Winter grooming is all about survival — battling dryness, cold winds, and indoor heating. But summer? It’s all about control: controlling shine, sweat, body odor, and avoiding sneaky sunburns. The thick creams and heavy products that got you through the cold months won’t cut it once temperatures hit 30°C and your skin starts melting by breakfast.

The key? Switching up your grooming routine with the season. Just like you wouldn’t wear a parka to the beach, your grooming kit needs a summer update too. Here’s your go-to guide for swapping winter essentials with summer-friendly upgrades — for skin that behaves, hair that holds, and a scent that doesn’t overpower.

Moisturiser: From Thick Creams to Lightweight SPF

Try:

• Clinique For Men Protect SPF 21 Moisturiser
• Bulldog Protective Moisturiser

Winter creams are rich for a reason — your skin needs that comfort in the cold. But in summer, they can clog pores, trap heat, and cause breakouts.

Instead, switch to a lightweight gel-based moisturiser that includes SPF. It should hydrate without suffocating your skin and protect against UV rays. Look for labels like non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), and if you’ve got oily skin, opt for ingredients like niacinamide to help control shine.

Cleanser: From Once in a While to Twice a Day

Try:

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Horace Purifying Face Cleanser

Hot weather brings sweat, SPF, and pollution — all of which stick to your skin. If you’re only splashing water on your face, you’re not doing enough. Cleanse twice daily to stay clear and fresh.

Use a gentle foam or gel cleanser if your skin leans oily, and a creamy one if it’s dry. For acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is your best friend.

Deodorant: From Just OK to All-Day Power

Try:

• Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
• Mitchum Invisible Men 48HR Protection

Let’s face it — smelling “not bad” isn’t enough in summer. You want to smell good and stay dry.

If you sweat a lot, go for an antiperspirant to block it. Prefer something natural? Look for a deodorant that handles odor without clogging pores. Either way, don’t stick with that basic one you’ve had since college.

Fragrance: From Heavy Woods to Fresh & Light

Try:

• CHANEL Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette
• Dior Eau Sauvage Eau de Toilette

Winter scents — woody, spicy, smoky — can feel overpowering when it’s hot. Heat amplifies fragrance, and what smelled great in December can turn intense in July.

Look for light, breezy scents with citrus, aquatic or green notes. Eau de toilette or cologne work best in the heat. Tip: Spritz some on your clothes too — natural fabrics like cotton and linen hold scent better.

Hair Styling: From Slick to Subtle

Try:

• Bulldog Original Hair Styling Salt Spray
• Murdock London Texture Paste

High-shine hair products that worked in winter? They’ll just melt off in summer. Go for something matte and lightweight.

Dry clays, pastes, or sea salt sprays give texture and hold without that greasy feel. And be sure to wash your hair well — especially if you’re sweating more or swimming regularly.

Body Wash: From Basic Gel to Exfoliation

Try:

• Horace Exfoliating Soap Bar
• Aesop Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser

Exfoliating in summer keeps your skin smooth, prevents breakouts and ingrown hairs, and tackles sweat build-up. Use a scrub or body wash with glycolic or salicylic acid a couple of times a week.

Want extra freshness? Pick one with cooling ingredients like menthol or peppermint.

Facial Hair: From Wild to Well-Groomed

Try:

• Horace Beard Trio
• Murdock London Post Shave Balm

Beards are sweat magnets. If you’re keeping it, maintain it properly — wash, oil, and brush regularly.

Prefer a clean shave? Use a calming post-shave balm with aloe or chamomile to reduce redness and irritation, especially after sun exposure.

Feet: From Forgotten to Fresh

Try:

• Rikans Foot File
• O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet

Planning to show your feet this summer? Make sure they’re sandal-ready.

Use a foot file to scrub away dead skin in the shower, moisturise daily, and consider a foot spray or powder to keep them dry and odour-free. Simple but essential.

Sun Protection: From Sometimes to Every Day

Try:

• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50
• Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Cream SPF 30

This is non-negotiable. Whether you’re out walking the dog or just sitting in the beer garden, your skin needs SPF — every day.

Pick a lightweight SPF 30 or higher and use it every morning. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside. Seriously, no excuses.

Skincare Storage: From Shelf to Fridge

Want to upgrade your routine? Keep your moisturiser, eye cream or facial mist in the fridge. It feels amazing on hot skin and helps reduce puffiness and irritation.

Cold skincare = cool move.

Summer grooming isn’t about fuss. It’s about smart switches that help you feel cooler, cleaner, and more confident. Make these swaps, and your skin (and everyone around you) will thank you.