My Summer Skin Care Routine

It saddens me that it’s almost fall (not that I don’t like fall–it’s actually my second-favorite or possibly-tied-for-first-on-the-east-coast season–mainly, it’s just because it signifies the end of summer and the inevitability of winter. But until that happens, we’re just gonna have to enjoy!

I figured I’d share what skin care products I’ve been using this summer with you! It’s been pretty hot and humid (with random thunderstorms in between) so I’ve been sticking to lighter products and avoiding exfoliants.

I received a few complimentary products in this post in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone. If you use the affiliate links to make a discounted purchase, I receive referral points at no extra cost to you.

My Summer Skin Care Routine

Step 1: Cleanser

Since it’s still summer and has been pretty humid, I’m still alternating between the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion and Cleansing Gel that I got it back in March! For my previous review, check out my spring skin care routine post!

4/5, $6-8 at drugstores or $13.84 for a 3-pack(!) on Amazon

Step 2: Toner

I finally finished off my previous toner so I’ve been trying out the ACWell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner. There’s 10% licorice water in this, which, if you remember from my sheet mask post, helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone by helping to fade skin discoloration/pigmentation. There is a light herbal scent to it and it’s also pH-balanced (5.5) so it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. I’ve been using it for about a month now and I definitely think this is something I’m going to want to repurchase, as it does seem to be delivering on the brightening/evened-out skin! My only issue is that I feel like my reusable cotton rounds absorb it too much so I just end up directly applying it with my fingers.

4.5/5, $18 on Soko Glam.

Step 3: Essence

“Water is the essence of beauty, and beauty is the essence of water.”

haha. :D

I’ve been falling back to my winter skin care routine and using the MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence (sheesh, that’s a mouthful–probably just gonna refer to it as FTE for short from now on!) to prep my skin prior to putting on any serums/ampoules. Since I decanted this into a spray bottle and it’s been a lot easier to use so I upped the rating to a 4. (It was a tad bit annoying to use in its original packaging!)

4/5, $40 on BeautySesh.

Step 4: Serum/Ampoule

The MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule (reviewed in my spring routine) is still one of my favorite products and there’s (thankfully) still a lot left since I’m still just using 2 drops per night! It’s like dropping a golden teardrop to each cheek and applying it over the rest of my face.

4.5/5, $36 on BeautySesh.

Step 5: Eye Cream

I’m still using my Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb right now and lovin’ it! You can check out my review of it from my winter skin care routine post!

4/5, $48 on Sephora.

Step 6: Moisturizer

Aside from my snail mucin essence, I’ve been using Belif’s Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask, which launched earlier last month! This has a jelly pudding-like consistency but is lightweight and absorbs super quickly! when my skin’s been feeling more dry (I have a feeling that this is gonna be my go-to in the winter!!). It’s based off the Aqua Bomb moisturizer and its formula is rich in hyaluronic acid (one of my favorite skin care ingredients!) and Lady’s Mantle, which has antimicrobial properties. A little goes a long way and it doesn’t leave any residue on your pillows/sheets!
If you want this to have an extra cooling effect, keep it in the fridge before applying! :]

I’m 2 for 2 in loving Belif’s products so far…I may have to check out that moisturizing bomb everyone keeps talking about too!

4.5/5, $34 on Sephora.

Step 7: Lip Balm

Still going strong on MyLipStuff balms! The flavor I’m currently using is Passionfruit Orange Guava (I made a POG drink a couple summers ago that I’m gonna have to replicate again soon to remind myself of sunny/warm weather!)!

Here’s a makeup-free, filter/edit-free photo of me/my friend while we were up in Ithaca! (Our expressions basically sum up the basis of our friendship, hahaha.) 

• What’s your favorite thing about summer?
• Have you been putting on sunscreen?! (For the record, this is my night routine, hence the lack of sunscreen, but I try to put it on every day before leaving my apartment!)
• Do you know where that essence/water quote is from!? :P