Who doesn't love summer? There's nothing better than flying off to exotic destinations, basking in the sunshine (when there is any!) and throwing your jumpers and black tights to the back of your wardrobe. But, there are a few downsides to the warmer climate. My biggest issue in summer, is that I struggle to find a balance with my skin. Naturally, skin gets oilier and less flakey, but it can easily feel the effects of strong sunshine and start to show signs of dehydration, all at the same time. That's when it's time to call on products which will hydrate and plump, without overloading the skin or leaving it greasy.
Of course, drinking plenty of water, topping up on sunscreen and protecting the face from the sun will all aid in preventing the skin from drying out. But, it's also important to lock moisture in from the outside, by keeping on top of a thorough skincare routine. As always with skincare, what works for one person, may not agree with another. So, although these products all work well for me, they are simply recommendations. So, make sure to try samples of these products before purchasing where possible, just in case your skin reacts differently to them.
To keep dehydration at bay, even before there's a hint of it, I like to treat my skin with moisturising masks a couple of times a week. Origin's Drink Up 10 Minute Mask is one of my favourites for a quick, but effective, burst of moisture. With a silky soft, cream-gel texture and mouth-watering, apricot scent, it's such a joy to use and really leaves skin feeling plumped and so juicy. You can rinse it off with water, but I like to just tissue off the excess after use and leave a slight residue on my skin overnight, for even more of a boost.
Specifically designed to hydrate the dry areas that need it, without over-saturating oilier areas, the Clarins Hydra Quench Cream-Mask is a genius product. Containing that hydrating hero, Hyaluronic Acid, along with other, effective ingredients to reinforce the skins natural barrier and prevent further dehydration, it works wonders. You know when your skin is parched and starts to feel irritated and sore? This is the mask to turn to, as it instantly soothes and comforts the skin, leaving it feeling so soft and supple.
If you don't make sure to exfoliate the skin and get rid of any dead cells on the surface, then any moisturising products you apply on top of them won't be able to penetrate deeply and will be rendered useless. Personally, I find scrubs that contain beads or rough particles too harsh for the skin, let alone bad for the environment. Instead, I prefer to use chemical exfoliants in the form of toners, that harness the power of natural acids. By far the best of any that I've tried, is the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. This is the only one that leaves my skin totally smooth, without stinging, causing a bumpy rash, drying my skin out or leaving it red raw. Whatever products I use after this absorb so quickly and I always find I need to use a lot less of them, per application.
On the same note, I love using the Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray either as a toner or facial mist throughout the day during summer. On flights, when the recycled air sucks every last bit of moisture out of the skin, this spritz is a lifesaver. A lot of face mists don't tend to do much for the skin and actually exacerbate dehydration when they evaporate, but this is actually more of an oil-free, liquid moisturiser. There's no essential oils, fragrance or mineral oil in there, either, so it shouldn't cause any issues with sensitivity or blemishes and it can be used over makeup, too.
Another product I adore from the Clarins Hydra Quench range, is the Clarins Hydra Quench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase. Although this packs a punch in the moisture stakes, it's also light and non-greasy in texture. As you only need the smallest drop of serum for an entire face application, the small bottle size isn't as bad value as you may first think when opening up the box. From first use, this serum infusion made my skin feel like velvet and, with continued use, it looks more and more luminous. Just remember to thoroughly shake the bottle before pumping out the product!
Moving on to moisturiser, although my skin craves heavier creams in winter, I need something lightweight in summer. My parched patches require an intense dose of dewiness, without leaving my T-zone drowned in moisture. Just like the Clinique facial mist, I'm such a fan of the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel-Creme from the same line. Absorbing instantly, this gel feels so fresh and relieves that tight sensation that comes with dehydrated skin, straight away. I love how it gives my skin such a radiant glow and acts as a smoothing primer when I apply makeup over the top of it.
