photographed by felisha tolentino

Beauty

beauty mark: gel moisturizers

lighten up this summer.

by katie dickens

In the face of oppressive heat and humidity, the simple act of applying your regular moisturizer can be about as comfortable as putting on a wool sweater. Especially when you consider having to layer sunscreen on top of it.

Now seems the perfect time to swap out your usual lotion for a gel-based formula. The texture is lighter, more refreshing, and absorbs in a snap, so it doesn’t feel like you’re suffocating your skin. Behold, options that are like the see-through crop tops of moisturizers.

Olay Fresh Effects {Dew Over} Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, $15

Shine happens in the summer but this powder-packed gel will help absorb it.

Simple Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer, $11

Formulated for sensitive skin, this clear gel keeps skin hydrated and soft without causing the least bit of irritation.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalising Gel-Lotion, $47

Everything’s coming up roses because this barely there hydrator smells like a bouquet of them.

Koh Gen Do Moisture Spa Gel, $62

Enriched with mineral-rich Japanese spring water, this weightless moisturizer also works like a charm as a nourishing mask.

NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer, $58

Want to look luminous, not like a grease monster? The light-reflecting complex does the former, while other natural ingredients prevent you from turning into the latter.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $26

The cult classic lotion is also available in an ultra lightweight texture.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer Oil-Free, $7

Refresh parched skin with a soothing cocktail of mango and cucumber extracts.

Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream For Normal to Combination Skin, $7

This gel-cream keeps skin hydrated around the clock. Perfect for all you 24-hour party people.

The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Gel, $105

Fight nasty free radicals with this antioxidant-packed, all-natural formula.

Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel, $23.50

When you’re over-heating (so basically for the next few months), smear some of this cooling yogurt-based gel on your face.