Summer has a way of making skin behave unpredictably. The combination of heat, air conditioning, sun exposure and the particular kind of dehydration that comes from spending time moving between the two means that skin which performs perfectly well in February can start to feel tight, dull and temperamental by July. The answer, more often than not, is hydration applied consistently and in layers, which sounds straightforward until you are standing in front of a bathroom cabinet at seven in the morning trying to remember what goes where.
This is the routine I have been using, and it works.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser*
A gel cleanser that produces a gentle foam without stripping anything it shouldn’t. Vitamins A and E do the conditioning work while it clears away last night’s skincare and whatever the night produced. A reliable, refreshing start to the morning.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
This combines L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and a bioactive fruit blend for a vitamin C formula that is stable enough to actually deliver results. The complexion looks brighter and more even with consistent use, and it offers useful protection against environmental stressors throughout the day.
Beauty Stat Universal C Eye Perfector
Brings vitamin C to the eye area specifically, addressing dark circles and the early signs of ageing with a light, velvety texture that blurs as it treats.
Purito Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream*
A moisturiser I would recommend to anyone who finds summer creams too heavy but still wants serious hydration. The gel-cream texture is watery and unscented, absorbs quickly and delivers long-lasting moisture without any of the stickiness that makes rich moisturisers so unappealing in warm weather.
Garnier Super UV Hyaluronic Acid SPF50+
One of those sunscreens that makes you wonder why the rest of the category finds it so difficult. No white cast, no pilling, a lovely finish and a price point that removes any excuse not to reapply. Highly recommended without reservation.
Kate Somerville HydraKate Power Plumping Primer*
Completely optional, but on the days when skin feels particularly thirsty it earns its place as a final layer of hydration before makeup, or simply worn over SPF on a bare-faced day. It smooths, plumps and gives skin a luminosity that makes the whole routine feel worthwhile.
Six steps that can be completed in under fifteen minutes. In summer, your skin will thank you for each one of them.
