The STYLEVANA Editor's Summer Non-Negotiables to Surviving a Heatwave

I’ll be completely honest: summer is probably my least favorite season. As much as I love the fun seasonal fashions and chilling by the beach with a coconut in hand, the thought of walking out my door and immediately turning into an irritated melting heap of sweat gives me chills—decidedly, the bad kind. Nonetheless, I’m not omnipotent and have no control over the Earth’s orbit around the sun, so summer we shall have.

To survive the scorching heatwaves, keep my skin protected and have me feeling more comfortable in my own skin, I’ve enlisted the help of 7 K-beauty saviours that I keep within arm’s reach at all times. My essential summer beauty routine includes lightweight cleansers, cast-free sunscreens, the innovative dry shampoo that’ll have you tossing out your outdated formulas, and more favorites—keep reading on for the full scoop.

The Calming First Cleanse

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil sets a really high bar for the oil cleanser category, IMO, and that’s a win because it’s suited for all skin types. Instead of being thick, heavy and leaving a greasy film behind, this silky cleansing oil hugs your skin in a nourishing wave of calming Centella Asiatica, completely washing away only after it has dislodged buildup and debris from the pores. Post-first cleanse, your skin is left soft, soothed and hydrated, ready for the next step of the routine.

The Rejuvenating Cleansing Gel

BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BEAUTY OF JOSEON

I never paid much attention to water-based cleansers before, believing my oil cleanser would do most of the heavy lifting anyway, but there’s something about the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser that makes me look forward to using it. Powered by vitamin-rich Plum water and Mung Bean extract, this gel cleanser reinvigorates the complexion while supplying recharging hydration, maintaining its pH balance to keep the skin barrier healthy. It lathers up to a beautifully fluffy foam but unlike cloying cleansers I’ve tried in the past, washes away effortlessly.

The Hydration Bomb Mist

ANUA - PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ANUA

No matter what purse I’m bringing out with me, big or small, in it you’ll find the ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist. It’s a godsend for misting whenever my skin feels overheated or I’m in need of a quick refresher, and I find my skin feels calmer and cooler after a couple of spritzes. It’s also a giver of glow, thanks to its PDRN, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen-packed formula that strikes the perfect balance between essence and oil. I’ve tried this on both bare skin and on top of makeup, and have had nothing but positive experiences both ways.

The Plumping Stick Balm

medicube - PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

I’ll freely admit: I picked up the medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm after being influenced by Instagram and I have no regrets. It’s incredibly easy to swipe on for a boost of plumping PDRN, Collagen and Volufiline while keeping application mess-free, and while I haven’t used the product long enough to gauge its intended long-term results (ICYDK, Volufiline takes 3-4 months of consistent application to see its full effects), I’m still enjoying the hydrated glow it gives me; be it under the eyes or around my smile lines, my skin feels smoother and bouncier.

The Cooling Sun Shield

SCINIC - Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SCINIC

Two sunscreens have been stuck by me through the heatwaves and the first is the SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++. Formulated with Soy Protein Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol and Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit extract, this essence provides a wave of hydration on days when my skin feels a little depleted, for example an outing in the sun the day prior—a true example of sun care being cemented as skincare. Moreover, it offers a mild cooling effect that my skin highly appreciates to combat the discomfort of sweltering mornings.

The Invisible UV Defence

COSRX - Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - COSRX

The hotter it gets, the fewer skincare products I want to layer on so the COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ is my second sunscreen go-to. Like its name suggests, this formula will absorb into the skin and feel absolutely weightless, as if you hadn’t applied anything at all. It’s got Aloe and Witch Hazel incorporated into its essence texture (do you see a trend?) to soothe sun-exposed skin and maintain healthy hydration levels, moisturizing the skin without greasiness. It works well applied on its own but also sits nicely under makeup without disruption or patchiness.

The New-Age Dry Shampoo

MOEV - Annurcatin No Sebum Hair Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - MOEV

Just when you thought K-beauty innovation couldn’t get any more impressive, you come across the MOEV Annurcatin No Sebum Hair Cream. What I love about this product is that you can really zero in on your area of application, from the roots of day-old hair to bangs that have deflated after the work day. Not only does it turn flat, greasy strands into a freshly-revived ‘do in seconds, it also smooths down frizz and tames unruly baby hairs sans white residue the typical dry shampoo will bestow upon you. The cherry on top of the cake? Its signature floral apple fragrance that’s a delightful pick-me-up at any time of day.

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