It's official, summer has (actually) arrived in the U.K., bringing with it brighter days, rising temps, increased humidity and the need for a shift not just in our wardrobes, but in our skincare routines too—that's right, I'm a firm believer that your routine should shift with the seasons.
I'm an esthetician, so I see first-hand how warmer weather calls for lighter layers, extra antioxidants, and more protection. At this time of year my clients arrive with concerns ranging from visible sun damage to dehydration, increased congestion and hyperpigmentation. Suddenly, what worked in the depths of winter now feels too rich, too heavy, or simply not enough for a slew of new skin concerns.
As I frequently tell my clients, one of the simplest ways to elevate your skincare results is to approach your routine as you do your wardrobe—seasonally. Just as you wouldn’t wear a wool coat in the middle of July, your skin doesn’t need the same occlusive creams or barrier-repair balms it relied on all winter. A lot of people think that summer skincare is all about stripping back, but in actual fact, summer brings a new set of challenges: increased sun exposure, sweat, and humidity, trigger a tendency for skin to feel simultaneously dehydrated and congested.
Some of my favourite summer beauty products for this time of year are luxurious yet incredibly hard-working—lightweight but still deeply nourishing, radiant without being greasy, and packed with ingredients that support your skin’s natural barrier while enhancing glow and dealing with the side effects of a summer climate and lifestyle.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been carefully curating a new seasonal lineup, selecting only the best high-performance, luxury skincare that genuinely earns its spot in my bathroom (and in my kit). These are the products that make me look forward to my routine—serums that feel like silk, moisturisers that instantly rehydrate and sunscreens that protect without smothering skin. They’re the formulas I trust to keep my skin calm, clear and luminous through heatwaves, days in the sun, long-haul flights and humid nights.
Ahead, you’ll find the luxury skincare heroes I’m reaching for this summer—tried-and-true staples and new discoveries alike. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your morning routine or bring a touch of spa-like calm to your evening wind-down, these products deliver on performance and experience. And yes, I recommend them to my clients, too.
The Best Luxury Summer Skincare Products
- Best for a First Cleanse: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil
- Best for a Second Cleanse: Chanel La Mousse Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream-to-Foam
- Best for a Quick Cleanse: Matter of Fact Remove + Replenish Gel Balm Cleanser
- Best for Immediate Hydration: Rhode Glazing Mist
- Best for Brightening Skin: Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced
- Best for Overall Skin Health: Bioeffect EGF Serum
- Best for Congestion: Deviant Retinal Clarity Serum
- Best for Dry Skin Hydration: Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturiser
- Best for Oily Skin Hydration: Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser
- Best for Glow: Mecca In A Good Light Illuminating Drops
- Best for No-Makeup Days: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
- Best for Sunscreen Top Ups: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF30
- Best for Exfoliation: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow
- Best for Cooling Skin: Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
1. Eve Lom Cleansing Oil
For anyone who takes their cleansing seriously, a double cleanse is essential, especially when up against summer sweat and multiple layers of sunscreen. This luxurious oil is perfect for a first cleanse. Rich and silky, it dissolves makeup—even stubborn mascara—without stripping my skin. I appreciate the subtle botanical scent for amping up the spa vibes in my end-of-day routine and my skin feels balanced and soft post-rinse, not remotely greasy or tight.
Pros
- Effortlessly removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen
- Silky, hydrating feel with no greasy residue
Cons
- Expensive price point
2. Chanel La Mousse Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream-To-Foam
Best for a Second Cleanse
Like all things Chanel, this cleanser is pure skincare indulgence. It starts as a velvety cream and whips into a fine foam, sweeping away dirt and any remaining makeup or SPF residue while leaving skin feeling fresh and cashmere-soft. It’s gentle enough for my sensitive, acne-prone skin but still gives that satisfyingly clean post-wash feeling that my skin craves by the end of a hot day.
Pros
- Turns into a creamy, dense foam that deeply cleanses impurities
- Leaves skin feeling fresh, soft, and hydrated—even for combination types
- Luxurious experience with long-lasting use from a small amount
Cons
- Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
3. Matter of Fact Nourishing Gel Balm Cleanser
Best for A Quick Cleanse
A balm-gel hybrid, this cleanser will appeal to those who prefer a minimalist approach to cleansing—I personally love it as a morning face wash, in shower. After rinsing, my skin feels soft, calm, and never squeaky. I've been recommending this to my clients with sensitive or barrier-compromised skin that reacts to everything else.
Pros
- Clinically proven to remove makeup and sunscreen
Cons
- Only available online
- Some find balm texture slow to melt
4. Rhode Glazing Mist
Right on time for summer, this refreshing face mist is a key player for the season. It’s a lightweight, hyaluronic-packed spray that instantly plumps and revives lacklustre skin. Spritz it under or over makeup for that fresh-from-a-facial glow, without any sticky residue.
Pros
- Can be used over makeup
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free
Cons
- Only available online
5. Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced
A gentle but effective vitamin C serum that works beautifully under SPF and makeup. I find that the lightweight formula of Medik8's C-Tetra sinks in quickly, delivering an antioxidant punch to brighten and even skin tone over time—ideal for those who notice underlying sun damage resurfacing during the summer months.
Pros
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Higher price point
6. Bioeffect EGF Serum
Best for Overall Skin Health
This cult favourite is pricier than your average serum—so it really is a luxury addition—but the results speak volumes. Truly, my skin never looks better than when I'm using this. Just a few drops deliver serious hydration, plumping, and a noticeable radiance boost. It’s particularly great for dry or mature skin needing a post-holiday reset. In fact, the Bioeffect EGF serum is a favourite amongst the Who What Wear UK team.
