"Less is More" Summer Routines: AM & PM Skincare and Makeup Looks

Summer has a way of convincing us we need an entirely new skincare routine.

A cleanser for sweat.
A serum for sun.
A moisturizer for humidity.
A different moisturizer for after the beach.
A setting spray.
A cooling mist.
An after-sun lotion.
A recovery mask.

You don’t need more products. You need fewer ones that do more for you.

Here's exactly how we do it.

Protect What's Already Working

One of the biggest mistakes people make in the summer? Starting every morning by aggressively stripping their skin.

If you spent the evening nourishing your skin with nutrient-rich balms and serums, why wash all of that away first thing?

Morning skincare isn't about starting over. It's about supporting the healthy work your skin did overnight.

Summer AM Skincare Routine

Step 1: Gently Cleanse

Instead of harsh cleansers, reach for:

These gently refresh the skin without removing every oil your skin worked so hard to hold onto overnight.

Step 2: Brighten & Defend

Apply Vitamin C Serum.

Vitamin C helps support healthy skin while protecting against environmental stressors that are especially common during summer.

It also helps improve the appearance of:

Sun spots
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven tone
Existing acne marks

Think of it as giving your skin extra support before heading outside.

Step 3: Hydrate

Don’t wait until after sun exposure to hydrate your skin, because a damaged skin barrier in the sun becomes painful, not radiant.

Glow Serum: For extra hydration and glow, add a few drops to the face before your face balm, or mix directly with it.
Frankincense Face Balm: Moisturize and strengthen your skin barrier with grass-fed tallow rich in hydrating fatty acids and reparative vitamins.

Both provide additional support for compromised, dry, or sun-exposed skin — or help prevent getting there in the first place.

Want to shop this routine? All the mentioned products are pre-loaded to your cart here!

Summer Makeup Routines

Heavy makeup and humid weather rarely get along. Summer is the perfect time to let healthy skin do most of the work. Whether you're heading to the farmers market or out to dinner, here's how we keep makeup simple.

Option 1: The Natural Summer Glow

Best for: Beach days, brunch, vacations, everyday errands

The goal isn't to hide your skin. It's to make healthy skin look even healthier.

Routine:

Glow Serum: Creates a glowy, hydrated base for makeup application.
Concealer: To conceal under-eye darkness or blemishes.
Mineral Foundation: Lightweight coverage with the added benefit of non-nano zinc oxide.
Cheek Tint: Adds healthy, sun-kissed color on the cheeks or eyelids.
Tinted Lip Balm: Hydration with just enough color to finish off the look.

The result?

Skin that still looks like skin.

Only glowier.

Option 2: Full Coverage Without Feeling Heavy

Best for: Date nights, weddings, summer events

Some days call for a little more polish. That doesn't mean your makeup has to feel thick.

Routine:

Primer: Creates a smooth, humidity-proof base for makeup so it lasts longer.
Liquid Foundation: Buildable coverage that still feels breathable.
Concealer (as needed): Under eyes or on blemishes.
Bronzer: Adds warmth and dimension.
Cheek Tint: Healthy flush of color.
Mascara: Because no summer evening look is complete without it.
Tinted Lip Balm: Comfortable color that nourishes while it wears.

Summer Nights Are For Recovery

Summer days can be tough on skin.

Sweat.

Sunscreen.

Pool water.

Saltwater.

At night, your focus shifts from protection to recovery.

This is when your skin naturally begins repairing itself. Your routine should help that process.

PM Skincare Routine

Step 1: Wash Away the Day

Start with the Charcoal Face Bar.

It deeply cleanses without leaving skin feeling stripped.

If you've been wearing makeup, begin with Seabuckthorn Cleansing Oil to gently dissolve foundation, mascara, and sunscreen before washing with the Charcoal Face Bar.