian spas.
Step 4 – Peel
Depending on what my skin needs, sometimes I skip exfoliating with a scrub and go straight to using a peel. I love using the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel but a great alternative I switch between is the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel. They help with improving texture, deep cleaning the pores by removing dead skin cells, combatting signs of aging and promoting collagen production.
Step 5 – Toner
If I use a scrub in the evening, I will use an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) toner such as the Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner to help with reducing pores for smoother skin and further exfoliation. If I use a peel, I prefer to use a gentler toner like the Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. This will also help soothe the skin after using a peel.
Step 6 – Serum
For the serums I use during my evening skincare routine, I usually use the same products as the ones I use in the morning. Since I’m currently using a Vitamin C serum in the morning, it doesn’t hurt to use it at night as well. Sleeping increases blood flow and repairs the skin while building collagen so a Vitamin C serum will be very effective at night, if not more than during the daytime.
Step 7 – Eye Cream
For my eye cream in the evening, I use the same one as I do for my morning skincare routine.
Step 8 – Moisturizer
If I’m not testing different moisturizers or have a few different ones opened at the same time, I will be using the same moisturizer from the morning during my summer skincare routine in the evening as well. In the summer, I don’t have to worry so much about keeping my skin as heavily hydrated as I do in the winter. I usually opt for a gel or lighter moisturizer.
Step 9 – Lip Mask
Applying a lip mask after a lip scrub makes your lips extra soft, smooth, and hydrated. I usually use a lip mask year-round a couple of times a week. The La Neige Lip Sleeping Mask will always be my go-to.
Step 10 – Eyelash Boost Serum
I use an eyelash serum during the evening to help grow my lashes. I’ve been using the Dime Eyelash Boost Serum for over a year now and it has helped my lashes grow much longer. It also has clean ingredients, they’re cruelty-free, and safe to use for pregnant women! It is clear and you just apply it as you do an eyeliner. You can also use this to help with your brows as well.
Step 11 – Moisturize The Body
I never forgot to apply moisturizer to my body after I take a shower. Hot water can dry out the skin and especially if I’ll be summer clothing, I want to make sure my body is well moisturized! My go-to body lotion is Hempz – the original scent just smells so light and luxurious and there are limited edition scents that are also great for the summer. I also really like that they use non-toxic, plant-based ingredients.