Find Your Best Summer Skincare Routine
It’s happening! Summer is on the way and that can only mean one thing: a whole new skincare routine. While we love soaking up the sun, our skin’s needs change with the temperature (think: dryness, pigmentation, and sun damage), and it can be hard to navigate the difference between a summer vs. winter skincare routine. Just remember: hydration, hydration, hydration. Opt for lighter formulas, stay away from heavier creams and focus on refreshing gel cleansers. From oil-free SPF to the best self-tan to keep your skin sun-kissed but safe, here’s our guide to the best skincare routine for summer. With 'summer skincare routine' getting over 46.5 million views on TikTok, and 'summer skincare' getting over 269.3 million views, this is a *hotly* awaited edit.
How to take care of your skin in summer?
When it comes to taking care of your skin in summer, we’ve covered all of the bases - ditch heavy creams for light, oil-free moisturisers, dial down the use of active serums and incorporate Vitamin C, simply follow these steps and enjoy the sun (just don’t forget the SPF). Whether you’re looking for a summer skincare routine for oily skin, sensitive, dry or combination, we’ve rounded up our favourite picks for every skin type, texture, and tone.
By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 12 April 2024
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GLOSSIER
Milky Jelly Gentle Gel Face Cleanser
Best for a summer skincare routine for sensitive skin
We don’t think you’re ready for this jelly. One of the hottest trends of 2024, we love the complexion-bouncing results of this milky jelly formula. Ideal for your morning cleanse, it's also gentle enough to use twice a day and effective enough to remove makeup. Say goodbye to skincare wobbles with this pH balancing cleanser. Formulated with Rose Water and Allantoin, the ingredients that anyone with sensitive skin needs. We’re always reaching for this when the temperatures rise.
Tried and tested:
“Great! Love this face wash! I only have to use a small amount and that does the job. Leaves face feeling clean with no filmy feeling.” - Customer Review
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ELEMIS
Superfood Midnight Facial
Best for those summer nights
Summer night essentials? Fan. Feet out the duvet. The most hydrating moisturiser. While we can’t promise you a good night’s sleep, this overnight mask will help you look like you’ve had one. Formulated with Superfoods: Camu Camu, Banana Flower, and Cocoa Butter, it’s one of the best summer skincare products to hydrate skin while you sleep. No matter how hot it gets, you’ll have a silky soft complexion when you hit snooze.
Tried and tested:
“Excellent quality. I don't think I can live without this in my nightly skin routine, it makes my skin feel great and I'm not worried of it ever breaking me out.” - Customer Review
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Dermalogica
Daily Milkfoliant
Best for glow and go
TikTok viral and one of the best selling exfoliators out there, this needs no introduction. Formulated with Oat and Coconut actives to gently reveal your radiance while supporting the skin’s barrier health. Expect that post-holiday glow, minus the travel. Did you know? Summer’s the perfect time to add a gentle exfoliator to your routine to remove the added SPF and sweat build up.
Tried and tested:
“A must-have for me!!! I absolutely love this product. I noticed a difference in my skin after a week. My skin texture was much softer. This will be a staple in my daily routine.” - Customer Review
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Medik8
Press & Glow
Best for shining through summer
It’s giving, radiance. One of our fave high-performance toners, this formula uses a blend of PHA’s, poly hydroxy acids, for all the glow minus the irritation. We love this skincare for summer, when skin is a little more sensitive due to sun exposure but still needs exfoliating. It’s also a moisture magnet, ensuring the skin barrier is kept hydrated and comfortable. Giving us a golden hour glow 24/7, all we need now is an Aperol Spritz to pair it with.
Tried and tested:
“Superb toner. I've been using this for a couple of months, and WOW; my skin has never been so balanced and clear. I also love the simplicity of the packaging and the way the pump works. Will be buying again.” - Customer Review
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DRUNK ELEPHANT
O-Bloos™ Rosi Drops
Best for a healthy-flush
Want a beach day flush without the burn? This is it. Giving our complexion a healthy-looking glow minus the damage, we’re carrying these drops with us everywhere. We love the sheer tint of golden pink, that’s so subtle you could never tell it wasn’t natural. They also contain a nourishing mix of barrier-boosting Omega Oils and Fatty Acids to keep skin soft, soothed, and safe from free radicals. Top tip: Apply with D-Bronzi Drops and sparkle all summer long.
