My Spring Skincare and Makeup Transition Lineup
Spring has officially sprung, and that means one thing for my routine: it’s transition time.
As a board-certified dermatologist and someone who takes skincare (and a little glow) seriously, I always take this seasonal shift seriously. Between increased UV exposure, warmer weather, and longer days outside in NYC, spring calls for a tweak to both skincare and makeup. Here’s my full breakdown of what I’m swapping in this season—and why.
Sunscreen Switch: From Dewy to Derm-Approved
From: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Water-Fit Sun Serum
To: EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ (Skin Recovery Redness Corrector)
Don’t get me wrong—I adore the watery, weightless finish of the Skin1004 sunscreen, especially in winter when hydration is key. But come spring? I need a formula that not only shields me from increased UV intensity but also calms the redness I get with more sun and sweat.
That’s why I’m reaching for EltaMD UV Restore Redness Corrector. This SPF 50 is dermatologist-tested, antioxidant-rich, and subtly green-tinted to help with tone correction. It blends seamlessly under makeup and doesn’t clog my pores, even on oily days.
Scalp Savior: Coola Scalp and Hair Mist
We don’t talk enough about scalp protection, but I promise you—sunburned parts are not it. I stash the Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 in my bag for touch-ups. It’s a weightless, non-greasy mist that protects without messing up your hair. Plus, it smells faintly like summer.
Vitamin C: Switching to Silymarin
From: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
To: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
I love CE Ferulic—it’s a holy grail antioxidant serum for a reason. But as the weather warms and my skin tends to get oilier, I swap to Silymarin CF, which is better suited for combination to oily skin types. It still delivers environmental protection and helps with brightness and texture—but with less of the richness that can feel heavy when temps rise.
Moisturizer: Keeping it Matte
From: Avene Tolerance
To: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
When it comes to moisturizer, spring calls for lightweight, oil-controlling hydration. La Roche-Posay’s Matte Moisturizer hits the mark—it gives me that hydrated-but-not-greasy finish that plays well under makeup. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Slugging Lite
From: CeraVe Healing Ointment
To: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
I know, I know—me, skipping the slugging step? Shocking. But in spring, I go for CeraVe Moisturizing Cream instead of the heavier ointment. It’s easier to layer, feels fresher in the morning, and still gives me that barrier support I love without overdoing it.
Makeup: Glow Up, But Make It Matte
Base: Back to my OG It Cosmetics CC Cream (SPF 50 and your skin but better—forever a classic).
Blush + Bronzer: I move from cream formulas to powder blushes—especially from Milani and Essence. These drugstore gems stay in place even on sweaty subway rides and give a pretty flush without the slide.
This switch also helps me stay matte longer without having to cake on setting powder. Pro tip: Milani’s “Luminoso” is an all-time fave.
Body: Ready, Set, Scrub
Last but not least, I always keep Ouai Body Scrub stocked in spring. Whether I’m doing a quick shave or prepping for a two-hour sunless tan before going out (yes, it’s happened), this scrub gets me smooth and glowy every time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on Sun Protection
Let me leave you with this: the number of sunburns I see between April and June? Honestly alarming. People get caught off guard as the UV index climbs, and they forget that spring sun can be just as damaging as July rays. So reapply. Don’t skip your ears or scalp. And stay woke.