My No-Moisturizer Summer Skincare Routine

Hi friends!

I last updated you about my skincare routine back in February in this post, but as things have switched around a bit since then I thought another post was warranted. I’m here to talk about my current no-moisturizer summer skincare routine – yes, you heard that right. For those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know how strange that sounds coming from me! If you’re new here, I have quite dry and dehydrated skin pretty much year-round so normally a moisturizer is very, very important in my skincare routine. However, I’ve recently curated a selection of products that feels lightweight enough for hot summer weather, yet doesn’t skimp on the hydration. And there’s no moisturizer in sight!

The secret? Layering two different-textured serums together!

In all honesty, this routine was born out of necessity. I had recently started using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel in my nighttime routine, which I wanted to try for ages and ages since I really like the serum in the same range. But after a few uses I started to notice all these little red bumps appearing around my nose and mouth area, so I quickly hit the abort button. I had no other moisturizers in my beauty cupboard to hand at the time, so I quickly grabbed my back-up of the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum…and I haven’t looked back!

Let’s get started!

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STEP ONE – GEL SERUM

(Before you ask, what about cleanser?! I have been using a brand-new cleanser from the indie brand bioClarity called the Barefaced Exfoliating Enzyme Jelly Cleanser, but I’m not ready quite yet to bring it to the blog. Needs some more testing, and then we’ll see. (But so far, so good!) So just know, that yes, cleansing is happening even though I’m not delving into the details in this post.)

First thing’s first, I reach for my Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum and use two pumps for both my face and neck. You guys know how much I love this K-beauty inspired brand. I featured their new Glass Skin Water-Gel Moisturizer in my February skincare post, which I loved. I was genuinely upset when I finished up the bottle!

The Glass Skin Refining Serum became a quick cult favorite after it initially launched back in 2018, so of course I’ve had my eye on it for years. The texture is somewhere between a gel and a liquid. It spreads very evenly across the skin without any pilling, and sinks in within seconds. You’re left with a slightly tacky feeling – this is typical with a lot of serums – and a subtle dewy finish. This is so lightweight you could certainly use a few pumps during the day without issue; makeup layers beautifully over this formula, by the way!

 

 

STEP TWO – CREAM SERUM

This is where the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum comes in. I wrote up an entire review on this serum back in December so check out that post for the nitty-gritty on everything from the packaging to the price. CeraVe is the apple of my eye when it comes to skincare brands. As someone with slightly sensitized skin, I trust nearly anything in their line implicitly.

Their hyaluronic acid serum actually has a lightweight cream texture, which is interesting for a product like this since most serums tend to be more liquid. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the most basic one-step skincare routine, but in this context it pairs really well over a more liquid-gel texture. You could definitely argue that, in a way, this product acts as a lightweight moisturizer over the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum, but since technically it’s a serum I’m going with that!

Like the Peach & Lily, I use about 1.5 to 2 pumps of the CeraVe all over my face and neck. It takes a bit longer to sink into the skin because of its cream texture (about 2 to 3 minutes), but it leaves the skin feeling super hydrated and soft.

 

 

STEP THREE – OIL

I’ve been rotating the Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil in and out of my routine since last year depending on what other products I’m using, but it’s back in baby! Again, I wrote up an entire review on this product so if you’re interested in a deep-dive check that out.

This is a beautiful, super lightweight and fragrance-free oil that you can use either at night, during the day, or both. I go between using 2 to 3 drops (sometimes 4 on a really dry day) all over my face and neck. I prefer to press it into my skin as opposed to swiping or rubbing. It gives the skin a lovely dewy glow and softly moisturized feel. If your skin is not too dry, you may or may not want to include this step but for me it’s the perfect finishing touch to this overall lightweight routine.

 

 

STEP FOUR – EYE CREAM

No skincare routine of mine would be complete without my beloved CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. I’ve talked about this little gem a million times on the blog, starting with this review post from last year. After a more luxury eye cream left me with eczema under my eyes, I turned to this thick moisturizing cream for relief. I’ve never looked back since! I’ve been through several tubes of this stuff, and I currently have at least 3 in my cupboard on back-up.

I used to be a bit more generous with my application – 3 small dots under each eye – but I’ve pulled back a bit and now I just do 2 per eye. It’s more than enough to intensely hydrate both the under-eye area and the eyelid area.

What does your current summer skincare routine look like? I’d love to know!

xo, and be well, Erica

 

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