These Are the Best Summer Skincare Products, As Recommended by Hollywood’s Top Beauty Experts
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
It’s getting hot in here — and the mercury only continues to rise. While summer is chock full of memorable moments including carefree afternoons by the sea gently nibbling on strawberry popsicles, it’s also the season of sweat. Heat and humidity may help keep skin moist, but they can also deliver clogged pores, blotchy skin and sunspots. That’s why we asked a handful of world-renowned experts for their top summer skincare tips and product recommendations.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Costume Designers Swear by These Luxe Sunscreens and Tinted Moisturizers
Swooning Over Tom Daley's Sweaters? The Olympian Published a Knitting Book That's Currently on Sale
Related: The Best Powdered Sunscreens for Summer
“During the summer, people tend to get dry skin from swimming, spending too much time in air conditioning and of course, just being out in the sun,” explains Gina Marí, the Beverly Hills-based aesthetician known for her experience and mastery of cutting-edge skin-renewing technologies that deliver lasting results.
Frances Prescott Skincare founder Pauline Prescott agrees. “I lived in Arizona, so I am only too aware of how significant rises in heat can dry out and stress the skin. Dry climates pull water from the skin, which means we all must also drink more water and eat more water-based foods, such as cucumbers and watermelon, which most of us don’t do.”
Those who live in dry climates should use oil-based cleansers and serums, “[which] are a fantastic way to counter the drying effects of the heat since they nourish and protect the barrier function of the skin, ensuring you don’t lose moisture,” adds Prescott.
Below, our Hollywood beauty insiders reveal more of their best summer skincare tips and essentials for keeping the skin hydrated, protected and glowing. From the best sunscreens and no-smudge mascaras to body rollers and more, soak up the experts’ pro advice alongside the top summer beauty products and picks inspired by their recommendations.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Soft Matte Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, 40 Oz.
The first tip: drink plenty of water. As Nudeskin and Nudestix co-founder Taylor Frankel explains, “We’ve all heard it before, but a big part of skin health is staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water and making time for self-care including working out and eating healthy.”
RELANOR Pack 2 Small Spray Bottle Travel Size 2oz/60ml
As a former successful insurance industry executive, Prescott spent much of her early career on long-haul flights. “Many of us are traveling during the summer and I am a bit of an expert on traveling! A good facial spritz is essential to keep skin hydrated while you’re in the air. It’s also a great refresher to perk you up during travel,” she tells THR. “Decant your favorite facial mist into a travel-sized misting bottle; 100 ml is the maximum size that you can carry in your hand luggage. Spritz and go!”
ZO Skin Health Ossential Growth Factor Serum Plus
$92.92 $115.06 19% off
“We all want to have the most glowing skin and it is achievable,” says Dr. Rita Rakus, who offers her needle-free facial rejuvenation treatments at The Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. “In addition to the tried-and-true tips — drink lots of water, avoid heavy makeup, stay out of the sun, use SPF 50 daily, look for innovative products and ingredients such as Growth Factor Serum and Argireline. Growth Factor Serum is enriched with Epidermal Growth Factor [EGF] and is known to stimulate powerful anti-aging effects, enhancing moisture and elasticity, and reducing wrinkles. And Argireline, which is better known as Liquid Botox, helps to reduce the look of wrinkles and delivers a soft lift. Both of these powerful ingredients are included in my Avenue of The Stars Super Power Facial, which is results-driven and guaranteed to give you that coveted glow.”
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
$19.52 $28.99 33% off
“Stay moisturized and load up on aloe vera and lots of water,” urges injector and laser specialist Aubrey Mench of Cassileth Plastic Surgery & Skin Care. When it comes to irritated skin and sunburns, she advises, “please do not pick at or peel the skin — just allow the body to heal and repair itself. When the skin begins to heal, apply vitamin C serum. Studies show that vitamin C is highly beneficial for healing oxidative stress, especially from the sun.”
