In my years working in beauty, I've seen even the most dedicated skincare enthusiasts make one simple mistake: They don't adjust their skincare routine based on the season. Summer calls for doubling up on SPF, incorporating refining ingredients, and swapping in light, airy formulas to fuel your glow during the scorching temps and high humidity.
I'm curious about what products my beauty friends are swapping in for summer to maintain their glowing complexions, and beauty director Stephanie Johnson was kind enough to let me in on the exact routine she was packing for her upcoming vacation. As you can imagine, she has a stockpile of expensive products available at her fingertips, so I was surprised when she shared that her favorites are all under $18 at e.l.f. SKIN. If you want to upgrade your summer skincare regimen, keep scrolling to shop her affordable recommendations.
Let's start with sunscreen. It's a must-have product for summer, but it can be notoriously tricky to find the right one. Does e.l.f. SKIN have enough options in this category and others?
"I've been using e.l.f. SKIN for years, so I have my regimen down pat," Steph shares. But even if you're newer to the brand, she says that e.l.f. SKIN makes it easy to create your perfect routine. "You can conveniently search by SPF to find the sunscreen that's best for you—whether that's a skin tint hybrid like the luminous Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50 ($14), a sunscreen with a flush of color like the Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 ($13), or an undetectable sunscreen like my personal favorite, the Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 ($13)." E.l.f. SKIN also has buttery SPF sticks, refreshing mists to add sunscreen throughout the day, and SPF lip glosses to protect your pout.
It doesn't stop at sunscreen, though. Steph also notes that the brand's wide range of essential skincare products—including cleansers, serums, and moisturizers—helps you build a complete summer skincare routine without spending a fortune.
I love that e.l.f. SKIN has a variety of affordable products, but are they as effective as more expensive products?
"The price of a product means nothing if the ingredients aren't effective," Steph spills. But e.l.f. SKIN prioritizes ingredient transparency, with each of its products containing high-quality, editor-loved ingredients that actually help her skin. "I love that e.l.f. SKIN uses ingredients I trust, like vitamin C to brighten my dark spots, niacinamide to help control oil production and refine my complexion, and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate my skin." Plus, she appreciates that they're also double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
Let's talk about specific products. What are your favorites in your routine?
"I suffer from hyperpigmentation, so vitamin C is a non-negotiable for me. It's the gold standard for brightening skin tone and fighting free radicals from pollution, which is important since I live in NYC and spend a lot of time outside in the beautiful summer weather. I swear by the Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum ($16) to help keep my complexion bright and protected."
"Another must-have ingredient for me is hyaluronic acid to help restore hydration and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. My favorite e.l.f. SKIN products are the Holy Hydration! Face Cream ($13) and Triple Bounce Serum ($12), which hydrate my complexion without feeling too heavy."
