4 Boxes the Best Daily Face Moisturizer for Summer Should Check

Whether you realize it or not, your skin may have different needs and concerns as the seasons change. Think of it this way: While your mane may crave intense moisture during the cold, dry winter months, it might not need the same thing during the humid summer months. See what we mean? So, it begs the question—why would you stick to the same skin care routine year-round?

Much like putting away your winter clothes once the weather begins to warm up, it can be beneficial to switch up your skin care products, including your face moisturizer, every few months so that you can better address your skin’s evolving needs. If you’re searching for the best daily face moisturizer for the summer, make sure to pick one that checks off the following four boxes. (P.S. You won’t have to search too hard because we’re also sharing a bunch of our favorite summer moisturizers, below!)

1. THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR SUMMER SHOULD…BE LIGHTWEIGHT

When looking for a moisturizer for the summer, consider a formula that is more lightweight than your average face lotion. This is an especially good idea if you tend to experience oily skin when the weather gets more hot and humid. Contrary to popular belief, everyone needs to moisturize their face every day—regardless of how oily your skin gets. However, you may not need the same heavy-hitting hydration that worked wonders for you in the winter. Lightweight moisturizer formulas quickly absorb into your skin and won’t feel thick or greasy. The best face moisturizer for summer skin will provide hydration without leaving skin looking shiny.

2. THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR SUMMER SHOULD…PROVIDE SUN PROTECTION

Your skin is vulnerable to UVA and UVB rays all year round, rain or shine—but summer and sun damage go hand in hand for a reason. With summer around the corner, you’re likely to be amping up how much time you spend outside, planning beach days, and taking trips to the park, which means you’ll want to make sure your SPF game is on point. Besides using a body sunscreen (a non-negotiable), you’ll want to protect your face, and one of the best ways to do that is with a face moisturizer with SPF. By using a moisturizer that also checks the SPF box instead of layering on a separate product to use as your source of sunscreen, you’ll be able to streamline your summer skin care routine.

Editor’s note: If you do choose to use a moisturizer with SPF to protect your complexion, make sure you toss it in your bag so you can reapply throughout the day (at least every two hours, per the Food and Drug Administration) and take other sun protection measures, including limiting your time in the sun.

3. THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR SUMMER SHOULD…CREATE A DEWY GLOW

Dewy skin is in, and the summertime is the perfect season to sport it for yourself. The best way to ensure a gorgeous glow? That would be with a face moisturizer that promotes a healthy glow. Look for a moisturizer that’s formulated to give your complexion the boost in radiance you want, via super hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

4. THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR SUMMER SHOULD…FIGHT FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

We’re all about products that multi-task, and face moisturizer is no exception. Find one that includes all of the above qualities, plus helps combat signs of aging skin, such as the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

OUR BEST DAILY FACE MOISTURIZERS FOR SUMMER

The best daily face moisturizer for the hottest season of the year should offer lightweight hydration, broad-spectrum SPF protection, and a dewy finish and have the ability to help stave off signs of premature aging. Hydrate and protect your skin every day this summer by checking these four boxes when looking for the best face moisturizer for your skin. Need a little help finding a moisturizer that fits the bill? You’re in luck because we’ve got six daily face moisturizers that do all of the above, below.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30: This daily anti-aging face moisturizer contains Pro-Retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to help reduce wrinkles, firm, and brighten your complexion. After use, skin feels smooth, soft, and refreshed. Oh, and did we mention it’s formulated with SPF 30? Check, check, check, and check!

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen: Formulated with SPF 30 and imperial peony extract, this moisturizer is perfect for anyone with mature skin and dull tone. This daily cream renews and revives a healthy-looking tone for skin that looks visibly younger and feels hydrated and soft immediately.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30: Also formulated with SPF 30, this hydrating moisturizer contains vitamin C, glycolic acid, and Pro-Retinol to reveal brighter skin, help correct uneven skin tone, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles—not to mention, give your skin the hydration it needs. With consistent use, your complexion will feel softer and appear smoother.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal* Day SPF 15 Cream: Searching for an anti-aging moisturizer with a silk-like texture that will glide onto your skin? Your search ends here. The formula contains LHA and SPF 15, helping to stimulate surface skin cell renewal to reveal more youthful-looking skin while keeping skin protected from the sun and hydrated all day long.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Day Cream SPF 25: Formulated with Pro-Retinol and SPF 25, this moisturizer combats wrinkles and protects against the sun’s harmful rays. The lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer also provides all-day hydration and works to stimulate skin cell turnover rates. The result? Skin that is firmer and brighter with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Vita Lift SPF 15 Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer: This one’s for you, dudes! This daily face moisturizer is formulated specifically to combat wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of firmness. The cream contains Pro-Retinol A, along with SPF 15 to protect your skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Slather your moisturizer of choice on after cleansing and applying your daily serum every morning. And remember, if you’re using one of these moisturizers for their SPF benefits, make sure to reapply regularly, including after swimming or sweating!

Once your skin is moisturized, you can move onto makeup. So, in that spirit, let’s talk summer makeup next. Here are 26 Summer Makeup Looks to Wear All Season Long.