9 summer skincare swaps to make now, based on your skin type

Here at Cosmo, we're not about having hundreds of bottles of skinovations clogging up the bathroom cabinet for every eventuality, nor do we believe that you need a 12-step routine for perfect skin. Buying what works for you – whether that's a £6 or £60 serum – is the most important thing. And for the most part, a consistent, year-round routine is going to keep your skin at its happiest. But there are a few exceptions when switching up your routine is necessary and one of them is called: summer.
No matter your type; oily, dry, combo or acne-prone, your skin's needs do change in the summer. This is down to the temperature of your body being hotter, sweatiness entering the building and, of course, the way direct sunlight affects the actives in products you might be using day to day. To understand the tweaks we should be making, we hit up board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology and Dr. Idriss Skincare, Dr Shereene Idriss.
Oily skin in the summer can sometimes feel as greasy as the pan that cooked your Full English. Shiny, sweaty and probs more irritable than usual, if you have excess sebum come this time of year, great news, you can, and should strip it all the way back.
According to Dr Idriss, 'If you have oily skin you can most definitely cut down on steps in your routine to avoid going overboard and layering too many products.' And in particular parts of the world, your oily skin can work in your favour. 'In a humid climate specifically, your skin naturally retains more moisture, so in the mornings, you can get away with just one step - sunscreen,' she says. Less money on your beauty regimen and more on small plates? We are sold.
If you're finding the shine breakthrough a little too much though, you can minimise by swapping your cleanser. 'If you're an oily slick ball in the summer, a salicylic acid cleanser at night is a great addition for oily skin, as it helps reduce sebum production and keep pores clear,' says Dr Idriss. 'Use it up to three times a week to avoid over-exfoliating. On alternate nights, a sulfur cleanser is a gentle yet effective option to help control oil while also soothing redness and inflammation.'
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Yes, dry skin is particularly annoying during the winter months but summer dryness is still a real bummer and the season has its own problems that have to be countered like air conditioning and excess sun exposure. But the thing that'll determine the skin swaps you make will be the environment you find yourself in.
'Depending on your climate, you may not need to layer as much hydration in the hotter months as you do in winter,' Dr Idriss says. 'Instead of piling on a hydrating mist, essence, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen, you can pare down your routine. In humid climates, dry skin can hold onto moisture more easily, so a lightweight serum, moisturiser and sunscreen would be enough to keep your skin balanced without feeling overloaded. You can also cut back exfoliation from 3-4 times a week to 1-2 times a week.'
She also has a clever at-home hack for maintaining moisture levels. 'If you have dry skin and live in a dry climate but don't want to layer on too many steps, a DIY glycerin mist can be a total game changer in the summer. I love using a nano mini mister from Amazon to keep my skin hydrated on the go - just mix water with a few drops of glycerin for an instant moisture boost whenever your skin feels parched.'
With acne-prone skin, it's really important to maintain as much consistency as possible with your routines. But, depending on how oily or dry your skin is, there are a couple of swaps to help to prevent breakouts 'If you're acne-prone, you're likely on the oily side, making salicylic acid a great option to keep pores clear and control breakouts. However, if your skin leans more dry, glycolic acid is a better choice, as it exfoliates while also boosting hydration and improving skin texture.'
Does the heat leave your skin more irritated than usual? Swapping out your actives for soothing ingredients is the key to calm. 'If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, summer is all about soothing, strengthening, and protecting your barrier. Look for ingredients like niacinamide to calm inflammation and Centella Asiatica to soothe and repair,' says Dr Idriss.
Like puppies, retinoids (such as retinal and retinol) aren't just for Christmas - they are year-round. It's probably one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare, that you shouldn't use retinoids when it's sunny. 'This is a myth that has been perpetuated,' Dr Idriss says, 'I mean think about it, what about the places where it's summer all year round?'
The truth is that, yes, vitamin A products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but that doesn't mean you have to avoid using them as soon as sunnier days approach. 'You can absolutely use retinoids in the summer, you just have to be smart about them. You need to be extra diligent with sunscreen, which, let's be real, you should be anyway'. Sound advice. Instead of dropping retinoids altogether, if you are an outdoorsy beachy girl a la Nadine Coyle, Dr Idriss recommends cutting back the frequency of use. 'And if you're more sensitive, always pair your retinoid with a moisturiser to buffer your skin and keep your skin barrier happy,' she advises. Retinoids are also always best used at night, to minimise photosensitivity.
Dr Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology and Dr. Idriss Skincare. She is also Cosmo UK's contributing skin expert who we turn to for all of our hard-hitting skin queries. If you don't already you need to follow Dr. Idriss on TikTok – her page, which has over 1 million fans is full of helpful advice, tips and tricks.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.

