It was a slow start to summer this year but boy is the heat making up for it now. And while we’re sure you’ve already made a few swaps to your beauty routine, revising your summer skin care checklist is always a good idea.
Just like the must-haves in your beach bag, there are certain staples that are a no-brainer if you’re looking to (safely) glow in the summertime.
After all, when you have sweat, sun and salt to contend with, you’re going to need some heavy hitters. Especially if you’re aiming to keep pigmentation at bay.
So what’s on our summer skin care checklist? We thought you’d never ask…
bh’s ultimate summer skin care checklist
#1 A non-greasy, lightweight face sunscreen
Fact: if you don’t like your face sunscreen, you’re less likely to use it. But it’s 2023 and there are plenty of formulas out there that absorb well, feel lightweight, and won’t cause congestion. You just have to find ‘the one’ (and that’s where reviews come in handy).
bh recommends: Cancer Council Face Day Wear Hydrating Serum, $12.47 at Chemist Warehouse
#2 An easy-to-apply, sweat-resistant body sunscreen
The worst part about missing a spot with your body sunscreen is not realising until a red patch shows up hours later. That’s why we’re a big advocate for sunscreens that spread easily and have the ability to reach every nook and cranny. Bonus points if they don’t sweat off while we’re on our morning beach walk.
bh recommends:
- Banana Boat Dry Balance Aerosol, $14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- Bondi Sands Sport SPF 50+ Sunscreen Trigger Spray, $21.95 at bondisands.com.au
- Hawaiian Tropic® Island Sport Sunscreen Lotion, $12.39 at Chemist Warehouse
#3 An SPF lip balm
Chapped lips in winter are bad, yes. But sunburnt lips in summer? Worse. Don’t let it happen to you.
bh recommends: SunSense Lip Balm SPF 50+, $5.49 at Chemist Warehouse
bh recommends: Carmex ® lip balm Click Sticks™ with SPF15, $3.11 at Priceline
#4 A vitamin C serum
When applied in the morning, a vitamin C serum will help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, as well as help to correct pigmentation.
bh recommends: No.7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum, $24.49 at Priceline
#5 A niacinamide serum
When applied at night, a niacinamide serum can help soothe and reduce inflammatory damage caused by UV exposure.
bh recommends: La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum, $71.95 at Adore Beauty
#6 A moisturiser with SPF
Make your summer moisturiser work smarter, not harder. Find one that absorbs well and can be layered with your sunscreen when needed. It may sound like a skin care unicorn but they are out there.
bh recommends: Synergie Skin ÜberZinc, $120 at synergieskin.com
#7 A hydrating body lotion
Treat your limbs to some loving hydration after each shower. The skin on your body will be especially thirsty if you’ve been spending your time in chlorine pools and salty oceans.
bh recommends: QV Ceramides Lotion, $10.39 at Chemist Warehouse
#8 A reliable BB cream or tinted moisturiser
We’re fond of skin care and makeup hybrids all year round, but there’s no denying they’re an MVP in summer. If you manage to find a formula that doesn’t pill or leave you overly shiny, you’re golden (and soon-to-be glowing).
bh recommends: Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $76 at David Jones
#9 A skin-supportive supplement
Drinking plenty of water in summer is a no-brainer. But for that extra boost of hydration from the inside, consider reaping the benefits of hyaluronic acid or collagen in supplement form.
bh recommends: Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid Tablets, $29.99 at Chemist Warehouse
#10 A cooling soothing spray
Is it summer without a touch of sun? No, we’re not talking full on burns here people (we are way more sun-safe than that and will be slathering SPF on accordingly!). We just know that summer’s day, warm (dried out) skin kind of feeling. So, pop a bottle of Plunkett’s Aloe Vera in the fridge and spritz this liberally over your fresh skin for a refreshing, soothing hit of hydration (but again, only to cool down, we know you know better than to get burnt!).
bh recommends: Plunkett’s Certified Organic Aloe Vera Spray, $10.99 at Healthy Life
What are your summer skin care essentials? Do you use any of the above?
Hey, I needed this..
SPF face moisturizer is a must. And a good deodorant too.
I switch to a clinical antiperspirant in summer, & use Neat Feat Face Saver (facial antiperspirant) on my face.
I skip foundation & use IZ tinted sunscreen instead.
Sometimes, I use a light fake tan on my legs & feet to cut the blinding white glare, haha!
I mostly aestivate (the summer equivalent of hibernating) throughout summer & wait for the cooler weather.
I would also add a good cleanser like a gel or foaming cleanser
Good point. I didn’t realise a cleanser wasn’t listed.
I need to start adding a Vit C serum to my routine.
Thanks So Much BH for your informative List of Skincare Products for Summer. So very helpful advice 🌞
Sunscreen for body, lip balm with SPF30-50+, and UV protectant hair spray.
Too many products, my skin would react. I would add a good wide brimmed hat
Definitely, I love hiding my face under my hat.
Great list, I have a few of these covered
Juicy essence, juicy serum and a lush quenching body oil/cream
Can’t believe there is only one month of summer left.
A great list, yes please
Great tips here, thanks
I really like a moisturiser with SPF included – the Synergie looks appealing, until you see the cost – $120.
Sunscreen and moisturiser are both absolutely vital.
I never reapply my sunscreen protection during the day.
But I really, really should.
How do you all reapply when you have makeup on?
My go to Sunscreen is the Neutrogena Dry Touch. it works really well under makeup.
Sunscreen is the most important product for me.
The cancer council sunscreens are amazing.
Love the la Roche Posay bottle, considering buying it just because it looks so nice
thanks for the tips. i am just totally avoiding the sun lol
Some really great products will need to get more Lip Balm and Face and Body SPF 50 plus Sunscreen.
I’m really interested in trying the Cancer Council Serum.
I do most of these steps (and use some of the products), however, I need to start using supplements to support my skin health.
A fantastic list and great suggestions here that are part of my summer skin care essentials, thanks for a wonderful read.
Excited to hear about ceramides in a body lotion
I love the Ultra Violette supreme screen sunscreen, I apply it every morning and reapply during the day, even when I am at home all day
in summer all my sunscreen products come out!
Sunscreen has always been on my list 365 days a year.
SPF everything
Lovely checklist (even if summer is over!)
My summer essentials are sunscreen, blistex, body lotion and a facial spray.
I didn’t know Cancer Council does a serum; I’d like to try it
yes it looks great
The Bobbi brown tinted cream looks nice
A hat.
I follow all these steps although I stay out of the sun as much as possible.
I’ve found the Ultra Violette range to be the best facial sunscreen I’ve tried.
Summer is almost here!
I’ve yet to be convinced about the effectiveness of supplements, but totally agree with all the sunscreen suggestions.