We are almost in the clear – it seems that the cold weather has finally left the building and spring is desperately making it’s way in. Some people see spring as a time to change – change bedding, change home decor, change diets – but I see it as a time to change my skincare. (A beauty girl through and through!) Though an entire overhaul is not necessarily needed, it is good to introduce certain products and take a different approach to taking care of your skin. Here are some products that I include in my beauty spring routine:
Cleansing Oils
Now while I tout the benefits of cleansing oils all the time, I specifically find them relevant and necessary during the warmer months. As the temperature heats up, wearing less makeup is inevitable as it makes my skin feel like it’s able to handle the unbearable temps. So, if less makeup is worn, it is imperative that my skin be in tip, top shape – meaning that I need to make sure I am removing all the makeup, sun block and sweat/grime that could clog pores in the summer months. Cleansing oils are fantastic for all skin types and do a superior job of breaking down makeup and dirt better than most cleansers alone. Some of my favorites are: Shu Uemura, Amore Pacific and Shiseido.
Detoxifying mask
Even though I may be wearing less makeup in the summer, the higher temps make my face the oilier than in colder months, which often makes me more prone to breakouts. So adding a deep pore cleansing mask or treatment can help to remove all the excess dirt left in my pores. I typically use a mask once per week so as to not to dry out my skin too much which can often lead to MORE oil production, and then I feel like a dog chasing my tail, or more aptly a beauty gal chasing the shine. My favorite masks/treatments are: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, Mario Badescu Drying Mask and Mario Badescu Cucumber Tonic Mask.
Facial Mists/Toners
Essential to dealing with all that fun in the sun is hydration, hydration, hydration. So, while I may always carry a bottle of water with me in warmer months, I also carrying a facial mist that I can spritz on to give my skin a quick boost. And this is never more vital than at the beach, when even though you may be hiding under your enormous floppy hat and umbrella (oh that’s not you, that is ME), the sun’s ray can still dehydrate the skin quickly. A light misting of Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater or Laura Mercier Perfecting Water Moisture Mist can make the world of difference.
Mattifying Products
Shiny skin is no longer just the bane of oily skinned individuals’ existence – typically excess oil plagues all skin types during warmer months. Adding products that have mattifying properties can help to keep the skin shine free for most of the day. I have found success using a number of different products (not all at once but alternately) such as the Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying serum, which I often use under my moisturizer. On days that I may not be wearing any makeup, a swipe of Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying toner helps to smooth the skin and leave it with a more matte finish before adding my sun protection. Primers are still the most popular way to control oil/excess shine and I always reach for NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer as my favorite.
Sun Protection
Though this probably should have been listed first, sun protection is NEVER more important than in the spring/summer. Hours spent in the sun at the beach, enjoying a day at the park or even dining al fresco are enough to need stronger protection. I for one, as extremely fair so my sun protection is pretty solid all year round, but I include the rest of my body during the spring/summer. My standard go to for many years now for has been Kiehls Creme de Corps Lightweight Body Lotion SPF 30 which is extremely hyrdating, absorbs quickly and smells divine. For the face, Mario Badescu’s Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 is a favorite, as it wears well under makeup but provides good protection. For the beach and times I plan to spend outside, I always have a can of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 45 because of the ease of application by just spray it on and rubbing it in, and my Julep Daylight Defense SPF 30 for the face.
What are your spring/summer skincare essentials?
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