Best Summer Skincare Routine: Glow Up in the Twin Cities
- Leanne Kampfe
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Summer Skin Goals - Without The Meltdown
For the first time since I started the PJ journey, I spent a weekend out in the heat (and missed my pool...at least a little bit). Thank God for long-wearing, waterproof makeup AND the coverage of a tent. The heat and sun were no match with those not-so-secret weapons! If I had been out in the sun, plenty of SPF would've definitely been added to the mix. Either way, I added some key skincare products to my morning routine each day, along with my Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer and Glowify shadow sticks, since I'm not immune to the effects of aging at this point. My NeoTight serums are essentials every morning and I use a Retinol serum several evenings each week. Getting older is a part of life, but I might as well keep my skin in as great of shape as possible! Wondering what type of skin you have and what products would suit you? Read on...and, I provide free skincare consultations (virtual or in person) - shoot me an email at leanne@leannekampfe.com for more info!
Why Your Summer Skincare Needs a Reset in the Twin Cities
Let's be honest, there are far more humid places than the Twin Cities, but we definitely have some sticky days, and they've only just begun for 2025. Between sun and humidity, to the drying air from indoor cooling, your skin may not know up from down between June and September. Plus, we're now battling air quality issues regularly, so it makes sense to ensure that you are protecting and hydrating your skin enough to mitigate for all these factors. If you're like me (of a certain age, AKA older than 40. cough cough), then you also get to throw uneven pigmentation, loss of moisture and texture changes into the mix of issues to address. 😳
Step-by-Step: The Best Summer Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse Without Stripping
It's essential to use a cleanser that will remove all impurities, but also will not strip your skin. My favorite is SeneGence 3-in-1 Cleanser, and I use it morning and night. My skin never feels dry and tight afterwards, just soft and clean.
In the evening, I double-cleanse to make sure that my makeup is removed before I use cleanser, as this allows the cleanser to focus on my skin without the barrier of makeup. While I do enjoy SeneGence Melt-Away Cleansing Balm in the winter for a bit of extra moisture, this spring and summer I've been using Makeup Eraser cloths, and they are fantastic! You just wet the cloth with warm water and move it in circular motions over your face to remove all makeup. It's the eco-friendly version of a makeup wipe! Want to try them out? Save $5 with my link!
Step 2: Smart Hydration is Key
I have two go-to products for your best summer skincare routine:
SeneGence Climate Control, which is a hydrating gel essence in a clinically proven formula that helps even the driest skin regain its healthy glow and moisture. I use three squirts of this every morning, with a bit of SeneGence SeneSerum C or C-Bright Dark Spot Corrector as my anti-aging hydration to go with my Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer.
When I really want to glow, I add a spritz or two of Glowify Illuminating Moisture Mist. I especially love it on my decolletage and shoulders when wearing summer tops.
Your skin will really drink in your hydrating and anti-aging products in a humid environment, which is great. However, it's key to use light products like Climate Control or the Glowify Mist to ensure you don't create clogged pores as a result of too much moisture.
Step 3: SPF is Your BFF
Before you add tinted moisturizer or foundation, make sure you've used a face-friendly SPF. I have a friend that swears by Oil of Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer, which contains SPF 25, so give it a try!
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I LOVE SeneGence Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer. I used to only use it in the summer and use a foundation in the colder months, but I've switched to using it year round. It's literally color correcting - minimizes redness and can adjust to your skin shade up or down. The formula is water-resistant and very buildable - perfect for your best summer skincare routine!
Step 4: Eyes + Lips Need Love Too!
The Glowify line from SeneGence is a perfect no-fuss option for the summer. The products are all multi-use and buildable so that you can have as little or as much color as you'd like.
If you want an easy way to protect your lips from the sun and enjoy long-lasting color, Original LipSense provides a great option. The formula serves as a physical sun block, and lasts for hours with periodic application of SeneGence Gloss. It's a fan favorite for a reason!
Step 5: Evening Reset Ritual
As I mentioned, I'll use a Makeup Eraser cloth, followed by SeneGence 3-in-1 Cleanser to clean the sweat and grime of the day off my face before bed each night.
I follow that with SeneGence's Retinol Serum a few times a week for an extra dose of anti-aging goodness. If you are using a retinol, it's extra important to stay protected with sunscreen, as retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun!
If you haven't tried it, chilling your evening skincare products in the refrigerator is a real treat in the summer! At the very least, make sure you're making some self-care time every evening. I do a little journaling and reflection on my day each night before washing my face and then I enjoy some junk reading before I call it a day.
Bonus: Skin-Healthy Habits That Actually Help
Water, water, water! Even sparkling with lime counts!
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a hat if you're going to be out for any length of time because your scalp needs protection too.
Switch to lighter makeup-formulas to have less on your skin in the heat and reduce the likelihood of clogged pores.
Want some advice on creating your best summer skincare routine? Book a 15-minute consult with me. You can head to my North Loop Studio or we can do it virtually. Shoot me a message and we'll set it up: leanne@leannekampfe.com
Want some sparkle to go with your summer skincare & makeup revamp? Book an appointment at my North Loop Studio during June and save 20% on your permanent jewelry purchase! Use code SPARK20.
Top 5 Products That Belong in Every Summer Bag
Your Glow, Your Way
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Wrap Up: Real Skin, Real Summer, Real Glow
Remember, we aren't going for perfect here, just consistency. Zero in on a few key products and then use them the same way you set your alarm (except this will be fun). While you're hydrating and coating with SPF, don't forget to prioritize joy. Summer only comes once a year (and in MN that really matters since the rest of the year is winter 😉), so feel safe about getting out in the sun and enjoying our beautiful summer days. Add some bug spray to your routine, and you can also enjoy Minnesota's summer nights, 'cause the cooler end of this season is also a gift we only have for a short time. Need more product recs? Reply to this blog post, email me at leanne@leannekampfe.com, or pop by my new North Loop studio to grab some sparkly jewelry and we'll add a beauty consult for free. If you need a custom plan, I'd love to help. I'm just a DM or North Loop consult away.
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