Get glowing with skincare staples that actually work…

This article is sponsored by L'Oréal Paris, e.l.f., Laneige, Revolution & Kiehl's

While we might not always get a hot summer, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a hot new routine. Now your summer glow-up isn’t about overhauling your whole life – just your skincare. We’re talking hydrating heroes, SPF saviours and dew-boosting goodies that’ll have you shining brighter than the sun.


So whether you’re poolside, park-bound, prepping for golden hour or just want to feel your best, our step-by-step guide is packed with season-ready skincare that’ll keep you looking radiant from sunrise to sunset.  


Step 1: Melt the day away


Whether it’s the end of the day or you’re prepping skin for a night of glam, you’ll want a cleanser you can rely on. Cleansing is arguably the most important step in your skincare routine, as it helps remove any make-up, dirt, impurities, remaining SPF and sweat from your face that’s built up throughout the day.


But believe it or not, there is a proper way to clean your face, and it involves a double cleanse. This is where you cleanse twice (the clue is in the name!), which can be done with the same product twice, or starting with a solid cleanser, like a balm, before going in with a liquid formula. This ensures your skin gets a good clean and makes your other skincare products work that little bit harder, too! 

Try: e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm


• Size: 56.6g

• Small spatula included


Start your glow routine by massaging this two-in-one make-up remover and cleanser into skin to melt away daily impurities. Formulated with skin-loving hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides, the solid balm transforms into a luxurious oil, then a nourishing milk texture to leave skin feeling squeaky-clean, soft and supple.

Step 2: Tone & quench


Now, while toners aren’t an essential step in your skincare routine, their benefits shouldn’t be slept on. Best used post-cleanse and before your serums and oils, toners help your skin to retain moisture while refreshing your complexion – even better after a day in the sun.


Toners also go the extra mile to minimise the appearance of large pores and balance your skin’s pH, as well as acting like a primer to prepare your skin for better absorption. This means you get the best results from your subsequent serums and moisturisers, and an even better base for make-up application. And if you do decide to go bare face over summer, just think of a toner as your staple for smoothing things over.

Try: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturiser


• Size: 170ml

• Can be used both morning & evening


The hybrid you didn’t know you needed for summer – this deeply nourishing formula combines a moisturiser with a liquid toner to deliver rich, intense hydration that feels as light as air. Plus, it’s enriched with white tea leaf extract and a ceremide and peptide complex to visibly firm while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

Step 3: Brighten & boost 


Having a bright, radiant complexion all year round is a skincare goal for most of us – I mean, who doesn’t want to look glowy? But now we’re in the thick of summer, achieving that off-duty beauty look is becoming more desirable. Whether you’re going bare faced for a beach day or keeping it low maintenance for a rooftop bar, you want that effortless dewy skin, and the secret lies in a good serum.


Serums not only hydrate, but they each contain concentrated ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin, and often target a specific concern, like dullness. There are a number of serums out there but for those wanting to brighten their complexion for summer, you’ll want to scope out ones containing vitamin C, a powerful, skin-loving antioxidant known for its ability to help even skin tone, brighten your complexion and target hyperpigmentation.

Try: Revolution Skin C the Glow Brightening Serum


• Size: 30ml

• Dermatologically tested

• Vegan formula*


Supercharged glow? Say no more. This pick from Revolution is a must for the summer months. Formulated with 12.5% vitamin C, not only does this serum reenergise dull skin but it visibly evens skin tone for a bright, radiant glow that’s unstoppable.

Step 4: Lock in moisture  


Now to quench skin’s thirst. The unsung hero of your routine, a moisturiser does wonders for your skin. Not only do they give skin a dose of moisture but they help prevent water loss and strengthen the skin’s barrier for ultimate protection and plump.


But much like your summer wardrobe, you’ll want to make the switch to a more lightweight moisturiser that keeps your skin hydrated without feeling heavy. Look for water-based or gel textures, as well as formulas that are kind to your skin type. Some even contain an SPF which is an added bonus for sunshine season!

Try: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30


• Size: 50ml

• Suitable for all skin types

• With broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection


Summer plans call for a moisturiser that protects you from the sun’s rays. Hydrate, smooth and soften with this light-textured facial moisturiser for up to 24-hour hydration and SPF 30 protection. With a non-greasy texture, this formula absorbs quickly to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy-looking.

Step 5: Protect & glow


Last but certainty not least, the holy grail of your glow-up routine – an SPF. While many people associate SPF with a holiday abroad, it’s often a beauty step that gets missed, especially when the sun’s not out. But applying SPF as part of your daily routine is a must as it helps protect you from the sun’s powerful UV rays which can cause premature ageing, such as a loss in collagen and elasticity, more fine lines and pigmentation. Our advice? Pick a lightweight SPF – we’d recommend 50+ protection – and apply it as the final step of your skincare routine.


But what’s better than an SPF? A tinted SPF that delivers on both protection and glow! Ideal for a no ‘make-up’ make-up look, these give skin a subtle sheen and gentle coverage to help even skin tone, all while offering broad spectrum protection – an absolute summer staple.

Try: L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal UV Fluid Tinted Glow Bronze SPF50+


• Size: 50ml

• Suitable for skin tones from medium to medium deep

• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Dermatologically & ophthalmologically tested


Get ready to glow wild, whatever your summer plans, with this dermatologist-approved tinted SPF. Infused with niacinamide in a tinted bronze sheen, this formula delivers a showstopping glow while protecting skin with SPF 50+. But that's not all — it also moisturises skin for a radiant complexion in just one use**, and helps to fade the appearance of dark spots and even tone after one month!^

*Vegan formulas contain no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
**Clinical test, clinical scoring, 4 weeks, 37 subjects.
^Self-assessment evaluation, 4 weeks, 79 subjects.