I’ve been receiving loads of questions asking about summer skincare products for specific skin needs, so in no particular order, here are some of the best of what’s out there now.
- A more natural approach: If you’re concerned with products that seem to contain heaps of preservatives and ingredients you can’t pronounce, you’ll probably love Matcha Anti-Aging: Antioxidant Emulsion Tonique. The ingredient list alone is a veritable menu of amazing sounding skin treats ranging from glacial water infused with green tea, to rooibos, rose hips and fennel. It’s also 100 percent natural, vegetarian, gluten free and cruelty free. That said, it’s one of the lighter and more gentle moisturizers I’ve tried and felt great even on the sweatiest days.
- Less oily oil: Puristry Restorative Facial Oil is one of the lighter and more intensely moisturizing oils I’ve tried- even during summer months. If your own skin is looking parched due to the endless AC, you might want to try a light application of oil before bedtime. It’s made with a blend of the finest cold-pressed, antioxidant-packed oils, including Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Oil, which is supposed to help improve elasticity, firmness, suppleness, and tone. I noticed an immediate softening of fine lines without a gunky feeling. While the application tips say to use under your moisturizer, I used this as my only nighttime moisturizer and loved the results. I’m also falling in love with this skincare line, their Puristry Yerba Mate Eye Cream claims to stimulate circulation to help brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness, and while I can’t attest to that for sure, I did notice that my entire eye area looked perked up after using.
- Tackling sun damage: A lot of you asked about products to help with sun spots or sun damage. While most of us fear that a visit to the dermatologist is in order, there really are products that can help fade the look of damage for at least a quick brightening effect. I’m completely enamored with Georgette Klinger’s Vitamin C line created to reduce hyperpigmentation and builds collagen for clear, firm skin. I generally don’t love toners since they end up leaving my skin feeling tight or dry, but the upgraded Vitamin C Toner felt like it calmed my face. Since I’m a sucker for a great ingredient list, I was gratified to read that it includes Aloe, Witch Hazel, Watercress, and Elderflower Extracts. I also tested the Vitamin C mask (Argan and avocado oil in this one) and was gratified when my sister commented on how great my skin looked the next day. Meanwhile, if ingredients give you a thrill, you’ll get a kick out of one of the mainstays of the line Kakadu Plum – one of the world’s richest sources of Vitamin C. Best yet, made in the USA, all Georgette Klinger products are cruelty free, paraben free and dye free.
- Stop being so sensitive: Heat waves can really do a number on your skin, between the sweating and extra exposure to intense heat and arctic air conditioning. If you loved the idea of essences, you’ll go nuts for belif’s new tinctures, which build off the idea of old school herbalists trying to extract as much active ingredients as possible. innovative way. The True Tincture Essence Chamomile soothes and heals sad skin, so you can use a cotton pad to gently press the tincture into your skin both morning and night. It’s a spa-like quick skin pick me up and helps with redness to boot! Keep in the refrigerator for an extra cooling boost.
- Eye Recovery: I’d been hearing about Kat Burki products for a while, but only tested some out recently; in a word- wow. The Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Serum is applied by tapping the product in, so you’re simultaneously encouraging both absorption and circulation. It’s whisper light and powered by Rose Hip coupled with Vitamin C, DMAE and Retinol, so it tackles all visible signs of aging: puffiness, dark circles, uneven skin tone, dryness and fine lines. I’ve only tried it twice so far, but I noticed that my eyes looked less allergy poofy and smoother and more even. I’ll keep you posted after I use it for a while.
Rachel Weingarten is a former celebrity makeup artist. She’s a beauty and lifestyle expert and beauty historian and the award-winning author of three non-fiction books, including Ancient Prayer: Channeling Your Faith 365 Days of the Year (Fall River Press 1/16). Rachel regularly writes for many top media outlets. Get social with her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Read Rachel’s recent stories at readsomethingby.me
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