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New York Post

a day ago

• New York Post

MasterClass Skin Health series review: Why it's worth taking

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Whether you're new to skincare or have your seven-step lineup on lock, it can still be overwhelming to absorb all there is to know. You've got serums that tingle (but not in a good way), a drawer full of abandoned eye creams, and influencers telling you to smear snail goo on your face while chanting affirmations. Luckily, there's a new online series that'll make you think twice before selecting your moisturizer or tending to your morning routine. Enter Skin Health, the newest original series from MasterClass, here to rescue your face — and your wallet — from the chaos. Instead of pushing more products or promising dewy a litany of products you may not need, this series *actually* teaches you how skin works. Awesome, right? 'This class gives you science-backed facts straight from board-certified dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist. Whether you're battling breakouts, fine lines, eczema, or just overwhelmed by products, these 20 bite-size episodes cover every skin type and concern,' Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist, founder of the skincare brand BeautyStat, and one of the instructors for this MasterClass, exclusively shared with Post Wanted. You'll learn what works, what's hype, and how to build a routine that *actually* delivers. MasterClass The cast? Absolute icons. You've got Dr. Shereene Idriss (aka, the internet's beloved #PillowtalkDerm), Dr. Michelle Henry, Dr. April Armstrong, and cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. Translation: no influencers and no sponsored hype that can be confusing to debunk. It's just straight talk from people who know what they're doing and have receipts. And by receipts, we mean degrees, research and decades of experience. They've seen your skin struggles a million times, and they're here to help, as noted in the course's trailer. What is MasterClass? MasterClass is like getting a backstage pass to the lives and minds of some of the world's biggest icons. Only, instead of just watching, you get to learn from them. Imagine cooking alongside Gordon Ramsay, picking up tennis tips from Serena Williams, or diving into storytelling with Martin Scorsese, all from the comfort of your couch. It's not your typical boring online class; it's more like a VIP masterclass in passion, creativity, and hustle, wrapped up in glossy, cinematic videos that feel like mini-movies. What really hooks people is how these legends teach skills and share their stories and their mindset; the kind of advice you can't find in textbooks. It's inspiring, aspirational, and sometimes even life-changing if you let it be. That said, MasterClass isn't some magic wand for instantly turning you into a pro overnight. It's more about sparking your curiosity and motivation than handing you a step-by-step blueprint. I've been reviewing the platform for years, and I always look forward to learning something new. The classes can feel a bit like watching a well-made documentary— lots of cool insights but not always the nitty-gritty details or practice drills you might want. But if you're hungry for inspiration, love learning from the best in the biz, and enjoy a beautifully crafted video experience, MasterClass nails it. It's education with a glam twist, perfect for dreamers who want to peek behind the curtain and soak up some serious star power. About the Class Dr. Idriss kicks things off with a truth bomb: 'Any tan is sun damage.' Ouch. That summer glow you loved in 2017? Yeah…it was your skin screaming for help. She breaks down sunscreen in a way that makes sense: what kind to buy, how to layer it with makeup, and why it's non-negotiable (yes, even if your melanin is poppin'). Then Dr. Michelle Henry comes in, absolutely glowing with expertise, and talks about everything from hair loss to aging to why that fancy 'glow serum' probably isn't doing anything. Her specialty? Skin of color. And she brings the kind of knowledge that makes you side-eye 80% of the products you've bought on impulse. 'The skincare space is often overwhelming and cluttered with misinformation,' Dr. Henry exclusively shared with me. 'By educating people on the why behind ingredients and routines, we empower them to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary damage or expense.' The goal of this class? To help you cut through the noise and create a routine that's grounded in science and tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. Feeling squeaky clean? You may not want to be. Dr. April Armstrong shows up next to casually ruin your beloved hot showers. Apparently, all that steamy goodness is slowly cooking your skin barrier. Her advice? Lukewarm water, gentle cleansers and stop scrubbing like you're preparing your skin for battle. Also, your scalp? It's begging for attention. She'll explain, but you have to take the class to learn more. 'The most important takeaway from this course is that you'll feel more empowered and confident in taking care of your skin,' Dr. Armstrong exclusively shared with me. 