A Fresh Summer Skincare Routine

Summer is here and of course that means I'm switching up my skincare routine. I have combination skin so it can be prone to shine, however at the same time I often get dehydration, so it's important to get some moisture in there too. This is the fresh morning routine that's been working for me recently (or at least when I've had the time to do the full thing...)


Of course I start by cleansing my skin and there's a simple product that always does the job, so I keep reaching for the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser | $18. As the name suggests, this is a smooth-textured gel formula, but it doesn't froth up and strip the skin of moisture, instead it stays a clear gel. It's a very basic product in the best way possible; it doesn't smell of much and there are few added ingredients (it largely contains vitamins and rosewater), however it just delivers. It cleans my skin, washing away and lingering grime and leaves it fresh, soft and clean. When I have an extra couple of minutes to spare, I pair it with my Foreo Luna Mini 2* | £119 |, a silicone-bristled cleansing device. It's gentle and easy to clean, so I love using it when I want the product to penetrate a little more deeply and for my skin to get that real thorough cleanse that leaves it looking nice, clear and healthy. I always feel like I need a more intense cleanse in summer when my skin can get spotty from the sun or sweat (gross, I know...)

I pretty much always use a face mist in place of a toner for the morning; it just freshens up the skin in a couple of seconds. At the moment I'm using the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist* | £25 (50ml) | and can we just take a moment for this gorgeous limited edition packaging? I love the little story behind this product and I've heard so many people rave about it. It has a very light but incredibly beautiful scent and comes out in a nice, fine mist. It contains Hungarian thermal water, rosewater and various fruit and plant extracts, which are perfect for boosting the moisture levels in my skin. It isn't at all tacky or sticky on the skin; it honestly feels like water. This bottle is travel-sized, which also makes it perfect for popping into your hand luggage! 

After toning, it's time for a serum and although I'm aware that this is incredibly extra, at the moment I'm using a bit of a combination (though of course, if I'm in a rush then one or the other will do the trick!) I've been using the Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1%* | £60 (30ml) | followed by the Niod Multip-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex* | £38. The Copper Amino Isolate contains pure copper tripeptides (you have to be a bit of an alchemist to mix together the product when you first use it!) and the idea is that it keeps your skin in a constant state of repair (obviously this isn't cheap but it does come in a smaller size for £38 to try before investing). It's blue in colour and has a watery texture, meaning it sinks right into the skin and gives it that fresh look. My skin is smoother and more even in texture and I can't wait to see the effects after using this for even longer, as so far I've found the improvement to be remarkable! I then follow it up with the super-lightweight Hylaluronic Complex. I thought the Ordinary's version was great (and it still is an amazing option if you're on a budget) but this is next-level in terms of quality! The different sizes of the molecules in this allow it to really penetrate right into the skin to moisturise, hydrate, plump and soften. Using these two together has just made my skin look and feel so much healthier.

I then move on to moisturiser and eye cream. My current everyday moisturiser is the Bioderma Hydrabio Light Moisturising Gel-Cream* | £14.90. I really like how handy and hygienic this is to use; the packaging is functional and practical. As the name suggests, it comes out as a hybrid in-between a gel and a cream and is the moisturiser version of a nice splash of water onto your skin. It isn't thick, heavy or greasy, it absorbs nicely into the skin whilst still giving it a nice drink of hydration (with vitamin E). It contains a small amount of salicylic acid, which is great if your skin breaks out in the sun. It's basically perfect for skin that suffers from dehydration but can also be prone to surface shine. I then use a specific product for the eye area: the Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | £5.80. This is a lightweight gel formula that never feels heavy around my eyes but does an amazing job at de-puffing and invigorating.

Of course summer has to mean being diligent with sun protection and a product that I'm really enjoying on a day-to-day basis is the Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Moderate Face Care* | £35. If you have oilier skin then I do think this is moisturising enough that you can use it alone. It has a nice, light texture that doesn't smother the skin and a very slight pleasant fragrance. It's hydrating but doesn't leave my skin looking shiny, and best of all, it doesn't pill up or cause any problems with my primer or makeup when I apply products on top of it. In terms of the level of protection, Esthederm doesn't use the usual SPF and PA rating system, which is a little frustrating for comparison purposes, but this contains moderate protection from UVA and UVB rays and is designed for daily use on skin that isn't prone to burning. Over long-term use it also claims to contain a unique ingredient that helps the skin strengthen itself against sun damage.

What are your favourite summer skincare products?

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Disclosure - products marked * were sent to me for consideration however all opinions remain my own. 

Read more posts from this series here!