If you are traveling any of these cities: LA, NYC, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Paris etc for the summer your skincare essentials have to be adapted for a city summer. The city in summer is a contradiction: luminous and alive, yet relentless on the skin. Between the concrete heat, invisible pollutants, and air-conditioning fatigue, urban living demands a ritual that goes beyond glow. It needs protection, hydration, and a moment of calm amid the chaos. Here, our editors share their most essential skincare picks for a cosmopolitan summer — curated for radiance, resilience, and restoration.
1. The Urban Reset: Micellar Cleanse + Mineral Mist
City skin needs a soft reset twice a day — nothing too stripping, but something that lifts the day away.
Editor Pick: Eau Démaquillante Micellaire+ Avène Thermal Spring Water
This micellar duo is our non-negotiable. The cleanse is gentle enough for morning skin, while the mist acts as a shield and refresher for when the subway gets too close.
2. Morning Armor: Vitamin C + SPF
Your 8 AM shield: antioxidant + protection. It’s the urbanite’s answer to long days, blue light, and rooftop apéros.
Editor Pick: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum + SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF 50
The brightening power of grapevine sap meets a mousse-textured sunscreen that doubles as a primer. Chic *and* clinical.
3. Blush Souffle : Fresh Pick Me Up + Pop of Color
You want dewy, not greasy. In summer, the line is fine — and your formula needs to respect it.
Editor Pick: Embryolisse Blush Cream
It’s lightweight but long-lasting, making it perfect for under-makeup hydration on muggy days.
4. Barrier Repair: Overnight Seal + Cicaplast
City skin never sleeps. Apply your skincare and seal in with a barrier repairing cream with cicaplast or panthense. Pollution doesn’t stop at sunset, and neither should your skincare.
Editor Pick: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Made for overworked skin, this baume calms post-sun redness, repairs irritation, and feels like a soft exhale after a long day.
5. Instant Reset: SoothE+ The Calm-Down Mask
For when your face feels like the sidewalk at 4pm: red, hot, reactive. Turn on the fan or amp up the AC and grab an iced lemonade while face cools dow.
Editor Pick: Uriage Bariéderm Cica Night Mask
This overnight mask wraps your skin in soothing Centella Asiatica and mineral-rich thermal water. Bonus: the texture is divinely cooling.
6. Midday Ritual: Envy Sheen + Body oil
You might not be at the beach but you can still look like a beach goddess with a shimmery body oil for deep hydration.
Editor Pick: Brunel Awakening Body Oil by Jasmine Tookes.
A soft shimmer for collarbones and shoulders, with a scent that transports. Toss it in your tote for instant elegance on the go.
Our City Skin Edit, Curated by Angèle Ammal
Every product featured is part of our City Skin Rituals collection — a curated guide for those navigating hot pavement, warm nights, and everything in between. Shop the City Edit. Because even in the heat, your skin deserves to feel composed.