Let’s be honest: summer is undoubtedly one of the best seasons out there. After waiting all through winter’s dreary seasonal depression, I couldn’t be happier for long, sunny days filled with iced matchas, backyard parties, golden hour selfies, and beach days.
But with all the sunshine and heat also comes the very dreaded skin trouble.
I’m talking about the sun spots, the post-acne scarring that won’t go away, and the uneven texture that somehow appears overnight. Something about fun in the sun also should come with a warning label, because summer skin trouble is such a real thing.
After years of throwing just about every serum, mask, and miracle mist into my cart, I realized I didn’t need a 12-step skincare routine. I just needed a smarter one. Specifically, I needed a skincare routine that had ingredients that actually worked and didn’t leave my skin irritated, tight, or overly oily by the middle of the day.
That’s what led me to Paula’s Choice.
Shop Paula’s Choice at paulaschoice.com
I used to pass by Paula’s Choice in Sephora all the time. As a dedicated skincare junkie, I was intrigued by the clean, clinical vibe, but I didn’t really get how powerful these products were until I tried them.
Fast-forward to now, and I’ve been using Paula’s Choice exclusively in my summer routine, and my skin has never been more balanced, smooth, and actually happy.
After ruining my skin barrier with too many unnecessary skincare products before, I’m pretty picky about what I put on my face now, but Paula’s Choice is actually a brand I can trust:
- Science-backed with hundreds of tests, safety data, consumer studies
- Every product is tested for irritancy and safety (my extremely sensitive skin says thank you)
- Actually affordable (Most products sit comfortably in the $20–$40 range, and with how outrageous skincare and beauty product prices are nowadays, this is something I find reasonable and worth paying for when it comes to effective skincare.)
After testing out products so you don’t have to, I’ve come up with just a 5-step skincare routine that works with my skin, not against it, even in 90-degree heat. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to go back.
Step 1: Cleanse Off & Get Clean
Most cleansers I’ve tried either dry my skin out or leave a weird film behind. I’m obsessed with this particular cleanser– the name says it all: it really is perfectly balanced.
I use it morning and night, and every single time I feel like my skin gets a reset, but without that tight, squeaky feeling. I love that the powerful hyaluronic acid + ceramides combination makes my skin feel hydrated even before my toner.
After a beach day where I definitely layered way too much SPF, sand, and sweat, this cleanser melted everything off without needing a double cleanse. More importantly, I was thoroughly impressed with how my skin didn’t freak out the next day.
Step 2: Hydrate and Soothe
I used to skip toner altogether because I thought it was unnecessary and “just water,” but this changed the game. If I can shout anything from the rooftops, this is the step that makes the rest of your routine sink in better. Don’t skip it.
This toner has a dreamy, milky texture that actually hydrates and calms redness. I started noticing a real difference after a week. My skin had less dullness, fewer random dry spots, and a smoother base for makeup.
I keep mine in the fridge during summer, and it’s the best post-sun treat. It genuinely feels like a nice spa moment— call it the ultimate self-care.
Step 3: Treat The Problem Spots
If sun spots, post-acne marks, or that “why are my pores so visible?” moment are plaguing your summer skin goals, this serum is going to be your holy grail.
Everyone on the internet is always talking about niacinamide, and I used to think it was just one of those overhyped, influencer-fied products until I met this serum.
This is not your average 10% serum; it’s a much more effective, efficient 20%, but it somehow doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. This is one of the highest-strength niacinamide formulas on the market that still feels gentle and won’t sting your skin.
I’ve been using it on my cheeks and jawline where my post-acne hyperpigmentation has spread the most, and it’s made a noticeable difference. My skin has a much smoother texture, smaller-looking pores, and less redness. If a “glowy” look is what you’re looking for, you can’t skip out on this step.
If you’re new to niacinamide, start every other day and work your way up. A little goes a long way.
Step 4: Boost Up With Moisturizer
I hate using overly heavy cream to use in my morning routine because I don’t want it to melt during the middle of the day, but this moisturizer is amazingly lightweight.
It gives me this healthy, luminous glow and works perfectly under makeup. This feels almost like a serum, and just a small bit goes a long way. 
“Supercharged with 5% vitamin C, acetyl zingerone & algae-derived amino acids to protect, brighten & hydrate” — the combination with the SPF makes it ideal for the morning. I love that it’s sunscreen without all the sticky, smelly parts of sunscreen. Talk about a win!
I wore this on a hike in 90-degree weather and didn’t burn. That’s when I knew it was staying in my bag permanently.
For evenings, I swap in the Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer. It’s cushiony, rich without being greasy, and makes my skin feel bouncy.
Infused with peptides and collagen, this makes my skin feel instantly hydrated, bouncier, and visibly smoother in the mornings.
I’m completely obsessed— the sun can make your skin age much faster, so it’s truly important to make sure that you’re taking care of anti-aging for the skin, even if being a “real adult” feels like forever away.
Step 5: Gloss and Shine
Skincare shouldn’t stop at the lips. This gloss balm is what I wear every single day. I like to think of it as a lip mask, gloss, and collagen booster all in one swipe.
I am obsessed with how it smells faintly like vanilla.
My lips have never felt smoother, and it gives that subtle sheen that makes me look more put-together even on no-makeup days. I swipe it on before bed too; it makes my lips feel perfectly plush in the morning.
Keep Up With Paula’s Choice
Be sure to follow Paula’s Choice on social media! Find them on Instagram at @paulaschoice.
