4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. It combines all the stuff I love most: being outside, fireworks, barbecue, family, and beer. Lots of beer.

But all that being outside…and beer…does require some special skin pampering both for protection and comfort. So before you put on those dungarees and pop open a cold one with Uncle Rob, make sure you’ve got your skin program on lock.

TL; DR version:

• Lightweight, water-based moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Face Mist
• Blotting Sheets
• Aloe Vera

Lightweight Water-Based Moisturizer

Gel creams are awesome in the heat. You’ll probably end up using a water-based mist later on the day, so go for a water-based or oil-free moisturizer to get the most hydration throughout the day.

• Sunday Riley Tidal. This is one of my very favorite gel moisturizers. I love the texture, the scent, and the results. Feels so good on the skin.
• Belif Aqua Bomb. Another personal favorite, this moisturizer is lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. Belif is one of my favorite Korean beauty brands, and this, IMHO, is a stand-out product
• Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream. Not strictly a moisturizer, this gel cream is marketed more as a “repair” lotion, but it’s lightweight, contains hyaluronic acid, and is a wonderful option especially for those with oily skin. Plus, cheap.
• Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid toner. This stuff is a classic, and though not really a moisturizer, I do love me anything with hyaluronic acid in it, so maybe use this in addition to something from above.

Sun Protection: Sunscreen + hat, sunglasses and long sleeves as necessary

If you’re going to be outside, look for a sunscreen with SPF of 50 with a PA rating of ++++. For every two hours of sun exposure, reapply. You need 1/4 of a teaspoon for your face, and another 1/4 teaspoon for your neck. If you’ve got tattoos, make sure you apply sunscreen to your tats, as well. Even better? Cover your tattoos with clothing if you can. Yes, it can get hot, but it’s the best way to protect your art.

• Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence. My favorite sunscreen. This new formulation is water resistant.

Speaking of hot…

Hydrate Internally and Externally

Drink lots of water, and keep your favorite hydrating mist handy. I prefer a water-based mist to something with oil in it. Try something like:

• Mario Badescu face mist. This is a perennial favorite that is lightweight and smells like roses. Plus, cheap. If you can’t get it from Amazon, check out Ulta.com
• Whamisa Organic Flowers face mist. This stuff is gorgeous and I really love it, but it’s a little pricey.
• TonyMoly Pocket Bunny Sleek Mist. Super cute packaging and actually quite hydrating. I think it’s also on Sephora.com
• Caudalie Grape Water: Cult favorite mist.

Absorb Oil with Blotting Sheets

Not strictly skincare in the most traditional sense, but if you’re sensitive about looking like a grease pile, invest in some blotting sheets. They’re more convenient than powder and, frankly, packing on extra powder throughout the day can be both inconvenient and gross.

• I use these adorable blotting sheets from Too Cool for School, but honestly you can find cheaper ones. But these are great and cute.

And if you do get burned…

Soothe with Aloe Vera

• Benton Propolis Soothing Gel. This is my go-to product whenever my skin is angry at me. I keep some around for emergencies: a sunburn, a reaction to a product my skin didn’t like, overexfoliation, etc.

When choosing an aloe, try to find one without added fragrance or alcohol for maximum soothingness. Is that a word?

Shop This Post