Ready for glowing summer skin? Check out these recommendations from the editors of Well Defined.
Ready for glowing summer skin? Check out these recommendations from the editors of Well Defined.
Ideal for steamy summer days and nights, this super-hydrating, multitasking serum and moisturizer in one deeply hydrates and plumps the skin. Vegan, cruelty free, and made from up to 96 percent naturally derived ingredients, this jelly is made with moisture spheres that release lightweight yet nurturing oils onto the skin and help to moisturize, soften, and protect.
House of M Beauty Saffron Glow Jelly Mask ($35 for 4)
This rejuvenating mask is packed with antioxidants, two types of hyaluronic acid, red marine algae, carrot root extract, minerals, and antifungal properties, which work together to help hydrate and brighten the skin. It provides visible, glowing results in just 30 minutes. Active ingredients include 10 percent saffron extract, which helps to protect skin cells from free radicals, calm inflammation, and brighten skin; red marine algae, which promotes a healthy skin barrier, and two types of hyaluronic acid with two molecular weights to help penetrate the skin with hydration and retain moisture.
Recent studies reveal that outdoor pollution has increased by a whopping 8 percent over the last five years alone. Today, an estimated 99 percent of the population is exposed to polluted air. Enter this protective, hydrating mist, made from a natural phyto-aromatic formula that is clinically proven to protect against pollution and UV light. The ultra-fine mist forms a 360-degree layer of protection against environmental aggressors without clogging the pores while a synergistic blend of vitamin B5 and essential oils soothes and moisturizes the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it boosts the skin’s natural self-defense systems. It also doubles as a makeup-setting mist and is proven to enhance the skin’s radiance after just seven days of use. This anti-pollution spray is free from alcohol, sunscreen, and GMO ingredients. It is dermatologist tested on all skin types, even sensitive skin.
East 29th Vital Serum ($65)
I’ve got sensitive skin, and this serum worked well and was not irritating. In fact, according to founder Victoria Ferguson, it’s perfect for sensitive skin, including eczema, dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and acne. The serum is designed to deliver a high concentration of all-natural ingredients directly into the skin after cleansing to improve hydration, texture, and tone while also firming, promoting elasticity, and smoothing wrinkles. Effective ingredients include lemon rind extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamins C and E to improve hydration, texture, and tone. Note there is a light sudsy texture when gently massaging it in, which Ferguson says is the natural ingredients responding to one another—just keep massaging until fully absorbed. In addition to the serum, I also tried the Valia Cleanser and Verse Lotion Mist, and using the three together provided me with the perfect trio to keep my skin looking great.
I always love it when I can do a professional-grade service at home, so I was thrilled to try out this retail kit from Pevonia, which includes a set of three sheet masks used in the professional service. The soothing mask redefines the lip and lip contour, while helping to smooth wrinkles and furrows. The Self Care Kit features three velvety-textured sheet masks made with marine collagen protein fibers, moisturizing algae oligosaccharides from laminaria digitata, and Pevonia's exclusive microemulsion retinol technology. The result is a sheet mask that is deeply moisturizing, plumping, smoothing, repairing, rejuvenating, and protecting. Post-mask, the lip area emerges radiant, smoother, and more youthful looking. It’s recommended for all lip and lip contours, especially dry, dehydrated, and mature skin types with visible lines and wrinkles. As such, it’s ideal for smokers and sun-damaged skin.
I love this skin polish, which delivers the power of dual-action exfoliation through volcanic materials and glycolic acid (AHA). Perfect for creating glowing summer skin, it provides gentle exfoliation and moisturization that helps improve tactile roughness and skin dullness within one week of use. Ideal for use for the face and body on most skin types, this exfoliator, which I use a couple times a week, helps skin appear smoother, softer, and visibly brighter
Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.