'By the end, you'll have the knowledge to make thoughtful choices about your skincare routine, without feeling confused or overwhelmed by all the options out there. You'll gain a clear understanding of what your skin truly needs and how to support it, whether you're dealing with dryness, breakouts, or simply aiming to maintain healthy, youthful skin.' And then there's Ron Robinson, the chemist with the tea. He's formulated products for brands you've definitely drooled over, and now he's here to tell you what's actually worth your money. Spoiler: it's not always the $98 serum with a dropper and French label. Robinson breaks down ingredient lists like he's a detective, and it's pretty neat. My review The whole series is made up of 20 short episodes. Think: skincare Netflix binge, minus the drama and with actual benefits. Whether you're dealing with acne, eczema, mystery bumps, or you're just tired of your skin gaslighting you, Skin Health has something for you. The tone is chill, the advice is gold, and the experts treat you like a smart human, not a walking marketing target. And yes, I watched the whole thing. It started as 'just one episode before bed,' and five hours later, I was questioning my skincare routine. This was an interesting part of the class. As much as I slather on serums and dollop on moisturizers, this MasterClass proves that there's always something to learn in the skincare industry — even for someone who works full time in beauty. The next morning, I felt a bit more adept and swift at my routine. I appreciated the experts who took the time to share awareness on the skincare industry on one of the best online learning platforms (that I've been reviewing for years). Here are some takeaways and key learnings I've jotted down from taking this course: What are some things a MasterClass member will learn in this class? How to identify my skin type and unique needs The science behind common ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides (my favorite part!) How to read product labels and avoid harmful trends How to build a routine for morning and night How internal health and lifestyle factors influence the skin Specific guidance for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, and sensitive skin 'I'm honored to be part of this class on MasterClass. As a dermatologist, my passion is educating and empowering people to take better care of their skin. When you understand how your skin works and what it needs, skincare becomes less overwhelming and more intentional, effective, and even enjoyable. I hope that this course helps you feel more confident in your daily routine and better equipped to make choices that truly support your skin's health.' Dr. April Armstrong, board-certified dermatologist and MasterClass instructor Pros One of the best aspects of this course, as is the case with every MasterClass online program, is its expert-led instruction. The course is taught by board-certified dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist, ensuring that the information is credible and up-to-date. For instance, Dr. Idriss emphasizes the importance of daily SPF, regardless of skin tone, and provides practical advice on sunscreen application and layering with makeup There's also comprehensive coverage, which is excellent for beginners and years-long skincare users alike. The series delves into various aspects of skincare, including cleansing, moisturizing, anti-aging, retinol usage, and more. Each episode is concise, making it easy to digest complex topics without feeling overwhelmed. I found the course to have practical tips as well. The course offers actionable advice, such as how to build a personalized skincare routine, decode product labels, and identify ingredients worth investing in. This empowers viewers to make informed decisions about their skincare products and routines. With episodes ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, the course is designed to fit into busy schedules, too. Additionally, MasterClass offers downloadable guides and offline viewing options, and I always find this to enhance the learning experience. Cons Because of how great this class was, there aren't too many cons. However, access to the series requires a MasterClass subscription, which may be a barrier for some users. While the subscription provides access to all classes, the cost may not be justified for those interested in skincare content alone. There's also limited engagement in the class, unlike some other models. Unlike some other platforms, MasterClass courses are pre-recorded and lack interactive elements like quizzes or community forums. This might limit opportunities for real-time feedback or discussion, though I didn't find it completely necessary to have this feature. Cost Access to this MasterClass series, along with the platform's roster of other expert-led classes, is $15 a month. From experience, it's certainly worth it, especially if you're passionate about growing your knowledge in a wealth of topics. The bottom line Overall, the 'Skin Health' series by MasterClass is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve their skincare knowledge and routines. Its expert-led instruction and comprehensive coverage make it suitable for both beginners and those looking to refine their existing practices. However, potential subscribers should consider the subscription cost and the desire for interactive learning before committing. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.

