YOUR SUMMER SKIN CARE PROBLEMS, SOLVED
Sun, sea, skin care. From serums that gradually dial up the brightness to nourishing sunscreens that plump and protect, our Buyers reveal the essentials they trust to address the demands of their skin through the summer.
“Obviously, SPF is non-negotiable" says Leanne, our Senior Buyer, “but summer skin needs more than just protection. It’s important to tweak your routine to achieve the desired results without risking a reaction – especially when choosing actives, such as retinol, which leave skin more sun-sensitive.”
From pigmentation to plumpness and fine lines and lost elasticity, our Buying Team reveal the seasonal essentials they entrust to treat their key concerns.
FOR DARK SPOTS
“Medik8 C-Tetra Serum is my daily dose of skin-brightening vitamin C – it's a luminosity-boosting powerhouse, that helps to unify uneven tone while bolstering defenses. I then alternate between Crystal Retinal 6 and the Press & Glow Tonic at night to refine and accelerate turnover, resulting in a smoother, more light-reflective texture without the irritation.
"I love that the retinoid comes in a range of intensities so you can move up – or down – a level depending on your skin’s needs and the season, and the acid toner is PHA-based, which means its milder than the typical AHA options, while still providing the retexturising benefits.” – Hannah, Buyer
BEST-LOVED BRIGHTENERS
484
£42.00
394
£69.00
184
£32.00
£39.00
£30.00
92
£38.00
391
£70.00
FOR DRYNESS
“As any fellow dry-skinned souls will know, seasonal changes play havoc with skin’s status quo. I’m all about products that plump and deliver long-lasting hydration without feeling sticky, which is why my morning routine wouldn’t be complete with Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense – a featherlight serum that works to recharge and replenish my thirsty complexion while calming any signs of irritation. I pair it with my C-Tetra Advanced Serum to tackle stubborn pigmentation patches – topped with SPF (of course!).
"At night, I then reach for the r-Retinoate Intense to encourage repair and renewal. My skin is pretty accepting when it comes to actives – as a beauty buyer, it’s had a lot thrown at it over the years – but although this is a concentrated treatment, the encapsulation technology means it delivers results without redness. So, while I’d still recommend taking your time to work up through the retinol ranks, this isn’t nearly as daunting as it might seem; yes, it’s strong, but it’s also amazing. My skin feels so much firmer since I added this into my evening routine.” – Sophia, Senior Buyer
PLUMPING POWERHOUSES
121
£59.00
27
£69.00
84
£229.00
11
£32.00
67
£43.00
153
£36.00
FOR FINE LINES
“I’d like to pretend I’ve made peace with the visible signs of growing older but I’d be lying if I said I loved my lines. That said, as a mother to two young children, I want to set a positive example by taking good care of my skin without striving for 'younger'. My laughter lines are signs of happy memories, which is why I’m primarily focused on maintaining my skin’s strength and barrier function over ‘anti-ageing’.
"My desert island staple is the C-Tetra Luxe – it's a bottle of magic. Formulated with powerful antioxidants to boost the skin barrier, and 14% stabilised vitamin C, this is gentle enough for all skin types and a fixture of my morning beauty routine. I then reach for the Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 and Crystal Retinal 3 every evening to fortify my skin and trigger collagen production – together, they keep things feeling plump and looking rested... even when the kids have done their worst.” – Leanne, Senior Buyer
FIRMING FAVOURITES
207
£59.00
373
£49.00
155
£42.00
193
£465.00
22
£75.00
4
£142.00
FOR SUN PROTECTION
“SPF is a year-round essential, but it’s especially imperative to shield your skin in summer. We all know that UV rays are not only harmful but that they accelerate the ageing process, which is why the right, high-factor sunscreen is the most important step in your morning skin care ritual.
"I’m obsessed with Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+ as it not only wards against damaging UVA and B rays, but also blue light and pollution. It’s virtually weightless, wears well under make up (no pilling!) and the added hyaluronic acid gives a plump, dewy finish. It has quickly become my go-to daily moisturiser, layered over C-Tetra Serum to boost its free radical-fighting benefits.” – Leanne, Senior Buyer
SUN CARE STAPLES
12
£57.00
484
£42.00
Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
