Have you heard? Meteorologists are predicting “an abundance of warm weather across most of Canada” this summer. The kind of forecast that calls for ample hydration and all things breathable—two directives that also apply to your face cream. To make sure your skin never feels smothered or sticky, we rounded up 12 of the lightest, most refreshing moisturizers.

 

OriginsOrigins Ginzing Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer, $38, origins.ca

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The energizing one

If your skin’s looking a little tired or lacklustre, wake it up with a jolt of coffee and ginseng. This invigorating gel revs up radiance and delivers 72 hours of oil-free hydration.

 

TatchaTatcha The Water Cream, $89, sephora.ca

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The J-Beauty one

Inspired by the ancient beauty rituals of the geishas, this bestseller swirls Japanese botanicals like wild rose, leopard lily, green tea, rice and algae to refine skin’s texture and lessen the look of pores. It’s even infused with 24 karat gold to impart a luxurious glow.

 

BiothermBiotherm Skin Oxygen Cooling Gel, $62, biotherm.ca

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The anti-pollution one

For skin that breathes easy, reach for this green jar. It’s powered by detoxifying chlorella algae extract and prevents pollution from sticking to your face. A true must-have for urbanites.

 

FreshFresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer, $55, sephora.ca

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The rose one

Don’t let the featherweight texture fool you, this gel-cream packs serious hydration. It banks on hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin and give it a youthful, dewy finish. Plus, it smells like fresh-cut roses.

 

Dr. Jart+Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream, $63, sephora.ca

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The calming one

Calling anyone dealing with redness or sensitivity. This tube not only soothes irritation and dryness, it also repairs damage and helps strengthen skin’s defences thanks to a proprietary microbiome complex.

 

Glow RecipeGlow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer, $50, sephora.ca

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The watermelon one

Summer’s trendiest fruit (thank you, Harry Styles) stars in this pink moisturizer. The yummy fluid makes skin plump and juicy while antioxidants shield it from environmental stressors.

 

CliniqueClinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $36, clinique.ca

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The cult-classic one

Clinique’s famous yellow lotion in a fast-absorbing, oil-free gel. It slips on easily and absorbs in seconds, balancing and refreshing oil-prone skin.

 

Charlotte TilburyCharlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light, $125, charlottetilbury.ca

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The smoothing one

Charlotte Tilbury just introduced a lightweight version of her famed Magic Cream. Ideal for summer, the veil-like texture leaves skin radiant and silky, but never greasy. Bonus: it also protects from blue light.

 

FarmacyFarmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Moringa and Papaya, $50, sephora.ca

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The shine-controlling one

Too often, we’re forced to choose between clear pores and proper moisture. Not anymore. This cocktail of moringa seed, papaya extract and willow herb draws out impurities and nixes shine while keeping skin soft and supple.

 

BelifBelif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, $50, avon.ca

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The super refreshing one

Billed as an “Aqua Bomb,” this gel releases a burst of hydration when smoothed onto skin. It kind of feels like giving your face a cool drink of water. The cooling texture is perfect for those sweltering summer days.

 

CeraVeCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $18, shoppersdrumart.ca

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The multi-tasking one

Beloved by derms, CeraVe is all about effective, fluff-free formulas. This lighter version of its daytime lotion restores the moisture barrier, offers broad spectrum sun protection and mattifies skin. It’s also oil- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

 

LaneigeLaneige Water Bank Hydro Gel, $50, sephora.ca

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The nourishing one

Eat your vegetables! This revitalizing gel is powered by “green mineral water,” extracted from a blend of kale, watercress and beets to serve up loads of vitamins along with a healthy glow.

 

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