Refinery29

3 days ago

• Refinery29

I Tried Full-Body Deodorant—Here's The Good, Bad, & The Sweaty

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. As beauty editors, we always keep our ears to the ground when it comes to product trends and new launches. I'm not just talking about what hits our inboxes and desks on a daily basis, but also out in the wild: When I'm at the pharmacy, the grocery store, or wandering the aisles at Sephora — I truly live and breathe the stuff. Which brings me to recently, when a Jerry Seinfeld-esque internal monologue wondered, 'What's the deal with full-body deodorant?' All of a sudden, they were everywhere. Claims like '72-hour odor control' (pretty sure showering regularly has this part covered?) and H2T protection seemed too good to be true. I knew I had to dig deeper. 'People sweat everywhere, not just the underarms,' explains New York-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss, M.D. 'The rise of 'whole body' formulas is a response to the fact that people are becoming more aware — and frankly, more self-conscious — about odor and sweating in other areas like the chest, back, feet, and yes, even the butt crack.' As far as sweaty spots go, I deal with boob and back sweat during the summer. But normally, I'd either just ignore it or hit my cleavage with a blast of my Dove antiperspirant; after all, it's more or less the same stuff…right? According to Dr. Idriss, not necessarily: 'Formula-wise, yes, there can be differences,' she says. 'Whole body deodorants tend to be formulated with gentler, odor-neutralizing ingredients like baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, or even probiotic blends rather than the heavy-duty aluminum-based antiperspirants you'd find in clinical strength underarm products.' Sure enough, a closer look at product labels revealed ingredients like tapioca starch, coconut oil, and even niacinamide, which work to balance skin and absorb oil where needed. So far, I was on board. However, during my research, I couldn't help but notice cheeky advertisements that not-so-subtly seemed to prey on women's shame around vaginal odor. This was problematic at best, and a health risk at worst. 'My concern with patients using whole body deodorants in the groin is that they could get into the vagina if patients do not use them sparingly, and these products could be irritating to delicate tissue,' says New York based-OB/GYN Isabel Blumberg, M.D. 'If a smell seems concerning, then a woman should see her doctor as that could be a sign of something clinical like a bacterial infection.' Her best course of action? Opt for underwear made from breathable fabrics and if needed, a liner to help keep things comfortable. 'Pads and liners, like ones from Carefree, are specifically designed for the genital region and are easy to change or swap out to keep you feeling fresh and clean,' she explains. But perhaps most exciting (at least for those who only had 'powder fresh' or vague floral scent options to choose from growing up in the 2000s), whole body deos seem to serve double duty as both anti-B.O. protection and wearable fragrance these days. Dove's Sage & Lavender Cooling Whole Body Deo and Native's Sea Salt & Cedar Whole Body were among my most reached for, as was Curie's Santal Sage, which I would readily buy as an eau de parfum. Meanwhile, Daise dreams up deodorant (and corresponding body mists) in creative scent combos like Pear & Patchouli and Raspberry & Mint. (Not to mention, the tie-dye-inspired packaging brightens up any bathroom counter.) So, where's a sweaty gal to go from here? I give whole body deodorants a green flag when it comes to refreshing underarms, chest, and back — especially during the day. That said, I'd love to see brands stop encouraging (subtly or otherwise) to use the stuff on the crotch. Below, a real-deal overview of the best ones I tried. Dove Whole Body Deodorant, $11.99 Pros: Smells great, instant refreshing feeling Cons: None! I've been on the natural deo train for years now, but on days when I have a grueling workout class and don't want to worry about B.O. ruining the vibe, I'll use Dove's regular deodorant spray. To stress test the whole body version, I swapped this one in for my hot yoga classes and nearly couldn't tell the difference. It performs surprisingly well for an aluminum-free spray, and the Sage & Lavender scent was my favorite among all the deodorants I tested. The price is right, and it felt cooling and refreshing when I needed it most. Native Sensitive Whole Body Deodorant Stick, $14 & Whole Body Deodorant Spray, $14 Pros: Felt and worked most like my normal deodorant Cons: Minor issues with the spray nozzle Along with Dove's spray, Native's OG stick is my daily deo of choice, and I have to say, I was super impressed with both the stick and spray versions of the brand's whole body deodorant. The scent options are elevated, and the stuff just plain works. I brought the Vanilla & Raspberry Whole Body Spray on a recent trip to Morocco, and it kept me feeling fresh and non-stinky during the hottest days in Marrakech. It's a yes from me! Daise All Body Spray & Deodorant, $5.99 Pros: Unique scents, great packaging, very affordable Cons: Doesn't last as long as I'd like I really, really wanted to love this one, but I had some issues with Daise's All Body Spray & Deodorant. The scents and packaging are an 11/10, but as someone who lives in a hot climate and works out a lot, this just didn't last as long as I needed it to. That said, I think the accessible price point (in most cases, less than half of competitors') and the matching body sprays are a smart concept. And hey, this might work for you if you're not as sweaty as I am — and I love that for you! As for me? If the brand ever chooses to make an extra-strength formula, I will be the first in line to buy. Curie Deodorant & Body Spray, $16 Pros: Gentle on skin, travel-friendly size, non-aerosol Cons: A little pricey I've tried Curie's stick deodorant before and loved it, so I had high expectations for the spray. Right off the bat, I liked that the size was purse- and gym bag-friendly since I like to reapply during the day as needed. Second, this was the only non-aerosol spray I tried, which — depending on where you live — makes the empty bottle easier to recycle. I was pretty impressed with its performance (I didn't notice any stinky pits during testing), but if you really like that dry-touch feeling from your deodorant, this one doesn't deliver that as effectively as some others I tried. But if you don't mind a little (not a lot) moisture — and reminder, none of these are labeled as antiperspirants, and none contain aluminum — then by all means, party on.

