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Best Moisturizer for Summer

What's the Best Moisturizer for Summer that you've tried?

So far, I still like my Origins A Perfect World for something that absorbs well, protects with SPF, and hydrates my skin.

Thanks to Lezlie for today’s question!

— Christine

33 Comments

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Mariella Avatar

Anything with a good level of sunscreen in it! 🙂 One of my fall-backs is Clinique’s SuperDefense. I especially like that it comes in a lighter formula (oily/combo) that I use in summer and a heavier one (dry/very dry) that I rely on in winter.

Celia Avatar

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and/or Embryolisse La Lait Concentrate are my top moisturizers for summer and generally year-round. My serums generally pack on extra moisture, of course. But both the CeraVe and Embryolisse are power-packed but thin, wear beautifully under makeup and prep skin prior to application, and sink in thoroughly without weighing down or clogging my oily/normal-combo skin. I generally don’t react well to moisturizing SPF formulas, so my SPF comes separate (usually one of Shiseido’s many great offerings. I am very sensitive to many sunscreens and Shiseido protects well and plays nicely with makeup/skincare without ever irritating me). I use CeraVe day and night, but the Embryolisse is usually reserved for day-time use under makeup/suncare.

Tessa Avatar

I’ve never found a moisturizer with enough spf and, well, moisture all in one tube.

Thus, I tend to layer a facial oil or light moisturizer — for summer, I like Josie Maran Argan Oil Light or Origins GinZing — with a good sunscreen. Lately I’ve been loving Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral, and Shiseido in the ocean blue container is my beloved standby.

MissJae1908 Avatar

Simple Ultra-light Gel Facial Moisturizer for the night and Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 for the morning.

Nancy T Avatar

I am still loving Hada Labo’s Gel Cream moisturizer for nighttime with Tarte Maracuja Oil over it. And also still love First Aid Beauty all mineral sunscreen moisturizer for daytime. But now that it’s been so humid (Monsoon season!), my nighttime routine may need some tweaking because now I’ve been having some breakouts, not fun. Or pretty.

Nicole Avatar

Oh..I forgot the ever important SPF! I keep it separate . I like. Amorepacific’s natural protector and Supergoops city serum. I prefer the supergoop in cooler months as I mix it in my moisturizer and I feel it’s a little less protection. I just can’t get it to layer without balling up.

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh, I’m a fan of Supergoop City Serum too! I’m on my 4th bottle, I stock up during Sephora sale because it’s pricey.

Nicole Avatar

Great idea Katherine. I need to start planning ahead for those sales better. I now know they are around Nov and April I think. Mascara madness at Nordstrom in May, I need to remember this Nordstrom beauty sale because I would liked to have splurged on a few things I didn’t and splurged on a couple of unplanned things. Anyway, with the Supergoop! City Serum, are you able to layer it over moisturizer or does it ball up? It was balling up on me so I hesitantly almost returned it. The Sephora SA instructed me that it was meant to be mixed in the last layer. Seems to me that this may decrease the SPF protection. Do you have any thoughts or ideas on that?:)

Katherine T. Avatar

Nicole, I haven’t had any issues with the City Serum Sunscreen balling up on me. I usually do a light cream or facial mist right after shower so it sinks in, then City sunscreen, SPF primer, then SPF foundation. I did some googling, and they suggested making sure each layer dries down before applying the next. Or it could be that one of your face products has ingredients that are incompatible with the City Serum . I think that if your cream sinks in, then it shouldn’t dilute the sunscreen on top.

Nicole Avatar

Thanks Katherine. I think its the face cream I use. It’s pretty rich. I can get away without it during most days in the summer and just use a hydrating serum and other serums and sunblock. But when I use it with a rich cream in winter, I usually have to mix it in. Hopefully, my skin may not be as dehydrated as I am able to discontinue some of the medications I have been on for so long going forward.

Victoria Avatar

La Mer’s revamped skin tint with SPF in the fairest shade is blending in enough to give protection and not look too dark or foundation like plus it’s just enough moisture. At night I use SKII Essential C. That’s my favorite serum. No need for extra moisture.

Maggie Avatar

It’s not that hot here (70s at most) so I’m liking Citrix SPF 40–it’s a sunscreen but I don’t need moisturizer when I wear it. When it starts climbing to the 80s, I love Cerave Moisturizing Lotion or Glycolix Elite Facial Cream Ultra Lite.

Valerie C. Avatar

Aveeno Positively Radiant spf15. I like that it doesn’t break me out, is brightening and is such a generous size that I use it on my body too!

Rachel R. Avatar

I just use what I always use: Daytime – NuSkin Moisture Restor Day Protective Lotion SPF 15 with sunscreen over it if I need. Nighttime – Nuskin Night Supply Nourishing Cream.

Lila Avatar

Biotherm’s Aquasource Gel is absolutely the best best hot weather moisturiser ! Refreshing, easy to absorb, beautiful cucumber/watermelon scent, and very moisturising. I am so happy i discovered it!

Anne Avatar

If I’m out and about I use the La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face. If I’m indoors or layered underneath an SPF, I’ve been using The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer.

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