Let’s face it: as much as we crave (like, late-night chocolate level crave) summer after 9 months of cold, the increased UVs, heat and humidity—not to mention the incessant air conditioning—change our skin. Some lucky few have the smoothest, clearest and glowiest (not a word, but you have to admit, it hammers in the point, no?) skin we’ve had all year; the others, well, think sun spots, prickly heat rash, crocodile skin, and killer sunburns—ouch. Whatever our skin woes (or lack of them), there are a few holy grail products that help it look its best—because let’s be honest, it’s on display. Scroll down for our summertime skin saviors. We're guessing you'll relate.
Emily Ramshaw
Senior Editor
Generally, my skin always seems to have a problem. There’s no “good” season and the problems don’t really change that much: I’m constantly dealing with breakouts and dryness. Sounds totally fab, I know. And in summer I get to struggle with the added issue of shine and sweat. So for the latter issue, I’ve recently become obsessed with Tatcha’s Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers, which magically absorb any access oil without shifty my makeup. Beyond the grease issue, I admittedly love the sun and will soak it up without mercy. I wear a drugstore brand SPF 30 on my body, but since my face is, uh, a little more sensitive, I use the Kate Somerville sunblock, which feels light but actually keeps my typically burn-prone nose from turning red. And literally nothing feels better than exfoliating after a day of sweaty stickiness. With this Boscia chemical peel you can actually see the dead skin flaking off, which, in my books, is straight-up satisfying.
Noah Lehava
Senior Editor
Guys, consider this a PSA: SPF. Always.
But I’ll confess if you saw my orangey-glow a decade ago, you’d be wary to take skincare advice from moi. I’ve grown up since, truly, and realize that spending all my free time (what I have of it) baking in the sun, or alternatively (and more frighteningly) sizzling under glowing UV bulbs, is more dangerous than it’s actually worth. All those previous years of extreme sun exposure has likely done a fair bit of damage already, but like I said, I’ve reformed, and slather on SPF every single morning, even on my lips. I love this all natural SPF from Dr. Jackson’s that’s extremely moisturizing, but light enough for the heat and Beridan Natural’s Chamomile and Grapefruit lip balm that’s as refreshing as ice tea. And because I’m abstaining from the sun, I rub on NARS shimmering body oil for a golden glow.
Kelly McLeod
E-Commerce & Analytics Manager
My skin can be summed up in two words: pale and pale. If you're allergic to the sun like me, your skin needs all the TLC it can get. After slathering my pasty white body in baby oil all summer (which inevitably destroys it), I'll be saving it with this After Sun Body Mist from Herbivore Botanicals. Storing it in the fridge will keep it fresh-to-death, plus any beauty product containing the ingredient witch hazel (:jack_o_lantern: :ghost:) has to be good. Another (less damaging) oil I'm a fan of is Arganistry's 100% Moroccan Argan Oil, rich in Vitamin E to keep my skin from looking like a leather Chloé tote. Last but defs not least, Glossier's Coconut Balm Dotcom is heaven in a tube - a super moisturizing skin salve that goes on my cuticles, lips, eye lids, and cheekbones. That's coco-nuts.
Katie Boyle
Design Manager
Sunscreen? I'm sorry, what?
Alright, alright, alright... so maybe some things are better left unsaid, but I haven't really worn sunscreen since my mother stopped slathering it all over me. However, now that I'm a "grown up" I'm starting to see the side effects of my lack of usage—wrinkles, sun spots, prone to bruising. Mix that with a hangover and you've got four of the five negative things about being an adult.
Rewind to the spring, a little birdie told me that I should try Skinceuticals (with a tint obvs) as it's lightweight and will do wonders for my skin. Converted: sunscreen abstainer no more.
Tan, check.
I'm pretty sure it is an unwritten rule that all good tans need a good lip, no? NARS sheer SPF lip treatment not only protects my pout but can be worn alone or underneath my fav color. Yes, please :lipstick: :kiss:
And after some fun in the sun, this baby's body (that's me) is going to need some hydration. Toss me a jar of caviar and three of the five aforementioned negatives :point_up_2: are treated. That's La Prairie's Skin Caviar Luxe Soufflé to you Larry David.
Some doctors say to stay out of direct sunlight between 10am-3pm. Pffff, not when you have this kit. See you on the beach! I'll bring the Mojitos :information_desk_person: :sunny: