As a beauty editor, I'm always on the lookout for the latest and greatest makeup products. But with summer in full swing, it's time to reevaluate my go-to products and make some swaps to ensure my makeup can withstand the heat and humidity. Here are my top 12 summer makeup must-haves, along with some personal commentary and analysis.
Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder
One of the biggest challenges I face in the summer is keeping my makeup in place. I've tried countless finishing powders, but Fenty's Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder is a game-changer. Its translucent formula sets my makeup and absorbs oil without leaving a white cast. It's like a secret weapon against the summer heat, and I can't recommend it enough.
ONE/SIZE On 'til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
While Invisimatte is a great start, I needed something extra to keep my makeup from sliding off in the summer heat. That's where ONE/SIZE's On 'til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray comes in. This spray is like a hairspray for your face, with a 16-hour hold that's transfer-resistant. It's the only setting spray I trust for hot, long summer days.
Sarah Creal Brilliant Repair Shield Illuminating Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 50
Summer is all about protecting your skin from the sun, and sunscreen is a must. But I don't want to sacrifice my makeup routine for it. That's why I'm swapping out my regular foundation for a tinted sunscreen like Sarah Creal's Brilliant Repair Shield. It gives my skin a sheer amount of coverage while also letting it breathe, and it's packed with SPF to protect against the sun's harmful rays.
L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer
I'm a huge fan of L'Oréal's True Match Lumi Glotion, and it's my go-to evening makeup base. This buttery, hydrating skin tint offers a delicate wash of sun-kissed color while giving my skin a luminous glow. It's like a natural highlight that enhances my features without looking too heavy.
Sarah Creal Back of the Cab Volumizing & Tubing Mascara
As the summer heats up, I've found that my usual mascara doesn't hold up as well. That's why I'm turning to tubing mascaras like Sarah Creal's Back of the Cab Volumizing & Tubing Mascara. This inky formula not only holds the curl of my lashes fabulously, but it also sustains up to 12 hours of wear while sliding off easily at the end of the day with face cleanser.
Rhode Pocket Bronze Long-Wearing Cream Bronzer
Bronzers are a summer staple, and Rhode's Pocket Bronze Long-Wearing Cream Bronzer is a new favorite. This warm, buttery formula is easy to blend with a brush, sponge, or even your fingers, and the ergonomic packaging makes placement easy to control. It's the perfect way to add a touch of warmth to my summer skin.
Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow
With a busy social calendar in the summer, I need makeup that won't look rushed or sloppy. That's where Armani's Eye Tints come in. These long-lasting liquid pigments are packed with color, offering high-impact looks with just a few dots and a blend. They'll last for up to 16 hours, making them the perfect summer eye shadow.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Blush Stylus
Powder blushes are great in the cooler months, but I'm ready to switch things up with Victoria Beckham Beauty's Blush Stylus. These slim sticks make precise placement easier than ever, and I can tap out the color with my fingers for a concentrated flush or blend with a fluffy brush for a watercolor look.
Celisse Quickcoat in Vanity
Instead of shellacking my nails in all different types of nail glue and colors, I'm taking a more mindful approach to summer manicures with Celisse's Quickcoat in Vanity. This easy-to-use, chic nail polish formula lets my natural nails breathe, and they already look stronger, healthier, and chicer overall.
Discothèque Call for a Good Time
I love seasonal fragrances as much as the next person, and Discothèque's Call for a Good Time is a perfect summer scent. Notes of yuzu, jasmine, and ylang-ylang twist this fragrance into a sparkling cloud, making it the perfect scent for summers spent on the dance floor, spritz in hand.
BRAZIL EDITION Restorative Peptide Hair Mask
As I strive to master my wavy hair routine this summer, I'm turning to BRAZIL EDITION's Restorative Peptide Hair Mask. This nourishing leave-in conditioner is a great fix for anyone who wants to define their natural texture, and it's enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and Amazonian butters for enhanced hydration and protection against the sun.
ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream
While I still reach for thicker moisturizers in the evening, I now rely on ANUA's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Cream at the start of my day. It's lightweight, deeply quenching, and sinks into the skin quickly, making it a great product for makeup prep. Essentially, it's the featherweight moisturizer I now start my routine with when the sun is on full blast.
In conclusion, these 12 summer makeup must-haves are a testament to the power of seasonal swaps. By reevaluating my go-to products and making some deliberate changes, I can ensure that my makeup can withstand the heat and humidity of summer. From sweat-proof setting sprays to sun-shielding sunscreens, these products are a must-have for anyone looking to keep their makeup in place all summer long.
