beauty mark: gel moisturizers

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.