Cosmopolitan

5 days ago

• Cosmopolitan

The Best Skincare Routine for Your 30s, According to a Millennial Beauty Editor

I've had an extensive skincare routine since I started as a beauty intern at Cosmo 12 years ago, but now that I'm 34, my current routine looks entirely different from when I was in my 20s. There are fewer superfluous steps, quick fixes, and trendy products, and more of a focus on well-researched staples (along with a little Botox and the occasional microneedling appointment 😉) that I use day in and day out. Because in your 30s, being consistent with the stuff that really works is key. There's no time for nonsense (signs of aging, like fine lines and dark spots, have likely arrived) and there's definitely no time for 1000 steps (we have jobs! kids! pets! friends!). This is exactly why I'm sharing my 30-something skincare edit for you below. Consider it the ultimate no-BS guide to really good skin in your 30s, according to an editor who has tried it all. You've likely been washing your face for decades at this point, so this step isn't anything new. My advice is just to check in and make sure that whatever cleanser you're using is still right for your skin at this point in your life (like, the acne face wash you used in your 20s may not be good for your skin if it's gotten drier in your 30s). I would also say that basic is better here. In your 30s, I recommend using more active serums, so using a cleanser with potent ingredients like salicylic acid or other exfoliants can end up causing irritation. These are two of my favorite gentle yet effective face washes for anyone in their 30s. At the end of the day, I'm a big believer in double cleansing, which involves using an oil-based cleanser (I'm currently obsessed with Dieux's Ethereal Cleansing Oil) before your regular face wash. Oil-cleansers break down makeup and sunscreen more efficiently than your regular face wash alone, which is why you only need to use one in the evening. Personally, double cleansing has been a game changer for my acne-prone skin; my pores are way less clogged when I remember to do both steps. Not to mention massaging your face with an oil at the end of the day just feels damn good. If you're in your 30s, you're going to need two specific face serums: a vitamin C one you'll use in the morning and a retinol one you'll use at night. The ingredients are what matter here. Your 30s is not the time to use buzzy ingredients that promise clearer, smoother, and brighter skin, but have no research to back them up. Vitamin C and retinol are proven (via decades of clinical testing) to improve your skin's health and quality. Let's get into the specifics: VITAMIN C SERUM FOR MORNING Vitamin C does a ton; it's the multitasker of all multitaskers. The ingredient helps fade hyperpigmentation (including dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from breakouts, and even melasma) and prevent new hyperpigmentation from forming in the first place. It's also got collagen-boosting benefits; a must in your 30s since this is the decade that fine lines really started to pop up on the face. They also protect skin from environmental factors that contribute to aging, like UV and pollution. Now the reality is that some vitamin C serums are trash (as in, they don't work and feel all gross and sticky), and some are terrific. Lucky for you, I'm sharing my personal favorites here. RETINOL SERUM FOR EVENING Retinol isn't new, but it's the GOAT for anti-aging. It's proven to stimulate collagen and elastin production and jumpstart cell turnover (your skin's natural renewal process), which helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the look of pores, fade dark spots, and make skin more bouncy and firm. It's also the GOAT for treating acne, which makes it the perfect ingredient for anyone in their 30s who, like me, is trying to address signs of aging while also trying to treat and prevent hormonal acne. In my 20s, I used retinol erratically, but in my 30s, I'm much more committed. Retinol is a long game, so you need to use it consistently for months to see the full benefits. This can be hard since retinol comes with some notoriously drying and irritating side effects, but using a high-quality formula (recs below) and moisturizing a ton can help mitigate them. In my experience, if you can stick it out the first two weeks and deal with the flaking and redness, then you'll be good to go after that. As for specific retinol formulas, I swear by the three below. They're ideal for smoothing fine lines and improving skin tone, as well as keeping pores clear. So many retinols are too thick and buttery for my acne-prone skin, but these ones are lightweight and effective. A lot of experts will say eye cream is optional, but I am not one of