Summer skincare is all about hydration and protection with a healthy glow. Think “mirror skin” – a high-gloss, super-dewy finish (it’s TikTok’s #glassskin). Layer light hyaluronic serums, gel-cream moisturizers, and finish with a glowing skin tint or primer. For example, Beauty of Joseon’s Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser gently cleanses without stripping your skin’s barrier, leaving skin ready to soak up hydration. Then slather on a hyaluronic serum or jelly–cream. You might even slug at night (the K-Beauty trick of sealing moisturizer with an occlusive) for round-the-clock moisture.

• Mirror-skin routine tips: After cleansing, stack hydrating products – essences or glycerin-serums, then a nourishing moisturizer. Finish with a glossy balm or glow primer on cheekbones and cupid’s bow.
• Pro tip: Multi-tasking hydrating masks (e.g. overnight sheets or sleeping masks) can boost radiance for that lit-from-within look. (3D-sheet masks are even trending – they hug every contour for max hydration.)
• Note: This extra shine can clog oily skin if you overdo it, so skip heavy oils if you break out. (Instead, use a water-based gel moisturizer.)

Clean + Green: Gentle Microbiome Cleansers

Skip harsh stripping washes this summer. 2025 is all about skin-friendly formulas and “barrier-boosting” routines. That means non-irritating, slightly acidic or probiotic-infused cleansers and toners (so skin’s healthy microbiome stays intact). For example, the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser uses plum and mung bean extracts in a gentle, pH-smart gel. It cleans without over-drying, helping skin stay hydrated and balanced.

• Do: Use a creamy or gel cleanser (micellar jelly or oil-to-foam) instead of rough scrubs. Try K-Beauty favorites on Brush Blush: e.g. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser (refreshing, soothing) or Missha Amazon Red Clay Foam Cleanser (cleans pores without irritation).
• Don’t: Skip cleansing! Even in summer, remove sweat/oil at night. But be gentle – avoid sulfate foams that strip.
• Barrier Boost: After cleansing, apply a barrier-friendly serum or moisturizer (look for ceramides, niacinamide or probiotics). Dermstore calls it the “Barrier Boost” trend – basic, mindful routines to strengthen skin. Keep it simple: cleanse, antioxidant toner or vitamin C, light moisturizer, SPF in AM; oil-cleansing + repair cream at night.

SPF 2.0: Your Daily Skincare Shield

Sun protection is everyone’s must-have this summer. 2025’s SPFs do more than block rays – they often contain skincare actives. Think lightweight, silky formulas loaded with antioxidants (vitamin C/E), ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid – basically your moisturizer with an SPF twist. These “SPF 2.0” sunscreens fight UV plus blue light, pollution, even infrared stress. 

Summer-proof routine tips:

• Tinted SPF: Wear a tinted sunscreen or SPF-boosted moisturizer (Supergoop’s Protint SPF50 and Fenty’s Hydra Vizor Tinted SPF30 are examples). They act like foundation + SPF in one – perfect for a no-makeup, bronzed look.
• Layer Smartly: Apply SPF as your last step every morning. Don’t forget easily-missed spots (ears, scalp part, back of hands) especially on sunny days.
• Reapply: If you’re outside, reapply every 2–3 hours. Bonus points for SPF-enriched setting sprays or face mists midday.
• Cool idea: Try a sunscreen serum or drops under makeup – these “just-like-skin” textures make reapplication effortless.

Quick facts: Brands are infusing SPF with skincare goodies (think squalane, multi-vitamins) so you actually want to wear it. Modern formulas are lighter and more elegant too – like a hydrating serum that just happens to block UVA/UVB.

Body Glow & “Poolside Skin”

Summer’s not just about the face! The “poolside skin” trend means head-to-toe radiance. Treat your body with as much care: exfoliate and hydrate those limbs for a sun-kissed glow.

• Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub or AHA body wash once a week to slough off dry, dull patches. This is peak summer for smooth legs/arms.
  
• Body Serums/Lotions: Slather on brightening serums (vitamin C, niacinamide) or moisturizing lotions. Dermstore’s experts highlight “Body Rituals” – formulas with retinol, vit C and ceramides to fight dullness and pigmentation.
  
• Subtle Shimmer: For instant glow, try a tinted body lotion or SPF oil with shimmer. Even light-reflecting body mists can give skin a healthy sheen.
  
• Don’t Forget SPF: Yes, wear sunscreen on shoulders, chest and legs, too (poolside or no).

A final pro-tip: seal in moisture at night. After your evening shower, apply a thick body cream or oil (this is the “slugging” idea for body!). It locks in hydration so you wake up with soft, supple skin – ready to glow another day.

Our Brush Blush Pick-Me-Ups

Clean, K-Beauty products are huge with Gen Z, and many come on BrushBlush’s shelves. A few fun picks:

• Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser: (see above) – refreshing gel that hydrates with plum/mung extracts. Great for normal/oily summer skin.
  
• Danyel Collagen Facial Gel: A nourishing cleanser that boosts moisture with marine collagen (gentle anti-aging touch).
  
• Born to Bio Citrus Micellar Cleanser: A refreshing makeup-melting micellar water (with sunflower oil) for sensitive or dry skin.
  
• Regi Magic Oil-Free Makeup Remover: Perfect for eye makeup (no greasy residue).
  
• Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm: (if you have dry skin) – melts into an oil then a soft balm to gently cleanse makeup while adding dewiness.
  
• Niacinamide Toner: (Korea’s BEST: try Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum) – hydrates and calms post-cleanse.

In short: choose products labeled gentle, hydra- or barrier-friendly. Brush Blush’s selection of organic/Korean skincare is all cruelty-free and full of plant actives. They’re great for building a routine that’s clean and effective.

Summer Skincare Quick List:

• Wash with a gentle cleanser (avoid alcohol/sulfates). Example: Beauty of Joseon’s Green Plum Gel.
  
• Pat on a hydrating essence or toner (lotus, rice, propolis, niacinamide).
  
• Use an antioxidant serum (like vitamin C) in the AM or retinol (at night) – sparingly.
  
• Moisturize morning & night. Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid or probiotic ingredients.
  
• SPF every morning (no excuses!). Bonus: tinted or serum-form SPF.
  
• Treat your body too: exfoliate weekly, then use a hydrating or brightening lotion.
  
• Enjoy sheet masks or a quick LED/tech mask if you’re into skin gadgets (they’re trending!).