Summer is finally here, and with warmer weather comes a new set of skincare challenges. Sun exposure, humidity, and increased sweat production can all take a toll on your complexion, making it more important than ever to have a solid skincare routine in place.
To help you navigate the summer months with ease, we've compiled a list of editor-approved and tested products that are specifically designed to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. From lightweight sunscreens to hydrating serums and refreshing mists, these summer skincare essentials will help you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion all season long.
So, whether you're planning a beach vacation or simply looking to refresh your daily routine, read on to discover why these products are a must-have for any summer skincare regimen.
Athletia Beauty
Athletia is an emerging but impressive beauty brand, founded to provide high-performance skincare solutions for those with active lifestyles. The brand, created by two friends, Christina Basias and Catherine Gorecki, was birthed by the duo's thirst to develop a line of products that would address the specific skin care needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
What makes Athletia unique is its focus on products that are specifically designed to withstand the rigours of an active lifestyle. The brand's products are formulated with ingredients that provide long-lasting hydration as well as protection from the sun and other environmental stressors.
Additionally, their products are free from harmful chemicals and are cruelty-free, making them a great choice for those conscious about what they use on their skin.
We decided to test the effectiveness of their Phyto Sleeping Cream (£86) and their attractively packaged Hand Cream Trio (£60).
Night creams are a great addition to any skincare routine, particularly if you lead a busy lifestyle and prefer to use fewer products overall. Every regime needs dedication to ensure that skin can be regenerated and to help aid cell production (which is key in anti-ageing). If you can't commit to anything further than a cleanser in the morning, by introducing a night cream you can actually tackle a multitude of concerns in just one step, all whilst you get some much-needed ZZZs.
Not only does the brand Phyto Sleeping Cream rejuvenate skin, but we noticed that we were getting a good night's rest - perhaps this is down to its soothing fragrance (with notes of myrtle oil, calming lavender and cedarwood). Some impressive ingredients include enzyme-rich and potent anti-ageing Sake, Angelica keiskei and antioxidant Perilla Leaf Extract which also provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It's no wonder that our skin was dewy and soft after just one week.
We now move on to the hand trio, as remember anti-ageing for your paws always begins with locking in moisture, strengthening your skin barrier and providing nourishment. If you can tick all three boxes, you can slow down your hand's ageing process. But be mindful, not any old moisturiser will do, which is why we adore Athletia's trio. Enriched with botanical extracts that include rose, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli and geranium (to name a few) each cream offers a slice of holism too. The three scents named Gentle Rose, Ginger Latte and Feel at Ease are made from rich shea butter and seed oil. Not only do they melt into the skin but they are antioxidant-rich, paraben, silicone and mineral oil-free, and most importantly indulgent!
Emma Hardie
If you have never heard of a holistic therapist, relax because you aren’t alone. Holistic Therapy focuses on non-invasive cosmetic treatments using varied techniques in both massage and aromatherapy to treat the person and their skin as a whole.
Supportive of your mind, body and soul connection, Emma Hardie is an accomplished holistic facialist whose clients include actress Naomi Harris and Sophie Dahl. Now you can enjoy the chance to indulge in her VIP products that are award-winning, natural and cruelty-free.
Starting with the Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum (£49), this lightweight formulation lifts and tightens the eye contour area and also fades dark circles whilst reducing puffiness. Containing Beautifeye Technology (a global eye contour treatment) and rich omega, and hyaluronic acid, you will see an improvement in the overall eye area in less than a month.
We also tried the brand's Vitamin C Intense Daily Serum (£54) with added Vitamin E and Red Algae Extracts to boost our complexion, thanks to its potent antioxidant and brightening properties.
Katherine Daniels
Summer is all about fun in the sun, but that doesn't mean your skin should suffer! Thankfully, Katherine Daniels skincare is here to save the day (and your complexion!). With their gentle yet effective formulas, you can enjoy all summer activities without worrying about damaging your skin.
From beach days to pool parties, Katherine Daniels has got you covered with a range of sunscreens, moisturisers, and rejuvenating serums.
We came across the brand's Treatment Boost for Pigmentation and Dark Spots (£93) and can preach that this is a key item for those looking for a serum that covers everything. This salon-strength formulation arrives in a black bottle to preserve its potency, but what sets this apart is a formulation that includes formidable stem cells from rich plant extracts. Results include fast healing of scarring and brightening of pigmentation.
