2020 has been a whirlwind, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. We’ve officially entered summer, so now it’s time to prepare for those long, hot, and unforgettable summer nights. With the change in season comes a switch up of both beauty and skincare products, and below I’ve broken down my list of beauty must-haves for the summer. Add these to your own list of essentials this summer to ensure you have the most flawless one yet.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the products mentioned in this post. All products were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.
Mineral sunscreen
Last year I visited a dermatologist for the first time, and I learned that you don’t have to be afraid to go out in the sun as long as you’re wearing at least SPF 30. As an absolute summer girl who loves to swim in the ocean and relax in the sun with a good book as much as possible (summer is way too short in New England), I know firsthand how important sunscreen is—especially on your face. (Not today, premature aging.) Mineral sunscreen is the best for sun damage prevention, as it sits on on top of the skin and creates a barrier that makes it harder for the sun to penetrate, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin and make it easier for the sun to get in to. The only downside to mineral sunscreen is that it leaves a white residue. This is where a tinted mineral sunscreen comes in handy. I personally use both options, but prefer the tinted one when I have to go out or need to layer it underneath my makeup. The mineral sunscreens I currently have and use are from ArtNaturals and La Roche Posay. The tinted one I just started using is this matte mineral tinted face lotion from Ulta.
Moroccanoil glimmer shine finishing spray
The humidity doesn’t have to make your hair frizzy, and this lightweight finishing spray will help make sure of that. I have wavy hair naturally, and it’s been over a year since I’ve last done a keratin straightening treatment, so in the heat and humidity my hair will tend to get frizzier and curlier, even after I straighten it. The times I’ve used this spray, however, I’ve noticed that the flyaways are kept at bay, and my hair has a harder time bending and curling. This Moroccanoil glimmer shine is perfect for summertime for whatever hairstyle you’re going for. It’s lightweight and gives you a flawless finish and shine.
Highlighter
A good highlighter is key to giving you that fresh, dewy, and glowing skin. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glow Amour boosting drops are an awesome pick, as they absorb nicely into the skin and create a natural looking glow. Another great option is a cream highlighter, as they also blend in to the skin nicely and are a great option for those who suffer from dry skin. The cream highlighter I use is from KKW Beauty. And lastly, you can’t ever go wrong with a powder highlighter. I use a gold strobe highlighter from Makeup Revolution, which I unfortunately think is discontinued–but don’t be afraid to browse Ulta’s website for a good one at a decent price (they have sales a lot), just be sure to read the reviews! Tip: for maximum glow, use a cream highlighter, then layer a powder highlighter on top of it.
Water cream or gel moisturizer
Lightweight moisturizers are essential for the summer, and water cream or gel based moisturizers are packed with hydrating ingredients that help calm and nourish dehydrated or dry skin. Keeping skin hydrated is also key to keeping that youthful, plump look, and keeping the fine lines and wrinkles at bay. My personal favorite moisturizer at the moment is the Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Cream, and affordable water cream moisturizer jam-packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. I love how it quenches my skin after being out in the sun. A good gel moisturizer is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, or the store equivalent of it.
RELATED: WHY YOU SHOULD BE DRINKING WATER
Lip gloss
When I think of summer, I think of glossy lips. I love lining my lips with a nude lip liner and adding a gloss in the center; clear glosses or sheer glosses with a slight tint are my favorite. Look for a gloss with nourishing ingredients to help hydrate and prevent dry, chapped lips, like the high glosses from Kylie Cosmetics.
Eye cream
Your skin is more liable to get dry and dehydrated in the summer, and keeping it hydrated is key. Since the skin around your eyes is so delicate and thin, it’s important to stay on top of using an eye cream to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. (On top of drinking plenty of H2O!)
I stopped using an eye cream about a month and a half ago, and when the weather got warmer and I started going outside I realized that the fine lines around my eyes looked more prominent than before, especially under makeup. Eye creams are important in general to prevent anti-aging, but an eye cream designed to hydrate the eye area and keep skin plump is an absolute must during this time of year. Look for eye creams with ingredients such as collagen, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. The eye cream I’m currently using is the 24-Karat Gold Collagen Eye Cream from Physicians Formula.
Blush
Blush makes a world of difference, and summertime is no exception. Instead of a heavy blush you’d typically use in the winter, opt for a more sheer, natural option. My go-to summer blush is a peach shade from e.l.f.
RELATED: BEAUTY PICK OF THE MONTH: E.L.F PRIMER-INFUSED BLUSH
Bronzer
Of course I had to include bronzer, what kind of a summer lover would I be if I didn’t?! Bronzer can be used in a variety of different ways: to contour, to layer on top of a cream contour, to add to the apples of the cheeks and along the forehead and temples; it’s perfect for achieving that flawless, sun-kissed look. If I’m in a hurry and want to add some dimension and color into my face, I’ll add bronzer to my cheeks, forehead, and along my temples. My face is usually lighter than the rest of my body since that’s where I’m most religious about sunscreen, and using bronzer in the summer also helps me match the rest of my body. I’ve been using the same bronzer for years: Avon Glow Bronzing Pearls.
