These days, the signs of stress are written all over our faces: wrinkles, breakouts, you name it. As we type this, we’re trying to put ourselves together by adding skincare products to our online shopping carts, getting ready for some pampering after all these is over.
When we finally take that first whiff of the outside world, it’s already going to be summer, and we all know what that means: sun damage. We’ve rounded up some of the products we’re definitely hoarding for our summer skincare shelfie:
Sun Protection
If you can only apply one skincare item for the summer, choose sunscreen. We can’t even stress how important UV protection is, sun-exposure or not. No need to worry about the white cast from cream formulas, there are moisturizing gel-based sunscreens and tinted sunscreens that provide both coverage and protection. Choose SPF 15-30 for everyday wear or go for a broader spectrum if you’re planning to stay outdoors for long.
We’re loving: BLK Cosmetics Skin Tint Sun Shield, Belo SunExpert Tinted Sunscreen, Bioré UV Watery Essence
Pimple Patches
The OG and a cult fave. We always make sure we have these with us as you’ll never know acne will pop up. These hydrocolloid patches treat and dry up pimples overnight, preventing future breakouts. It’s perfect for sucking the debris of blackheads and whiteheads, too.
We’re loving: COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch, Happy Skin Beauty Invisible Pimple Patch
Lip Sleeping Masks
These skincare must-haves lock in moisture and make your puckers extra soft while you sleep. We love using these in the morning like a normal lip balm for extra hydration, too. A tip: if you love using lip tints, apply a lip sleeping mask on top for extra staying power.
We’re loving: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Aloe Vera Gels
Affordable and can be used to cure your skincare woes (one tub lasts forever!), we’re in love with aloe vera soothing gels and mists. The soothing gel can be used as an aftersun remedy (among its gazillion other uses) and can be mixed with your liquid foundation for that plump dewy look. Keep the mist on your desk and in your bag, too, as it’s perfect as a skin pick-me-up when you’re feeling sweaty.
We’re loving: Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel and Mist, Strip It Aloe Vera Gel, Skin Potions Aloe Vera Skin Care Gel
Hand Creams
Because our hands are not loving all the handwashing we’re doing right now. Keep one in your bag and make sure to moisturize right after washing your hands.
We’re loving: L’occitane Hand Creams, 3W Clinic Collagen Hand Cream, Burt’s Bees Hand Cream
Cleansing Balm
A beauty must-have no matter what season it is. Discover the wonders of double cleansing by applying cleansing balm to remove all the gunk and make-up. We’re keeping a big tub at home and hoarding small versions of these cult favorites for those out-of-town trips.
We‘re loving: Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, Pond’s Cleansing Balm, Yadah Green Tea Cleansing Balm
Blotting Papers
While good ol’ facial tissues can blot the shine off your face, they can mess up your make-up. Blotting papers eliminate oil, shine, and perspiration sans the constant need to reapply foundation or blush.
We’re loving: Skin Genie Oil Absorbing Face Blotting Tissue, Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Oil Control Paper