The serum also restores and strengthens your skin cells by combatting free radicals and includes tranexamic acid (which we know is great for inhibiting melanin production and healing scars), hyaluronic acid and key vitamins.
We love that the serum is fast absorbing and due to the amount of ingredients it includes we spent less time layering serums and reduced the amount of products used on our face.
So go ahead and soak up the sun, because, with Katherine Daniels, your skin will be glowing all summer long!
Aesop
We adore Aesop at HQ and wanted to try three key items from their range to help prep our skin in time for the summer holidays, with a focus on reducing sebum production and blemishes from old acne scars.
Aesop's In Two Minds Facial Cleanser (from £23) is unique because it is specifically formulated for combination skin, which can be difficult to cater to since it requires balancing the needs of both oily and dry areas.
The cleanser contains a blend of gentle surfactants and natural ingredients, such as witch hazel and salicylic acid, which work to cleanse and balance the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Additionally, the cleanser contains a unique blend of essential oils, including lavender and chamomile, which help to soothe and calm irritated or sensitive skin. Overall, this cleanser is a great option for those with combination skin, as it helps to balance and purify the skin, while also providing nourishment and hydration.
Aesop's Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator (£43) is worth the money because it is formulated with a blend of potent botanicals and antioxidants that help to soothe and hydrate the skin, while also protecting it from environmental stressors. The hydrator contains niacinamide, which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness and inflammation, as well as hyaluronic acid, which provides intense hydration to the skin. Additionally, the hydrator has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and refreshed. Overall, this facial hydrator is a great investment for those looking to improve the health and appearance of their skin, as it provides a range of benefits that can help to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin.
The brand's Chamomile Anti-Blemish Masque (£33) is a great shout for those suffering from cystic acne because it contains a blend of natural ingredients that help to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and unclog pores. The mask contains kaolin and bentonite clay, which work to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, while chamomile and tea tree oil help to calm and soothe inflamed skin. Additionally, the mask contains niacinamide, which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
This mask is a great option for those with cystic acne, as it helps to reduce inflammation and unclog pores, while also providing nourishment and hydration to the skin.
Jane Scrivner
No skincare solution is complete without a great tool. Facial tools were used to maintain healthier skin by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, with the earliest records dating back to around 5000 years ago in Chinese medicine.
Today, with the surge in electronic tools such as Foreo and ZIIP we have normalised that only technology can do the job rather than embrace techniques that have been in existence for centuries.
Jane Scrivner has been in the beauty industry for more than 30 years as a successful therapist, trainer, and treatment designer. Today, Scrivner has a successful brand with a unique line that focuses on the individual needs of both men and women.
Jane Scrivner's Face Lift Blade ($35) is a powerful tool that can provide numerous benefits to your skin. This tool is designed to help promote lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking complexion. By incorporating the facelift blade into your skincare routine, you can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products, as it helps to increase their absorption into the skin. Additionally, regular use of the facelift blade can help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the overall texture and tone of your skin over time. Overall, this innovative tool is a great addition to any skincare regimen, as it can help to promote healthier, more radiant-looking skin.
Sensai
Sensai is a great brand that has established itself as a leader in the luxury skincare industry. The brand's focus on Japanese beauty rituals and innovative technology has led to the development of highly effective skincare products that cater to a wide range of skin concerns.
Their signature ingredient, Koishimaru Silk, is a rare silk protein that can improve the skin's texture, hydration, and radiance. Sensai's products are also formulated with other high-quality ingredients that work together to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. It's a great brand for those seeking high-performance products that deliver visible results and a luxurious experience.
Sensai's Prime Solution (£132) and Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk (£44) are two products that you should have on your radar this summer that can greatly benefit your skincare regime. The Prime Solution is a lightweight, hydrating serum that is designed to be used after cleansing and toning. It helps to prepare the skin for optimal absorption of other skincare products, while also providing intense hydration and anti-ageing benefits.
The Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk is a luxurious cleanser that gently removes dirt, makeup, and impurities, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It contains Koishimaru Silk and other nourishing ingredients that help to leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
Together, these two products can help to promote a healthy, hydrated, and radiant complexion. Whether you have dry, mature, or sensitive skin, incorporating these into your daily skincare routine can help to improve the overall appearance and texture of your skin.
Biossance
Biossance is considered an innovative brand for several reasons, including its use of sustainable plant-based ingredients in its products, such as squalane, which is a renewable resource derived from sugarcane.
Their formulas are scientifically backed to ensure their effectiveness. By working with top scientists the brand has created a unique line of products that are safe, effective, and innovative. What sets Biossance apart is its use of innovative technology, such as biotechnology, to create its products. For example, they use biotechnology to create squalane, which is a key ingredient in many of their products and they are on a mission to keep beauty clean. They have achieved this through the use of sustainable packaging and ensuring products are free from harmful ingredients like parabens, sulphates, and phthalates.
Biossance's Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen ($32) is great for the skin this summer, as it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, is lightweight and non-greasy, and contains squalene which helps to hydrate and protect the skin barrier. Additionally, zinc oxide provides a physical barrier to protect the skin from the sun, while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits that can help soothe and calm the skin. This sunscreen is a game changer for those looking for a lightweight, non-toxic, and effective sun protection solution that also benefits the skin.
Their Squalane and Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser ($35) is great for congested skin which we tend to experience due to extreme heat. This is because it effectively removes impurities and excess oil from the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. The cleanser contains a blend of gentle surfactants, amino acids, and squalane, which work together to cleanse the skin while maintaining its natural moisture balance.
Additionally, this cleanser contains aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm congested skin and can aid healing after sunburn. Overall, this is a great option for those with congested or oily skin, as it helps to remove impurities and excess oil without causing dryness or irritation.
Dr Sebagh
Dr Sebagh's Breakout Foaming Cleanser (£28) and Breakout Spot-On (£38) are designed to work together to help treat and prevent acne breakouts.
The Breakout Foaming Cleanser contains a gentle, non-drying formula that helps to remove impurities and excess oil from the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. It also contains oleanolic acid, (part of the beta-hydroxy group) that can help to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts.
The Breakout Spot-On Treatment, on the other hand, is a targeted acne treatment that contains a combination of ingredients designed to help clear existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. It contains a blend of salicylic acid, zinc, and niacinamide, which work together to help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and regulate oil production.
When used together, the Breakout Foaming Cleanser and Breakout Spot-On Treatment can help to create a comprehensive acne treatment regimen that addresses both the cleansing and treatment aspects of acne-prone skin. However, it is important to note that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have persistent acne or other skin concerns and are seeking to clear or balance your skin ahead of your summer holidays we say that these products together are a great addition to your beauty cupboard.
VOYA
VOYA skincare is unique because the brand's use of sustainably-harvested, organic seaweed as a primary ingredient lies at the heart of their products.
Seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to nourish and protect the skin, while also providing anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits. VOYA's seaweed is harvested by hand from the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, using sustainable methods that are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. In addition to its use of seaweed, VOYA skincare is also free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it a safe and effective choice for those with sensitive skin.
With a range of products that cater to a variety of skin concerns, VOYA offers a unique and holistic approach to skincare that is both effective and eco-friendly.
The brand's Hyaluronate Anti-Pollution Serum (€72.00) along with their Original Aroma Revitalising Bath and Shower Oil (€44.00) are essential kits for the summer for several reasons.
Firstly, the Hyaluronate Anti-Pollution Serum is a lightweight and hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin and improve its elasticity. The serum also contains a blend of anti-pollution ingredients that can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollution, and blue light, which can all be more prevalent during the summer months.
The Original Aroma Revitalising Bath and Shower Oil is a luxurious and invigorating oil that can help to soothe and nourish the skin while also providing a relaxing aromatherapy experience. The oil contains a blend of essential oils, including lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus, which can help to calm the mind and reduce stress, making it the perfect addition to any summer self-care routine.
Together, the Hyaluronate Anti-Pollution Serum and Original Aroma Revitalising Bath and Shower Oil offer a comprehensive skincare regimen that can help to protect and nourish the skin during the summer months.
Whether you're spending time outdoors in the sun or simply looking for a way to unwind after a long day, this essential kit from VOYA Skincare has got you covered.
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
