Beauty Products Our Editors Reach For When Warmer Weather Hits

Summer is a time when my skin gets sweaty. While I definitely deal with an oily T-zone, I am plagued by sweaty skin from the moment I wake up until the moment I stick my face into the AC (Listen, I don’t handle the heat well, OK!). When it gets hot, I need to have items to protect my skin from the heat and keep my makeup from getting ruined by sweat. This refillable kit is perfect: One side has blotting papers, the other is a powder that mattifies and removes intense shine. It doesn’t make my skin look cakey or take away the intentional dew on my skin, but it does take me back to how I looked when I first put my makeup on that morning. Selena, you’re a genius for this.

— Beth, Editor

My skin is still very combination in summer (very oily T zone + tightness due to extra sun exposure), but the thick, occlusive moisturizers that I use in winter don’t feel as heavy on my skin during summer. In the mornings I want something light that feels as if nothing is on my skin. At night, I can’t bear to handle something thick on my skin when I’m going to bed. This gel moisturizer is the answer. I couldn’t live without this last summer, and I’ve already picked up a new tub because I can’t imagine going through the warmer months without it. It is so light on my skin and leaves me feeling as moisturized as my thicker products. I couldn’t get through summer without it.

— Beth, Editor

I love to switch my summer perfumes for lighter, brighter perfumes than the dark, woody scents I wear in the winter and fall. This was my first choice. I love how light and airy this perfume is, and it smells like nothing else I’ve tried. It’s definitely floral, but the white musk notes in the base ground it, so it just smells expensive. I’ve been savoring this all spring, but when the first slew of 70-degree days roll around, prepare to be sick of me and this scent.

— Beth, Editor

We are in the era of cream cheek products, and I’ve tried just about all of them—but when it comes to bronzer, nothing compares to this for me, especially in the summer. The formula of this looks incredibly natural on the skin—even bare skin—and really does just look like you’ve been kissed by the sun. I use this both on days I’m wearing makeup and days I’m not to warm up my skin, and I always know it’ll stay all day—even if my day involves a lot of sweat.

— Maddie, Fashion Editor

I have straight, thin hair. Although nothing could make my hair curlier or more wavy it does become frizzy from the humidity. This product is an award-winning miracle. It smoothens hair by applying it after you have washed it. The product has a humidity-blocking technology that can last for three to four washes, so the bottle will last forever. This has made my hairstyles last longer in the summer, and humidity is no problem for me hair-wise. Since it’s formulated for all hair types, I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t love this too.

— Maddie, Fashion Editor

This has been my body sunscreen of choice for years (yes, I have a subscription) and I will not be switching. The formula is clean of chemical propellants (meaning it’s a cleaner option than your typical chemical sunscreen, making it healthier for you and for the planet because it’s reef-friendly), but it’s also full of ingredients that really make my skin glow (even without a tan!) like vitamin C and various extract oils—it feels more like a luxe and light body oil or mist than it feels like a thick sunscreen. My favorite part is that it’s a spray (way easier than a lotion, right?), but it’s non-aerosol, so it’s better for you and the planet. Win, win, win, and win!

— Josie, Wellness Editor

I don’t tan; I burn and/or get moles. I will not sit in front of a window without applying a good amount of sunscreen. But I love nothing more than a radiant glow and a “did I or didn’t I just get back from vacation” tan throughout all of summer, so I fake it with this gradual self-tanner. But don’t be fooled: This self-tanner is not like other self-tanners (notice the chicness of “self-tan water”) and is well worth the price, IMO. It’s a super gradual, even tan (so you can spray it on as a final step in your morning or evening routine every day without waking up with splotches or a bright-orange complexion), and it contains amazing ingredients for your skin to boost radiance and hydrate, so it’s just like any other skincare step loaded with powerful ingredients—except it leaves an even and natural tan.

— Josie, Wellness Editor

If you’ve ever felt the pain of sunburned lips, you understand why it’s so important not to forget your lips in your daily SPF routine. I’ve been using this Sun Bum lip balm for years, and even if I try something else, I always find my way back to this product. I love all of the flavors that it comes in and the fact that it’s super affordable. It’s formulated with aloe vera, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, so it leaves my lips feeling extra smooth while keeping them protected.

— Jess, Associate Editor

If there’s one thing I want my skin to be during the warmer months, it’s dewy and glowy. I’m always trying different skincare and makeup products that promise me that natural-looking glow, but I especially appreciate one that helps my skin glow all on its own. These Dew Drops are formulated using hyaluronic Acid and vitamin C. It’s the perfect combination to make my skin feel hydrated. It also gives me the perfect canvas for the minimal, delicate makeup looks I love to rock all summer.

— Jess, Associate Editor

I have tried many tinted moisturizers in my time, but I always go back to this one by BareMinerals. It’s perfect for warmer days because it has a gel-cream consistency that feels super lightweight on the skin, it has crazy-good hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, and it has SPF 30. It can be worn alone for light coverage, or I can add a layer of setting powder to give it more coverage.

— Hailey, Editorial Assistant

One second, you’re wearing a cute ponytail in the sunshine, and the next, your part has a bright red sunburn. Is there anything worse? Introducing: Supergoop! Mineral Part Powder. It is a lifesaver in warm weather months. It is a 100% mineral powder spray that has SPF 35. It applies like a dry shampoo and is made with safe ingredients. This is a great product that you will love.

— Hailey, Editorial Assistant

My face sweats uncontrollably in summer, so I try to avoid heavy makeup. I got this tinted sunscreen last year, and it’s the perfect solution for days when I want to look a little bit more alive and protect my face from the sun’s rays. Supergoop! Glow Screen, and while a lot of people really swear by it, I’ve found that this La Roche-Posay one is a much better fit for me because it’s a little more matte but still gives off a slightly dewey finish that I love.

— Ashley, Branded Content Editor

I find it difficult to even think about putting foundation on my summer face. It has been too many times that I have spent hours on my face only for it to disappear with ease. This blurring skin tint was everything I needed. It’s extremely light and buildable, so it’s perfect for daily use. This skin tint comes in 25 shades so it’s suitable for everyone. It’s sweat- and humidity-resistant while also being the perfect size for travel!

— Tierra, Editorial Intern

The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum makes being oily girl fun. This serum is a great solution to clear my pores from all of the sun-induced oil and sweat.

— Tierra, Editorial Intern

This product was constantly mentioned by my mom, so I had no choice but to try it. I fell in LOVE with this product immediately. It’s the perfect light, airy moisturizer that will give a boost and keep you from feeling congested. For all the girls with eczema or skin conditions, it’s made with colloidal oatmeal to help calm the skin, too!

— Tierra, Editorial Intern