I’m usually not one to jump on skincare trends. In my experience, my best skin happens when I’m consistent with the staples—i.e., cleanser, retinol, moisturizer, and sunscreen—and keep everything else nice and simple. But this summer’s skincare trends? They’re just too good to pass up, so I’m adopting them all. From souped-up sunscreens to glistening body oils and a new techy treatment for your under-eyes, this summer’s skincare trends are absolutely worth adding to your routine this season. I’m breaking each one down below and including the best new face and body products to shop right now.
1. Poolside Skin
Gleamy, dreamy, and ultra-dewy: That’s exactly what “poolside skin” looks like. Think of it like the glass skin trend but for your body—like you just walked out of the pool and the little droplets of water on your skin are making it glisten in the sun. A slew of new body products have made it easy to get in on the trend (even if your summer plans involve no actual pool time), including shimmery body oils, light-reflecting body sunscreens, and illuminating body lotions.
Get ready to glow:
Kopari Beauty Golden Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
2. Tinted Sunscreens 2.0
Tinted sunscreens aren’t new, obviously, but they’re having a moment for summer 2025, so I’m giving them a spot on this trend list. There are so many new options to choose from right now, but the common theme among them is simplicity. The tinted sunscreens that will be most popular for summer 2025 check all the right boxes—ample SPF protection, a non-orangey tint, and silky texture—without being loaded with other actives that may interfere with other steps in your existing routine. My two new favorites below are also surprisingly easy to reapply (something I’m guilty of not doing enough) so I like keeping it in my bag and adding another layer if I’m outside a lot during the day.
I’m wearing these tinted sunscreens on repeat:
3. The Next Gen of Lipscreens
I’ll be honest: Most sunscreens for lips kinda suck. They tend to be really thick and gooey, and have that chemical-y SPF taste too. But all the new lip sunscreens that have made their way across my desk are the total opposite. They are a delight to wear—honestly, they feel just like a juicy lip balm or lip gloss—and have zero unpleasant taste or scent. They also come in beautiful shades, so they feel more like a fun makeup product than just another skincare step. Ultimately, there’s no excuse not to be wearing one (or all) of my SPF lip picks below this summer.
4 lip sunscreens I love:
4. The Return of Face Mists
Proof that everything old is new again? Face mists. They were super popular when I first started in the beauty industry more than a decade ago, and now they’re back in a big way. The timing makes sense for summer, too, because mists can be a nice refresh for your face on a muggy July day. Now, do I think they’re essential in a good skincare routine? Not really, no. They’re more of a nice-to-have during the warmer months (especially if you plan on traveling a lot as mists can help revive skin after a long flight). I’m really into the three new ones below—and I have been quietly testing two more from major skincare brands that are hitting shelves in a few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled.
Shop these new face mists:
SOFIE PAVITT FACE Fridge to Face Blemish Defense Cooling Mist
5. All Things Under-Eyes
I’m really excited about Emface Eyes. I covered the treatment back in 2023 and was super impressed with the lifting and toning effect it had on my cheeks and forehead. Emface Eyes uses the same combo of radiofrequency and HIFES (high-intensity facial electrical stimulation) but focuses it on your under-eye area to help stimulate collagen and elastin and improve muscle laxity that can lead to dark circles, puffiness, and under-eye bags. With the rise of filler fatigue, I’m predicting doctors will be using it as an alternative to treating the under-eye in a relatively noninvasive way. Beauty brands are also offering a new crop of under-eye patches to help give your under-eye area an immediate, albeit temporary, refresh thanks to soothing, hydrating, and depuffing ingredients like allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine.
New eye patches to try for the summer:
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