Formulae Prescott Tri Balm
Prescott set out to create what was missing from skincare — a one-and-done, travel-friendly, supremely effective product that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes the face. The result was Tri-Balm, a sustainable and designed with clean, natural ingredients, this cult cleansing balm frequently sells out and is ideal for all skin types.
“Humid climates keep the skin moist, so humidity is our friend as long as we keep the skin clean. At the same time, bacteria can grow in humid conditions, and that’s what we want to avoid. I suggest looking for products that have both anti-bacterial and calming ingredients. For example, mandarin essential oil, found in Tri-Balm, is anti-bacterial and helps heal breakouts while the addition of oat oil lipids help heal and hydrate the skin,” explains Prescott.
Chuda Sheer Hydrating Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
$45 $50 10% off
“I love Chuda’s SPF because it’s so glowing and radiant,” says Greenberg.
Revision Skincare Intellishade Truphysical Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45, 1.7 oz
“If you’re looking for a tint with your SPF, I also love Revision’s Intellishade,” Greenberg adds. The tinted moisturizer has broad spectrum SPF 45, while ingredients such as a three-peptide blend; white birch, yeast and plankton extracts; and coenzyme Q10 help protect the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Chefman Iceman Portable 4L Mirrored Personal Fridge
“Maintain gorgeous during the blistering hot days of summer by keeping skincare products in the fridge,” recommends Marí. Try a personal mini fridge like 4-liter one by Chefman, which has a mirrored door and can fit up to six 12-ounce cans.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
“For mascara, I love Thrive Causemetics because it doesn’t melt and it creates capsules around your lashes so it’s good for summer heat,” says Greenberg. “I also suggest getting your lashes tinted and permed this time of year for an even lower maintenance routine.”
Nudestix Skin Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel
“For the perfect no-makeup, poolside look, prep skin with a moisturizer and finish off with tinted sunscreen for a natural, bronzed glow and to blur any imperfections. Skin prep is so important for a summery no makeup look. For no makeup days, I make sure to use our Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel to deeply exfoliate and brighten the skin, the 5% Citrus Fruit & Glycolic Glow Toner ($28) to help reduce the appearance of dullness, finishing off with our Citrus-C Mask & Daily Moisturizer ($38) and Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil SPF 30 ($35) to hydrate and protect.”
Editrix Superare Microflora Barrier Film Spray
Marí uses beauty editor-founded line Editrix’s Superare Microflora Barrier Film spray for “a quick, cool spritz. It helps keep the skin fresh while providing key active ingredients to protect and repopulate the skin with postbiotics for microbiome support.”
Knesko Skin Amethyst Hydrate Face Mask
Marí also recommends using Knesko Skin’s Amethyst Hydrate Face Mask (available in singles or packs of four). “I love to keep [it] chilled; my skin always feels hydrated, plumped and refreshed after use.”
Evolvetogether Deodorant Duo
Another favorite of Marí’s is Evolvetogether’s clean and natural deodorant line, which she says “guarantees no nasties and legitimately keeps you feeling fresh all day. They come in convenient sizes and offer fun scents like Havana, Tulum and Monaco … I still can’t pick my favorite!”
Agent Nateur & Will Cole Holi (Mane) Supplements
“Staying cool on the inside by keeping hydrated will really help with excessive redness and irritation caused by overheating,” says Marí. “I’ve been having fun with watermelon and mint smoothies and I always add a dash of Agent Nateur’s holi (mane) as a daily supplement to help with hair, skin and nails.”
Jamie Makeup The Bloss
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg’s summer essentials include “a great SPF, mascara and a multitasking lip/cheek product.” Known for her showstopping red-carpet looks on such celebrities as Kaley Cuoco, Kristen Stewart and Rashida Jones, and her wildly fun and engaging how-to videos on Instagram, Greenberg is also behind Jamie Makeup, her buzzy collection of hybrid makeup essentials including The Blighlighter (blush meets highlighter) and The Bloss (lip balm meets gloss).