Tried and tested:
“Blush in a bottle. Drunk Elephant's O-Bloos™ Rosi Drops are liquid blush magic! They impart the perfect natural flush, blending seamlessly for a radiant, healthy glow. The fragrance-free formula is gentle on sensitive skin, and the sleek packaging makes application a breeze. With just a few drops, my complexion instantly comes to life, thanks to this innovative product. It's a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their makeup game with ease.” - Customer Review
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Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow - Niacinamide Hue Drops
Best for a summer skincare routine for dry skin
Skincare meets makeup meets icon. If you’re looking for skincare for dry skin in summer, add this to the top of your list. Featuring all our fave ingredients - like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Watermelon - expect a balanced complexion and a dewy-looking glow after just one use. The perfect final step for every summer skincare routine. BRB, we’ll see you at the checkout.
Tried and tested:
“Love love love. An everyday type of product. Looks great without makeup and using beneath makeup. The best bronzing drop on the market. Not streaky, not patchy. The product is also buildable for more bronzy colour. Bought a second bottle after a week of using it because it was so good.” - Customer Review
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NAKED SUNDAYS
SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Priming Perfecting Lotion
Best for invisible protection
Keep skin sun-safe up to SPF 50 with this glow-inducing primer. Lightweight, oil-free and filled with our favourite skin-soothing ingredients, this hydrating primer keeps makeup in place all day long. One of our top summer skincare tips is to keep NAKED SUNDAYS Sheer Glow Makeup Balm Stick in your bag to keep your whole face protected throughout the day. Sun-ready skin in just one swipe? Yes, please.
Tried and tested:
“My holy grail sunscreen for sensitive and acne-prone skin! I have super sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Soooo many sunscreens break me out, even the 'acne safe' ones. I have been using this for years. Just be weary around your eyes, it does irritate but I only put the residue on my fingers there and don't have too many issues. So for my girlies out there looking for an AM skincare godsend, use this. Makeup also applies beautifully underneath and doesn't separate or seep into your pores.” - Customer Review
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Sol de Janeiro
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Best for scooping on sunshine
Rain or shine, this moisturiser is a one-way ticket to the tropics. One of the best summer skincare products for protected and plump skin. It’s formulated with Selenium-rich Brazilian Nut Oil to support the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. Did we mention the scent? Expect notes of Pistachio, Vanilla, and Salted Caramel with every sweet scoop. Dry summer skin? We don’t know her (thanks to this hydrating hero).
Tried and tested:
“Obsessed with how smooth and firm my skin feels after applying this lotion! This is the first lotion I’ve used where my skin still feels smooth the following day. Smells incredible, too!” - Customer Review
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SALT AND STONE
Santal & Vetiver Deodorant Gel
Best for a sweat-proof summer
A summer skincare essential, we always have this deodorant to hand. Formulated with Seaweed Extract and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise the skin while Probiotics neutralise odour for up to 48-hours. It’s free of Aluminium, Parabens, and Phthalates - so you can get the protection you love without the ingredients you don’t. Opt for this to stay sweat safe all summer long.
Tried and tested:
“My new favourite! I absolutely LOVE this deodorant! It smells absolutely amazing! I also love that it is aluminium free! It is gel roll on so no need to worry about goes white stain marks on your clothes! I would definitely repurchase!!” - Customer Review
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Caudalie
Beauty Elixir
Best for refreshing and relaxing
When the heat gets too much, cool down your complexion instantly with a reviving face mist. Packed with skin-saving ingredients like Green Grape and Rose Essential Oil, this hydrating spray tightens pores while nourishing and cooling the face. We’re never without this spray on a beach day to rejuvenate our skin and our spirits. Top tip: store in the fridge for an ultra-soothing summer spritz.
Tried and tested:
“I love this product so much. It sets my makeup beautifully, I use it during the day when I need a freshen up and it brings my makeup back to life. Then I use it again before bed. It also smells amazing! I recommend this to everyone.” - Customer Review
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