Beat the Heat: Hydrating, Non-Sticky Skincare You Need This Summer
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
I spend about 99 per cent of the year dreaming about warmer weather (Melb feels), and the other 1 per cent complaining about the heat when it finally arrives.
Summer definitely has its perks–juicy mangos, serotonin-boosting sunshine, getting dressed with minimal thought. But for my fair, dry skin, the harsh, moisture-sucking effects can be a bit much.
Dullness is usually the first telltale sign the season is getting the better of me, quickly followed by tightness, texture and the occasional breakout courtesy of the sweat, oil and sunscreen cocktail.
That’s why I like to switch up my skincare routine when the temperature rises, swapping heavier formulas for lighter, breathable ones.
Hydration remains my number one priority, but I draw the line at sticky, suffocating layers of product. I’m here for the glow, not the grease.
Of course, SPF is my summer MVP (non-negotiable, always). But alongside it, I've been reaching for a few hydrating heroes to help me beat the heat.
These standout products strike the perfect balance of moisture and comfort, keeping my skin happy all summer long.
1. asap Cream To Oil Cleanser.
Fast facts:
- A transformative cleanser that nourishes while it cleanses.
- Helps to remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin.
- Supports the skin barrier and leaves the skin feeling refreshed yet nourished.
- Features Jojoba oil for hydration, vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and lavender and sage oils plus oakmoss and natural vanilla to create a calming aroma.
My asap Cream To Oil Cleanser review:
Why have a cream and oil cleanser when you can have both? This new(ish) addition by asap quickly became a staple in my skincare routine.
Everything about it is dreamy, from its luxurious, spa-like scent (take note, fragrance-adverse) to its unique cream-to-oil formula that transforms on the skin and provides the perfect amount of slip for a relaxing face massage.
Its ingredients list is ideal for dry, summer skin too. Packed with plant-derived ingredients like alteromonas ferment extract, hydrolyzed Jojoba esters, squalane, and essential oils that nourish, balance the microbiome, and help protect the skin barrier.
All of which are particularly important for keeping skin hydrated and happy this season.
2. Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturising Essence Lotion.
Fast facts:
- A refreshing essence that boosts skin moisture, and smooths texture.
- Vitamin E protects the skin against environmental aggressors and free radical damage within the skin.
- Features Aquagenium®, a patented complex made up of Apple Seed Extract and Niacinamide to hydrate and soothe.
- Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and evens out the appearance of skin tone and texture for a more radiant-looking complexion.
- Vitamin E protects the skin against environmental aggressors and free radical damage within the skin.
My Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturising Essence Lotion review:
This is a newer favourite of mine; I’ve just finished my second bottle and am loving it.
My dry skin slurps this up like a 7/11 slushie on a scorching hot day. It has a unique texture that’s watery but slightly thicker almost like a light gel lotion.
It instantly quenches dryness while gently improving skin texture behind the scenes–a one-two punch of the best variety.
3. Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad.
Fast facts:
- A multitasking toner pad soaked with brightening and hydrating goodness.
- Features niacinamide for glow, vitamin C for brightness, and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
- Different options available for different skin types/goals; these refresh dull, dehydrated skin.
- Gently exfolates the skin and leaves it looking glowy, evenly toned and prepped for the rest of your routine.
My Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad review:
When my skin is feeling lacklustre, this is one of the first products I turn to.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Mediheal Brightening Pads are an instant glow-up in a colour-coded cube.
They immediately make my skin look brighter and more evenly toned, while still delivering a dose of hydration.
I particularly love using them before an event for skin prep. You can either leave them on for 10 or so minutes or sweep their revitalising goodness across your face for a smoother canvas.
4. Bioderma Hydrabio Hyalu+ Plumping Hydrating Serum.
What: Bioderma Hydrabio Hyalu+ Plumping Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid for dehydrated skin 30ml
Fast facts:
- A juicy gel-like serum to hydrate, plump and enhance radiance.
- Uses a blend of low and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids for deep hydration.
- Features a light, hypoallergenic fragrance that has been tested to be safe for sensitive skin.
- Enriched with carnosine's antioxidant properties and strengthened by niacinamide to bolster the skin barrier.
My Bioderma Hydrabio Hyalu+ Plumping Hydrating Serum review:
I didn’t think I’d find a hyaluronic acid serum I love as much as the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, but then I discovered this one by Bioderma.
Fairly similar in price–both around the 70-75 dollar mark–but have some slight differences when it comes to ingredients.
Both feature hyaluronic acid as the primary ingredient to hydrate and plump skin to reduce fine lines, but the Bioderma Hydrating Serum has additional antioxidant protection and skin barrier support thanks to its inclusion of carnosine and niacinamide–both important factors in summer.
It also has a non-sticky feel and non-greasy finish, an added bonus for those sweaty skincare sessions.
5. Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser.
Fast facts:
- Peptide moisturiser for soft, supple and bouncy skin
- Can be used day and night, and makes for the perfect primer.
- Features a melting balm-to-gel texture that glides onto the skin.
- Helps to hydrate the skin and improve signs of ageing and loss of firmness.
- Star-studded ingredients list includes peptides, ceramides, amino acids, collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol and vitamins.
My Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser review:
This has remained a firm favourite of mine since Ole Henriksen launched at Adore last year. The Scandinavians not only know good skincare, they get the sensorial, too.
Strength Trainer is truly a treat to use. It smells lovely, feels lovely, and makes my skin look and feel… well, lovely.
Its unique melting texture is nourishing but not heavy. It absorbs beautifully and gives your skin a healthy glow that’s luminous under makeup.
There isn’t much I don’t like about it, except maybe it’s slightly spendy price tag–but when you consider the laundry list of skin-loving ingredients you’re getting in every swipe, it’s pretty easy to see why.
6. Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50+ Ultralight SKINSCREEN.
Fast facts:
- Ultralight, silky-thin water-like consistency.
- Fragrance-free formula with no white cast.
- Provides SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection.
- Designed for multiple skin types, particularly those with oily, congested, or sensitive skin.
My Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50+ Ultralight SKINSCREEN review:
Fave Fluid is right–this sunscreen is ideal for summer with a thin, comfortable, barely-there texture plus the highest SPF50+ protection.
It delivers a soft, natural finish and layers nicely under makeup with no pilling.
Like other Ultra Violette ‘SKINSCREEN’s, Fave Fluid is enriched with skincare ingredients including niacinamide, vitamin C and amino acids that work beneath the skin’s surface to improve texture, hydrate, brighten the skin and shield it from free radicals.
I love mixing it with the Ultra Violette Super Glow Drops for a hit of luminosity and tint.
Important note: Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
7. Mediheal Pantenolips Sleeping Mask.
Fast facts:
- K-Beauty lip mask for deep lip care.
- Nourishes and hydrates but never sticky.
- Leaves lips looking moisturised and plump
- Enriched with plant-based oil and Vitamin E, plus 10 antioxidant-rich berries.
My Mediheal Pantenolips Sleeping Mask review:
No skincare regimen is complete without a lip balm of some sort.
For dry lips like mine, the Mediheal Panthelips Sleeping Mask ticks all my boxes.
Yes, technically it’s a “sleeping mask”, but who’s to say its nourishing goodness can't be used ‘round the clock? Not I.
It has a lovely cushiony gel texture that's comfortable on the lips and leaves them feeling soft and supple. And a subtle strawberry scent that’s pleasant and not overly sweet.
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