Another lightweight option, but an oil-free lotion instead of a thick gel, is the Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion. Offering SPF 15 and PA ++ protection, this emulsion helps to safeguard the skin from the sun and both UVA and UVB rays, which in turn stops it from drying out thanks to overexposure. Benefit's emulsion feels totally weightless, yet keeps the skin feeling just hydrated enough without tipping over into being too dewy or shiny, which those with an oilier skin will really appreciate. One important things to note with this moisturiser, is that is is quite highly-fragranced. So, if perfumes often irritate your skin, that's a factor to bear in mind.
If your skin has really taken a beating whilst on holiday or during an unexpected heatwave, then oils are the perfect remedy to repair a sun-scorched complexion. They're also amazing for balancing oily/dry skin. Made from 100% pure plant extracts and zero preservatives, the Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil is lovely. A purifying formula for oily/combination skin, it really helps to hydrate, refine skin texture and tighten pores. It's also a natural astringent, so really helps to banish break-outs without making the skin sore and sensitive like lots of blemish fighters often do. Personally, I can't stand the smell this oil, as it's far too botanical for my taste, but I can totally put up with it for how clear and comfortable it leaves my skin.
I've recently been using a few samples of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I'm just gutted that I hadn't listened to the rave reviews of everyone else and tried it sooner. A nourishing elixir that works overnight to replenish the skin with a blend of essential oils, fatty acids and squalane, this silky oil/serum blend is made up of 99.8% natural ingredients. For me, this is the perfect product to use in the evenings when I've been slathering suncream on, which can often cause a surge of break-outs on my face. Miraculously, this product seems to stop spots in their tracks, reducing the size, pain and inflammation of them, even before they've come to the surface. I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin when I've skipped using this luxurious liquid, so I'm so happy that a full-size bottle is currently on its way to me!
Which hydrating products do you always turn to, during summer?
AGB X
AGB X
44 comments
Drink Up is such a great mask!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing, right? I need to get my hands on the overnight version! x
DeleteI live in a country where there is summer all year round, and I am a huge supporter of keeping skin hydrated throughout the hot climate. All of the products you've mentioned sound like THE dream for summer skincare!
ReplyDeleteMAY | WWW.THEMAYDEN.COM
You lucky thing, I'm very jealous when our summer is miserable and mild here in the UK, at the moment! x
DeleteThis post could have been written for me! My skin is oily-but-dehydrated year round, I swear by the Origins Drink Up Intensive version and I'm really loving The Hero Project's Hyasoft serum at the moment too :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours
Ooo I've been hearing a lot about the serum, recently. I can't wait to give it a try for myself! x
DeleteI agree in the summer I stick to rich products for my evening routine, where I usually opt for an facial oil. But in the day I love using lightweight products that are still hydrating so the Clarins Hydra Quench range sounds fantastic x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
The range hits the perfect balance between being hydrating, but not too moisturising that skin feels drowned. My favourite product from the line has to be the serum :) x
DeleteI am planning to try that Clarins exfoliating toner soon, recently I tried the much rave and love by many Pixi Glow Tonic and it did nothing for my skin. :-( Hopefully Clarins toner gives me better results.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I really didn't get on with the Pixi Glow Tonic at all - it was far too harsh for my skin and left it so irritated, sore and dry! Clarins' formula is the total opposite and has transformed my skin, though, so I hope it does the same for you! x
DeleteFab post lovely, some really great picks. I really need to dry the Origin’s 10 Minute Mask, it sounds so lovely :) I love the Benefit Facial Emulsion, and I agree it feels weightless once applied to the skin :)
ReplyDeleteCharlee XO | CharmedCharlee
Thanks, honey! I know, it's lovely. Now I can't wait to try more from the Benefit skincare range! x
DeleteThe Kielhs Oil os a firm favourite in my skin to routine. I also really rate the Origins Drink it Up Mask. I love the sound of Clinique spray to, I'm loving facials sprays at the moment. Recently I've been really loving the PIXI overnight Hydrating mask, it leaves my skin so soft an plump! xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
As I hated the Pixi Glow Tonic, it really put me off trying more products from their line, but I shouldn't let the one bad experience taint my view of the whole brand! Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have to add that mask to my beauty wish-list! x
DeleteOrigins is so fab for moisturising skin!