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand and Serum Bundle
Get 40% off for a limited time
$113.40 $189.00 40% off
“I also recommend LED light therapy,” says Marí. “This method of rejuvenation uses red, blue and infrared light therapy to effectively re-energize aging and damaged skin.”
An at-home device such as the SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy (which also has a microcurrent option) can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles, and de-puff the skin when used for about five minutes per day, three times a week, per the brand.
Avohass Mexico USDA Organic Certified Extra Virgin Avocado Oil
$17.09 $18.99 10% off
“And a natural remedy I love and find most beneficial is avocado oil. Not only is it hydrating for the skin, avocado oil also provides many healing properties,” says Marí.
This USDA organic avocado oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and potassium (which help hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines) and contains vitamins A, D and E to protect the skin from free radicals. It can also be used as a carrier oil if you’re mixing your own essential oil concoctions.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Cream 2:4:2
“If you’re looking for a powerhouse of a moisturizer, you cannot go wrong with SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore cream,” says Mench. “I use this at night and wake up to replenished, soft skin.”
SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair
“For those experiencing sunburn, Epidermal Repair by Skinceuticals is my go-to,” Mench says. “I apply it on all my clients after laser treatments or ablative procedures because of its ability to significantly moisturize and repair compromised skin without any irritation. A soothing bonus: Keep it in the fridge before applying for a soothing and cooling effect.”
Yon-Ka Lait Apres-Soleil
“It’s necessary to apply products after sun exposure to soothe skin inflammation. I love to use Tri-Balm as a face mask as well along with an after-sun, milky textured, all-over body product with a cooling effect like Yon-Ka’s Lait Apres-Soleil,” says Prescott.
CurrentBody Cryo Roller
“Legs can feel heavy and tired during the summer heat. Take 15 minutes to rest and pamper them,” suggests Prescott. “I love taking Currentbody’s Cryo Roller out of the freezer and rolling it all over my legs, from the feet to the upper thigh — this helps with inflammation and blood circulation.”
The Best Summer Facials for Dry Skin
As far as pro facials, the experts have plenty of them.
Beverly Hills-based aesthetician Gina Marí recommends booking an Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial to treat dry skin. “This facial infuses vitamins, antioxidants and most importantly, hyaluronic acid into the skin which locks in moisture and boosts hydration and elasticity in the skin.”
Treatments from Dr. Rita Rakus, known as the queen of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, are finally available stateside at The Fairmont Spa Century Plaza, where she recently unveiled a bespoke menu of services. The inimitable expert has over 20 years of aesthetic medical experience and regularly sees celebrities and royals at her U.K.-based clinic in central London’s Knightsbridge near Harrod’s.
“Being raised in Australia and spending time at my home in Monaco where the sun can be very intense, I have a true understanding of the impact of sun damage and developed treatments for the Los Angeles market knowing that the sun intensity in California is very similar,” Rakus tells THR.
“Of course, skin protective and preventative treatments are always top of mind, especially in the summer. One of the best facial treatments to experience is the HydraFacial, as our skin needs more hydration than ever right now,” continues Rakus. “What makes my HydraFacial unique is that I couple it with Universkin’s S.TEP program that powers their individually personalized serum deep into the skin. This serum, along with the other products in Universkin’s customized line of skincare, has powerful antioxidants that work to counteract the damage of free radicals caused by sun, pollution and stress.”
An injector and laser specialist at Cassileth Plastic Surgery & Skin Care in Beverly Hills, Aubrey Mench takes a holistic approach to skincare incorporating her vast experience with skin renewing procedures and her knowledge of highly effective products that deliver results.
“Avoid active ingredients like acids, retinols or alcohols which further dry and irritate the tissue,” adds Mench. “Once the skin is healed, IPL laser is my favorite to treat hyperpigmentation and photodamage.”
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