Pros
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Suitable for sensitive and aging skin
Cons
- Very expensive for a small bottle size
7. Deviant Retinal Clarity Serum
This exceptional formula is one of the most impressive retinoids I've tried this year—it's formulated with congested, breakout-prone skin in mind, but is a smart option for anyone who wants to see results without the harsh side effects of retinol. It's powered by encapsulated retinaldehyde, a vitamin A derivative that works ten times faster than standard retinol, and helps to improve skin clarity, texture, and tone while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Think smoother, glowier skin minus the flaking or redness.
Pros
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Lightweight gel texture
Cons
- Only available online
8. Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturiser
This milky moisturiser is rich without being heavy, making it a brilliant choice for dry or dehydrated skin in need of impactful summer hydration. Japanese superfoods and silk proteins lend a luxe feel and a visible glow that transcends makeup application.
Pros
- Silky, lightweight cream that hydrates deeply
- Soothing and calming for sensitive skin
Cons
- May feel too rich for oily skin
9. Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser
If you have oily or a combination skin type then you may prefer this lightweight formula. It hydrates without clogging, layers perfectly under SPF, and adds a subtle glow—no greasiness in sight. A smart everyday pick that does exactly what it says.
Pros
- Hydrates without heaviness
- Available in a fragrance-free formula
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
10. Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30
A better-for-skin alternative to fake tan, these bronzing drops are summer skin in a bottle. I mix a few drops into my morning moisturiser or foundation for a lit-from-within effect that subtly warms my complexion. The glow is real—but refined, there's no glitter in sight—and the formula won’t highlight texture or fade throughout the day.
Pros
- Can be mixed with moisturiser or foundation
Cons
- Not sufficient enough for sole SPF protection
11. Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
Best for No-Makeup Days
The ultimate “your skin but better” SPF. Merit's The Uniform SPF is a creamy, mineral-based tint that smooths imperfections while protecting skin from sun damage. The satin finish makes it a great everyday base—for me, it's enough coverage to skip foundation altogether, a relief on particularly hot days.
Pros
- Non-greasy, comfortable for daily wear
- Wide shade range
Cons
- Tint may oxidize on some skin tones
12. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF30
I'm big on sunscreen reapplication—after all, it's the only way to maintain sun protection around the clock—but I can appreciate that it's not always easy. Fortunately, this invisible stick makes on-the-go SPF reapplication ridiculously quick and low maintenance. It glides on like a smoothly—blurring and mattifying as it protects. Toss it in your bag for midday touch-ups, especially around the eyes or T-zone—but I also like to use it on exposed areas like my ears, shoulders and scalp. No mess, no white cast, no excuses.
Pros
- Lightweight, sheer finish
- Convenient for travel and on-the-go application
- No white cast
Cons
- Only SPF 30
- Doesn't work well over makeup
13. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow
I'm sure I'm not alone in experiencing the frustration that comes with wanting to be tanned but also wanting to keep up regular exfoliation—for me, both particularly pertinent during the summer months. Part exfoliant, part self-tanner, these genius pads allow us to achieve both—they're packed with AHAs and BHAs to smooth and resurface skin, but also deliver a lasting bronze in one swipe.
Pros
- Convenient for travel
- Exfoliates and tans simultanesouly
Cons
- Can cause irritation if overused
14. Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask
Best for Cooling Skin
As an esthetician, my cryotherapy devices work overtime during the summer months—I don't know a single person who doesn't love the feeling of someting cold soothing their skin. After a day spent treating other people's skin, I love to come home and give my own skin some TLC with this mask. Inspired by cryotherapy, the ultra-cooling solution tightens and brightens in just ten minutes. Use it before makeup or on tired, puffy skin for an instant boost.
Pros
- Easy to apply and remove
- Immediately cools and soothes skin
Cons
- Scent may be too strong for some
- Effects are temporary, need regular use
Should you change your skincare in the summer?
Just like your wardrobe undergoes a seasonal reset, your skincare routine should evolve with the weather, too. Summer brings unique challenges—think more sweat, sun exposure and humidity—which can affect how your skin behaves. Those rich, heavy creams that felt comforting in winter might clog pores or feel suffocating when temperatures rise. Instead, summer calls for lightweight, breathable products that hydrate without overwhelming, protect against UV damage, address sun-induced hyperpigmentation and help keep oiliness or dehydration in check. So yes, as I tell my clients, switching up your skincare for the warmer months isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for keeping your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing all season long.
What skincare products are best in the summer?
Summer skincare is all about taking a smart, targeted approach. Lightweight moisturisers, like gel-creams or hydrating lotions are your best friends, delivering all the hydration your skin needs without feeling heavy or greasy. Sunscreen is non-negotiable—opt for broad-spectrum formulas with a lightweight, matte, or sheer finish that won’t clog pores or leave a white cast on dark skin tones. Incorporate antioxidant-rich serums to protect against environmental stressors, sun damage, and boost your skin’s natural glow. Refreshing mists and calming water-based products can soothe heat-exposed skin throughout the day while also rehydrating skin. And don’t forget gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear and skin radiant—but avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate sun-sensitive skin. In short: think breathable, protective, and hydrating—products that keep your skin comfortable, balanced, and safe.
How We Tested
To curate this edit of luxury summer skincare staples, I put each product through its paces in real life—fortunately, we've had our fair shade of hot, sticky commutes and sun-drenched weekends this year. As an esthetician, I’m constantly trialling formulas both on my own skin and with clients, paying close attention to how they perform in warmer weather. I considered how each product felt upon application (especially important in the heat), how well it layered under SPF or makeup, and whether it delivered on its promises—be that hydration, radiance, or oil control. Texture, absorption speed, scent, and results were all taken into account, as well as how each formula fit into a streamlined summer routine. Only the products that truly impressed made it onto this list.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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