Beauty Products You Should Swap for Summer

Summer’s “out with the old, in with the new” mentality holds true in many facets of our lives. We say goodbye to bulky knit sweaters from winter in favor of free-flowing sundresses and denim cutoffs, swap our favorite dark-hued nail lacquers for bright pinks and blues, and no longer dress our feet in over-the-knee boots, but rather thong sandals and flip flops. In similar fashion, our skin care routine deserves an overhaul when the temperature starts to rise. Below, a roadmap for trading your heavy winter formulas for light, refreshing (and summer-approved!) varieties. 

SWAP HEAVY-DUTY MOISTURIZER FOR LIGHT SERUM/GEL MOISTURIZER

Humid and hot air is no excuse to stop using moisturizer—not even for oily skin types. All skin needs hydration year-round, so simply part ways with the thick, heavy-duty moisturizer your dry winter skin loved and introduce a light serum or gel moisturizer into your skin routine for summer. We love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream because it’s uber-refreshing, non-greasy and quickly absorbs to help keep shine under control. If serum is your jam, try La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX. Formulated with SPF 50 (great for summer!) and a high-potent antioxidant complex to help visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and skin texture, as well as protect skin from free radicals caused by UV rays. 

SWAP THICK FOUNDATION FOR BB CREAM/TINTED MOISTURIZER

Thick and heavy liquids can weigh skin down in sweltering heat. That’s why many opt to go makeup-free when the temperature feels too hot to handle. If you’re still looking for some coverage in the warmer months, a lightweight BB cream or tinted moisturizer is the way to go. We recommend Lancôme Bienfait Teinté Beauty Balm. The feather-light formula—with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect skin—gives skin natural, even-looking coverage and hydration without a greasy feel. With seven different shades, you’re bound to find one that’ll seamlessly hide your imperfections while offering a healthy-looking glow. 

SWAP CREAM CLEANSER FOR GEL FACE WASH

Cream cleansers are a great option in the dry winter to provide your skin with an extra boost of hydration. But for summer, you’re better off without them. The last thing you want to do is feed oily summer skin—notorious for melting makeup—with additional ammo. When humidity is on overdrive, swap in a water-based gel face wash, like Garnier Clean+ Gentle Clarifying Cleanser Gel, that’s lightweight and refreshing. Not only does the formula work to gently remove excess oil without over-drying, it softens the skin and helps minimize the look of imperfections. Two birds with one bottle. 

SWAP BASIC LIP BALM FOR SPF-PACKED LIP BALM 

It’s a smart idea to up the ante on your SPF game once summer rolls around. If you use SPF 15 in winter, consider swapping in a sunscreen with a higher SPF in summer, especially if you’ll be spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Treat your face and body with liberal coats, and don’t forget about your lips! If your lip balm doesn’t offer any SPF benefits, we suggest you bid farewell, stat. Grab Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched—its colorless shade—to hydrate your pout for up to eight hours and protect it from the sun’s harmful rays with SPF. 

SWAP STANDARD PRIMER FOR PRIMER WITH SPF

Nothing against basic primers, but when more time is spent outdoors, SPF needs to be front and center of our routine. Aside from seeking shade where possible, wearing protective clothing, and stocking up on large-brimmed sun hats, reach for SPF-formulated products where possible. Giorgio Armani Maestro UV can help improve makeup results and prolong wear, as well as protect the skin—with broad-spectrum SPF 50—against sun damage and pollution.