Shine Free Summer Moisturizers for Fresh Skin

As the Summer heat starts approaching, many of us start to change up our skincare routines. I always swap my thicker creams for a summer moisturizer- typically water based and refreshing! With shelves and shelves of oil-free moisturizers, gel creams, and water creams it can be hard to know what to buy. Let’s break down the must-have summer moisturizers for all skin types at all price points!

FYI- This is the first in my Summer Skincare 2021 series so be sure to come back or the rest of topics soon to follow!

First, what is the difference between a gel cream, water cream, oil-free moisturizer?

Skincare products can be oil based, water based or a mix of both! Picking from a row of summer moisturizers, we probably want something with less oil to reduce shininess in the heat. Gel and water creams are basically the same thing just with different names. These skincare products are water based but have ingredients to make them thicker and give that cream consistency we enjoy. Still, gel or water creams need to include hydrating and soothing ingredients such as humectants to properly moisturize the skin. Other oil-free moisturizers will look like your typical cream without the heavy oils included.

I want to help all my oily sisters out by giving you the best gel based moisturizer for summer 2021 to add to your skincare shelf! Don’t worry about budget either, I have it all separated no matter what you want to spend.

Summer Moisturizers under $10

1) Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream

This is perfect for those with acne prone skin. It uses salicylic acid, green tea and centella extract to purify and soothe skin. Having those exfoliants in your moisturizers can help reduce the amount of steps in your daily routine, too!

Purchase here

2) iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

This gel cream is oil free and refreshing for every day as a summer mositurizer. I especially recommend this to combo skin types since it uses calming centella leaf water and niacinamide to even out the skin and refine the pores.

Purchase here and use code TARATHEESTIE rewards code for money off!

3) The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Not a gel cream, but this formula is great for sensitive skin since it’s pretty basic and straight forward. Oil-free, fragrance-free, and light weight…what more do you need for summer?!

Purchase here

Gel based moisturizer for Summer 2021 under $25

1) Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

This is probably my new favorite gel moisturizer! It sinks in quickly but provides plenty of soothing and hydrating properties. It is fragrance-free and super gentle. This is great if you’re more on the dry side but still don’t want anything heavy.

Purchase here

2) Kinship Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer

This uses hyaluronic acid, coconut water and marshmallow root to plump moisturize the skin. I love the texture of this for all skin types!

Purchase here

3) INNBeauty Project Next Level Daily Moisturizer

I am obsessed with the glow this moisturizer gives me! It leaves you fresh and bright all day, or the next morning if you choose to use this overnight (which I prefer). Ingredients include ribose, bilberry, apple and mango extract.

Purchase here

5) Mauve Fantastic Ever Cool Kids Never Sleep Cream

I love layering this as a sleeping mask or apply a small amount before my SPF in the morning. It is so cooling, refreshing- literally a splash of water on your face. It smells like pine and has a stunning purple color infused with dragon fruit extract.

Purchase here

4) Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

A perfect option to use after a day in the sun or those with extra oily skin. This gel has aloe leaf water, aloe extract, cucumber extract and propolis! How soothing!

Purchase here and use code TARATHEESTIE for money off!

Summer Moisturizers Under $50

1) Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-free Moisturizer

If you love the smell of watermelon- you need to try this Glow Recipe line! The watermelon extract in this moisturizer hydrates and soothes any irritation. This one layers well with other serums and products.

Purchase here

2) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

OMG, it really feels like just a glass of water for your skin! This is such an easy, gel based moisturizer for summer 2021 to throw in your beach bag and reapply as needed with your sunscreen.

Purchase here

3) Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

I love the ingredients in this one- moringa seed extract, papaya extract, and four types of hyaluronic acid. This is perfect for combo and acne prone skin types. Plus it smells so fresh!

Purchase here

4) Fenty Beauty Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel Cream

I would be remiss to not include this unique cream! It feels amazing before bed and you wake up with totally refreshed skin. I have a full review on this moisturizer on a previous blog you can check out here!

Purchase here

Anddd the Bougie Gel Creams

1) Tatcha Water Cream

Honestly, this is one of my all time favorite moisturizers. It is so refreshing, cooling and perfect for summer! The packaging definitely reflects the price (so cute!). It uses Tatcha’s signature hadasei-3, japanese wild rose and leopard lily.

Purchase here

2) Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

By using alpha-arbutin and papaya enzymes, you can see an improvement in dark spots and uneven skin tone with this gel cream. Although it is pricey, it can double as a moisturizer and treatment serum in one!

Purchase here

3) Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion

This is another one of my favorite day time moisturizers for hot, humid weather. It includes japanese marine algae, hyaluronic acid, and aloe extract for a refreshing and calming glow. This compares in texture and feel to the Aveeno Oat Gel moisturizer.

Purchase here

Gel based moisturizer for Summer 2021 Wrap-up

Adding a lightweight cream to your routine may be the perfect switch for you. If you get extra oily in the summer, you probably don’t want to layer many products with it except for a sunscreen of course. If you are still feeling dry or tight after your gel moisturizer sinks in then you may need to choose a different option. Your skin should be left glowing, fresh and feeling moisturized! Just because it’s Summer doesn’t mean you can skip the hydration! So, which gel based moisturizer for summer 2021 are you picking up??

*some links are affiliate which means I make a small profit if you purchase through them. As always, I appreciate the support! 🙂