Having the perfect dewy, sun-kissed and honey-glazed glow is summer’s skin goal, and some of us would bask under the sun for hours on end to achieve it. Nonetheless, let us remind you, exposure to UV light is not without costly side effects to skin. While we all crave dewy, sun-kissed skin, there are risk-averse ways to do so. It boils down to knowing what products to use and ingredients that will help. 

Feeding skin with hydration and radiance is the target of meeting our skin goal. In transitioning from a winter to summer skincare regimen, there are several key pointers to get you on the right track. Start by swapping out heavyweight winter skincare products for lighter-weight textures suited for the hot and humid weather, like switching from denser creams to water-base and gel-type moisturisers. Ingredient-wise, look for ones that directly offer a radiant and plump finish, as well as antioxidants to protect skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Star ingredients are antioxidant-rich niacinamide and Vitamin C that brighten skin and super hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump skin and give it that dew. 

Keeping the pointers in mind, it’s time to create our summer beauty wish list. We rounded up five skincare items worthy of adding to your shopping cart!  

REN CLEAN SKINCARE'S READY STEADY GLOW DAILY AHA TONIC

Photo: REN Clean Skincare

The first step to brighten skin is exfoliation, and REN Clean Skincare’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic toner works wonders. It contains lactic acid (AHA) and salix nigra (willow) bark extract (BHA) to gently exfoliate skin, revealing a clear and radiant complexion. Dead skin cells shed away to make way for a smooth and polished palette and even skin tone. REN’s toner also refines pores and revitalises and hydrates the skin. Just soak a cotton pad with this toner every night post-cleansing and you’ll be well on your way to an envious summer glow! 

SUNDAY RILEY'S C.E.O. 15% VITAMIN C BRIGHTENING SERUM

Photo: Sunday Riley

If there’s one skincare product you must add to your beauty arsenal this summer, it’s Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Vitamin C is the Holy Grail for glowing skin, rejuvenating dull-looking and discoloured skin. This serum uses a potent yet highly stable and oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C called THD ascorbate that quickly absorbs into skin and combats signs of ageing. Its hydrating formula also includes saccharide isomerate extract to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier for an illuminating and plump finish. You’re two pumps away from shining bright like a diamond! 

NUFACE'S FIRMING AND BRIGHTENING SILK CRÈME 

Photo: NuFace

Lock in moisture using NuFACE’s Firming and Brightening Silk Crème that hits the jackpot. It provides long-lasting hydration and instantly creates a brighter and more dewy complexion, which is exactly what we’re after. The lightweight silky cream is formulated with skin hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing glacial water and eight-phytoactive ingredients (plant-based nutrients) that bring a host of benefits to skin, like boosting cell turnover, offering heaps of antioxidants and reducing pigmentation. A youthful appearance is achieved, on top of the dewy glow, fitting the fun and playful spirit of summer! 

GLOW RECIPE'S WATERMELON GLOW NIACINAMIDE SUNSCREEN SPF 50

Photo: Glow Recipe

Kbeauty fans and watermelon lovers can now rejoice with Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50! The Korean beauty brand features one of summer’s top thirst-quenching sweet treats in its sunscreen, an item that should never be compromised. The sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection using gentle chemical and mineral actives to protect skin. It also includes watermelon (obviously) and aloe extracts to soothe skin alongside two ingredients we should be familiar with by now—skin-brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. A dewy, sun-kissed glow is delivered that’s free of a white cast. 

LILAH B.'s AGLOW™ FACE MIST 

Photo: Lilah B.

Set, refresh and hydrate skin using Lilah B.’s heavenly Aglow™ Face Mist that creates a lightweight glistening sheen over skin. The peace-inducing lavender-scented mist provides an ample amount of antioxidants for environmental defence, like knotgrass extract and fig extract. Dandelion extract is what promotes skin glow while detoxifying and calming skin. Generously spray this face mist, which doubles as a makeup setting spray, throughout the day for a quick refresher from the heat.