those experts. I swear that being religious about eye cream for the last ten years is the reason why (on most days) my eye area looks smooth and soft. My favorite kind of eye creams have collagen-boosting ingredients like growth factors and peptides to give a plumping effect, as well as a thick and creamy texture that not only nourishes but creates the perfect crease-free canvas for under-eye concealer. My two favorite eye creams right now are stupid expensive (Irene Forte's Olive Eye Cream ($192) and Bioeffect's EGF Power Eye Cream ($149) so while I love them, I'm hesitant to say you must try them. CeraVe's Skin Renewing Eye Cream is a more affordable option I always come back to and recommend to friends. No matter your skin type or concern, face moisturizer is a must. Moisturized skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin looks good. A no-brainer, see? My general moisturizer rules are as follows: non-comedogenic (even if you're not typically acne prone, because clogged pores can happen to anyone), fragrance-free (scent, while pleasing, can be irritating in skincare), and full of humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Texture is all about personal preference. I have oily skin, so lightweight lotions and gel creams are ideal for me, but if you have drier skin, something richer and more emollient will likely be better for you. I'm pretty neurotic about wearing face sunscreen at this point in my life. Between the risk of skin cancer and the reality that the majority of skin aging is a result of sun exposure, I really don't get why anyone wouldn't be using it every day. Anyway, I'm also really particular about the sunscreens I use at this point in my life too. The non-negotiables for me include formulas that have SPF 50, use mineral blockers (this isn't to say chemical SPF is bad, it's just that most make my skin hot and red, so I avoid them), and have a tint. The purpose of the tint is twofold. 1. Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, which are said to give skin added protection from the aging effects of blue light. 2. They're makeup! Depending on the opacity of the tint, tinted sunscreens can create a subtle blurring effect or camouflage things like acne and melasma. EXTRA STEPS AND PRODUCTS WORTH CONSIDERING: I used to over-exfoliate, hoping that I could magically burn or buff all my skin issues away and wake up with clear, glowing skin. Now, after years of trial and lots of error (and chronically inflamed skin), I finally understand that low-and-slow is the way to go when it comes to exfoliation. I have two types of exfoliators in my lineup, and I use them each once a week: Eminence's Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant and U Beauty's Resurfacing Flash Peel. The type of exfoliator you should use depends on your skin type and sensitivity level, but I find that taking the combo approach with a physical and chemical exfoliator is best for me. My physical exfoliator (Eminance) helps unclog pores and whisk away dead skin cells to make my skin immediately more smooth, while my chemical exfoliator (U Beauty) is good for fading dark spots and pigment thanks to glycolic acid. If you have acne, these are a must. Again, you've got options here, but I personally think the basic hydrocolloid patches are best for 30-something acne, which is usually hormonal and cystic in nature. These types of patches help angry zits heal faster, and they also inhibit picking (out of sight, out of mind). Skincare tools are devices are having a moment, but that doesn't mean you need to try every single one that comes across your feed. The efficacy of at-home tools varies greatly, and a lot of that depends on how often you use them, so I recommend investing in something that's easy to incorporate into your everyday routine. These days, I'm really into the Shark CryoGlow mask—a hands-free and wireless LED mask that couldn't be easier to use. I simply pop it on for a few minutes a day and let the combo of red and blue lights help reduce inflammation, improve my skin tone, and help eliminate any acne-causing bacteria on the skin. I also recommend some sort of face massaging tool or stone. Now that I'm in my 30s, I've noticed my face looks more bloated when I wake up (especially after a few glasses of wine), and my chronic jaw clenching means my TMJ is always at a ten. I swear by Joanna Czech's massager for depuffing and melting away tension. I run it along the contours of my face most mornings and always bring it with me when I'm traveling. Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing sunscreen stories across print and digital. Her tinted sunscreen picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts. Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.