ReplyDeleteThey have so many gorgeous products, don't they? :) x
DeleteReally need to try some of those! great post <3 I really enjoyed looking through your blog!
ReplyDeleteChloe xx
http://thechloebarnes.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks so much, lovely! :) x
DeleteReally useful tips. I love the Moisture Surge Spray, it's amazing x
ReplyDeleteTiffany Tales – A British Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
I totally agree, there's nothing better than a refreshing, hydrating mist when it's hot! x
DeleteHydrating facial sprays are great during Summer, soothe and refresh the skin while adding extra hydration, my favourite is Facial Spray from Mario Badescu! I've not tried ant skincare from Clarins, the Hydra Quench serum sounds lovely! x
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
I haven't tried anything from Mario Badescu, as I always associated the brand with acne-prone skin and blemish busting lotions. I'll have to check out their range soon! x
DeleteI'm still yet to try the Origins mask, seen so many raves on it. Huge fan of the oil from Kiehls!
ReplyDeleteLima
Fashionicide
xo
There's definitely a reason it's such a hit, it really deserves all the praise it gets! x
DeleteLove this post! i have such a problem with my combo skin nothing works its so annoying!
ReplyDeletewww.beautyandtheboy.com
It's so difficult when certain areas of skin are dry and others are oily, isn't it? You almost feel like using two, separate routines for each one! x
Deletedry skin oils are my favourite for summery days. kiehls does amazing ones and they keep my skin hydrated but not greasy.
ReplyDelete❥
loovelle.blogspot.com
I love the Sarah Chapman Morning Facial during the day, but more so from September to May. At the height of summer I need something a bit less dewy, so I'll have to stop by a Kiehl's store and have a look! x
DeleteI love the intensive version of the Drink Up mask! Heard so much about the Lotus face treatment oil too, would love to try it!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
I'm definitely going to pick up the intense version when I run out of my current tube! x
DeleteI've heard so much about the origins drink up 10 minute mask and really need to try it for myself xx
ReplyDeleteJenny | Krystel Couture + Giveaway
It's totally worth a purchase, it leaves skin so smooth, soft and plump :) x
DeleteI have the Clarins exfoliating toner, it is so good! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thebutter.co.uk/
Glad you agree! x
DeleteI having the opposite problem at the moment as it's winter where I live and the cold ,cold weather outside and hot dry heat inside has not been very skin friendly. But I think some of these products would work equally well to hydrate for winter :)
ReplyDeletewww.thesundaymode.com
Ah, how annoying! Yeah, so many of these products would be great to use for a hydration boost all year round :) x
DeleteI love using sheet masks and these always hydrate and calm my face (specially when I have been too long in the sun) x
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy
Me too! My favourites have to be the Indeed Labs Hydraluron masks, or the MaskerAide ones :) x
DeleteOrigins Drink Up Intensive is such a favourite for hydration during the summer, as is Clinique Moisture Surge! Both are great to get the glow without looking oily :)
ReplyDeleteAmbar | Her Little Loves
Exactly! That's what's so hard in summer - finding a balance between skin being hydrated, juicy and glowing, but without being too shiny or greasy feeling! x
DeleteI have heard so many good things about the origins masks x
ReplyDeleteHeather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
They really are amazing. I think Drink Up is my favourite, but I also love the Out Of Trouble one for when my skin is breaking-out or needs a bit of a detox! x
DeleteI keep hearing so many great things about Clarins! Thanks for sharing your opinions too :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful week!
xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com
No problem, you too! x
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment! I try to reply to each and every one of them within 24 hours! x