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The brightening and hydrating summer skincare you need…

The brightening and hydrating summer skincare you need…
Penny Lafferty
Writer and expert2 years ago
View Penny Lafferty's profile

When it comes to summer, there are only two things our complexions really cry out for – hydration and radiance! Our dull, dry skin has long outstayed its welcome, and we’re ready to swap our ultra-rich formulas for some lighter, brighter lotions and potions.

Summer skincare can be a bit of a minefield. Every other product boasts some hydration quality or other – and no doubt the rest are packed to the brim with illuminating benefits. So how do you weed out the fads from the fantastic? With our round-up of the best brightening and hydrating formulas, of course!

The best hydrating summer skincare:

Our skin endures a lot in the summer – from sun and sweat to holidays and festivals. It’s vital to keep hydration levels topped up throughout the warmer months, simply to maintain the health of your skin. Our go to formulas? Look no further…

1) Weleda Skin Food

Loved by A-listers, this clever moisturiser transcends the seasons. The formula enriches skin with moisture, entwining organic sunflower seed oil and extracts of wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and rosemary extract to nourish and replenish dry, thirsty areas. If you aren’t yet convinced, the cream can be applied all over the body – from face and hands to elbows and feet!

2) URIAGE Thermal Light Water Cream

Treat your complexion to a true all-rounder with this lightweight moisturiser. The water-cream covers all bases, helping to moisturise, brighten and re-plump the skin. Infused with the brand’s thermal water and hydro-thermal complex, the formula delivers an instant burst of hydration, leaving skin soft, supple and comfortable.

3) Murad Clarifying Water Gel

Even if your skin type is oily, it will still benefit from a moisture surge. Murad’s clarifying formula quickly refreshes the skin, powered by salicylic acid and sustained-release hyaluronic acid to brighten, hydrate and revitalise your skin. This one’s great for normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin types.

4) Revolution Skincare SPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser

If you’re stepping into summer without a hydrating moisturiser and a trusty SPF, we might have a problem. Equip your beauty kit with a formula that does both – Revolution’s Daily Defender provides lightweight, quenching hydration, infused with niacinamide and hero hyaluronic acid. Broad-spectrum SPF50 wards off harmful UV rays, leaving skin feeling bright and protected.

5) Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturising Cream

Marrying science and results-driven formulas, this moisturiser is the hydration staple you never knew you needed. It stars an impressive triple hyaluronic complex that works alongside honey to promote a plump, healthy-looking finish.

The best brightening summer skincare:

Against the moody, grey skies of winter, you don’t always notice a lustreless complexion. Enter summer as a harsh (almost obnoxious) reminder that your skin is long overdue a brightening boost. Luckily, we’ve got the greatest finds for the job right here…

1) The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Reveal a radiant surface with this exfoliating cleanser. Enriched with BHA salicylic acid, the clever formula gently buffs away dead skin cells and impurities, uncovering the luminous skin beneath. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, and even helps to minimise the look of blackheads, breakouts and excess oils.

2) Nip+Fab Illuminate SPF30

Powered by copper pigments, this face cream is the gift that keeps on giving. It delivers instant brightening benefits while plumping skin with moisture, thanks to a blend of Egyptian lotus flower and sacred lotus flower. What’s more, it’s topped with SPF30 to ward off harmful UVA and UVB rays – the perfect summer staple!

3) Erborian Skin Hero Bare Skin Perfector

Wave goodbye to lustreless skin with this innovative skin perfector. True to its name, the formula acts as a real-life hero, working to blur the look of imperfections while revitalising the skin beneath. The brand’s Korean white ginseng complex stars exfoliating enzymes that help to resurface dull areas of skin, leaving you feeling bright and beaming. Think: Your skin, but better!

4) Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Defence Daily Moisturiser

Rich in antioxidants, this affordable moisturiser seeks to brighten and illuminate the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while vitamin C delivers newfound radiance to dull-looking complexions. Vegan and cruelty-free, this one’s a summertime dream.

5) SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen

Brighten up with SkinCeuticals this summer! The dual-action cream supports a youthful-looking complexion, fortified with a blend of 1% tranexamic acid and 2% niacinamide to tackle uneven tone and texture. Equipped with UV filters and broad-spectrum SPF50, the formula even helps to shield your skin from sun damage – all while lending a radiant glow!

Discover more must-have beauty with our one-stop summer shop!

Penny Lafferty
Writer and expert
View Penny Lafferty's profile
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