A Simple, Minimalist Skin-Care Routine for Summer

If you’re not into a ten-step beauty routine, especially during a low-key summer, don’t worry. An effective skin-care lineup doesn’t have to be super lengthy or take up tons of time.  In fact, you can get clean, healthy and hydrated skin — from head to toe — in just five steps. The most important thing is to stock up on multi-purpose products that’ll shorten your beauty routine without sacrificing results. To help get you started, we’re detailing a five-step, minimalist skin-care routine that any low-key beauty lover is sure to be obsessed with, ahead.

Minimalist Skin-Care Routine Step #1: Cleanse

If you’re not one to partake in a double cleanse ritual, make sure you reach for a face wash that does it all. Look for a cleanser that will remove buildup, impurities and excess oil, especially given the increased sweat that occurs during the summer. One of our favorites is the Vichy Normaderm Phyto Action Daily Deep Cleansing Gel. The gentle cleanser is great for acne-prone and oily skin, reduces blackheads, improves skin tone and texture and won’t over-dry your complexion. If your skin is on the drier side, we like the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

Minimalist Skin-Care Routine Step #2: Moisturize and Protect 

 Although you can definitely amp up your routine with essences and serums, a good moisturizer packed with SPF is plenty for a beauty minimalist. A multi-tasking moisturizer will give you a dose of hydration, keep your skin balanced and offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In the morning, we suggest reaching for an SPF-packed moisturizer, like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX SPF Moisturizer With Mexoryl SPF 15. It delivers 24-hour hydration and will keep your complexion moisturized and protected. 

 While we love this option for the daytime, try swapping it out for a night cream that boasts a few other beauty benefits in the evening. We love the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask because its rich, creamy texture envelops skin in a luxe cocoon of moisture to help improve elasticity while you sleep.

Minimalist Skin-Care Routine Step #3: Eye Cream

The skin surrounding your eye contour is thinner and more delicate than that found on the rest of your face, so it needs its own cream. Your under-eye area is also one of the first to show signs of aging, so you’ll want to give it a little extra attention. Try Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Dark-Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Cream, which helps visibly brighten the under-eye area in as few as seven days. It also helps reduce the appearance of crow's feet and wrinkles with continued use. 

Minimalist Skin-Care Routine Step #4: Lip Care

Another area of skin that’s thinner and more delicate than the rest is the skin found on your lips. Keeping a lip-care product in tow is key if you want your lips to look and feel soft and supple. A favorite is Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, a moisturizing balm that soothes and smoothes dry lips with a blend of squalane, aloe vera and vitamin E. We also love the KNC Beauty Collagen Infused Lip Mask for an extra dose of hydration. 

Minimalist Skin-Care Routine Step #5: Head-to-Toe Hydration

Finally, you’re going to want to turn your attention to the skin on your body. Once a day after showering, you should layer on a body lotion to help keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Try the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, a barrier-reinforcing moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. The non-greasy, fast-absorbing cream was developed by dermatologists and is suitable for all skin types, including those with dry and very dry skin conditions.

Read More:

7 Waterproof Beauty Products for Summer 

8 Face Washes for People With Oily Skin

How to Determine Your Skin Type, Color and Undertones