Need to know the best summer beauty essentials to help you survive the heat? No problem! We're a mother/daughter duo living in the coastal area of Georgia, so we've had to learn a thing or two about which beauty products work best during the dog days of summer! We're always happy to share our favorites.
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Summer Beauty Essentials: For the Face
Tired of your face looking like it's melting off during the summertime? The struggle is so real. These products will help keep everything in place and pretty.
The POREfessional from Benefit Cosmetics
One of our favorite tips is to use gel products during the summertime to keep skin from appearing too shiny in the humidity, and this matte finish gel primer is just the ticket.
Gel is so much better than a greasy lotion formula (unless your skin is extremely dry), and the matte finish helps keep the sweaty look at bay.
Benefit's POREfessional primers have always been a favorite amongst beauty bloggers and YouTubers, and this one is no exception!
Purchase now: Amazon | Sephora | ULTA
Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion
We've yet to find anything that works even remotely as well as this primer for keeping eyeshadow in place. It's magic in a little purple tube!
The primer helps keep eyeshadow in place even when it's so hot you have sweat dripping in your eyes! We use it nearly every time we wear eyeshadow, but it's particularly handy during the summer months.
Check out the reviews on ULTA or Sephora and you'll see it's a primer that's universally loved by makeup aficionados.
⭐ Insider Tip: Be sure to get the original formula in the light purple tube, since it's the best version. The 32 oz. size lasts about 6 months.
Purchase now: Amazon | Sephora | ULTA
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Moisturizer
Foundation tends to melt off in the summer heat so we often skip it altogether, but sometimes it's nice to use a little something to even out your skin tone. Enter tinted moisturizers!
This one from bareMinerals comes in a light gel formula, so it's less likely to clog pores. We probably sound like a broken record here, but gels are seriously the way to go in the summertime.
Purchase now: Amazon | Sephora | ULTA
Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Angel Waterproof Mascara
It's no secret that we're HUGE fans of Maybelline's Push Up Angel mascara. However, we don't normally wear the waterproof option, since waterproof versions of mascara are harsher on lashes.
However, a waterproof formula is a necessity if you insist on wearing mascara and plan to do any type of water sports. Nobody wants to climb out of the pool looking like a raccoon!
Minimize the smudges by using waterproof mascara on days when the humidity is high, when you plan to be taking part in lots of outdoor activities in the sweltering heat, or anytime you plan to be in the water.
⭐ Insider Tip: For minimal wear and tear on your lashes, use a cotton ball dipped in baby oil to remove waterproof mascara.
Want to learn how to get sunkissed summer skin using makeup? Check out this handy video!
Summer Beauty Essentials: For the Hair
Summer can be very rough on your hair. The three biggest problems most girls face during the summertime are: frizzy hair, oily (or sweaty) hair, and hair that dries out from too much chlorine or salt water use.
Here are the top products to help combat those issues.
Nature's Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
The best offense if a good defense, right? To protect your hair before it gets damaged, coat it with coconut oil before jumping into salt water or a chlorinated pool.
Store-bought conditioner options are endless (and sometimes pricey), but we opt for inexpensive coconut oil the majority of the time and our hair is healthy as can be!
Purchase now: Amazon
Olaplex 3-Step Salon Kit
If your hair is seriously damaged from chemicals and too much fun in the sun, you might need to consider a heavy duty treatment like Olaplex. It's a 3-step conditioning and repair treatment that you can request from your local salon. The first 2 steps have to be performed by a professional, but we often use the 3rd step of the system at home for intense hair repair.
Make note that it needs to stay on for 10 minutes or more to work best! We like to add this treatment to our hair at the end of the day when we're taking a long, relaxing bubble bath.
Olaplex is seriously incredible for repairing damaged hair! Don't believe us? It has more than 150,000 “loves” on Sephora.
Purchase now: Amazon | Sephora
Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
If you have wavy hair and want to hold the texture while you're out in the humidity, this texturizing spray has a great lightweight, matte-finish formula.
It contains natural sea salt and kelp, it smells great, and it's perfect for an effortless summer look.
Related Reading: How to Get Effortless Beach Waves for Short Hair (Includes Video Tutorial!)
Summer Beauty Essentials: For the Skin
Of all the items in a summertime skincare routine, the MOST important is sunscreen. You can skip every single other item on today's list if you're in a hurry, but never leave the house without sunscreen!
EltaMD UV Facial Broad Spectrum SPF 30+
If you only do one thing for your skin this summer — this is it! It's so important to wear sunscreen every single day. EltaMD is one of our favorites for everyday use, because it's lightweight and doesn't cause breakouts. (We got hooked on it after our dermatologist recommended it.)
It's important to make sure the sunscreen you're using includes the term “broad spectrum,” because that means you'll be protected from UVA and UVB rays — both of which are damaging to skin. You also want to look for one that has an SPF of 30+.
Sunscreen research is always evolving, so talk to your dermatologist to determine the best options for your skin if you have any questions.
Purchase now: Amazon | Dermstore
Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Face Stick
If you're headed to the beach, we suggest you pack a different sunscreen than our everyday use facial sunscreen.
When you're at the beach, it's super important to wear a reef safe sunscreen to protect the ocean and all the little creatures within. (Save the sea turtles!)
Badger is a mineral (Zinc Oxide-based) sunscreen that will protect your skin but it won't hurt the environment. It's biodegradable and doesn't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate — both of which can harm fragile reef environments.
Purchase now: Amazon
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
These are a lifesaver in the southern heat! They're designed to remove the oil and perspiration from skin's surface and leave you with a matte complexion.
To use, place one sheet on your face and press it into your skin, then lift and repeat. Don't wipe the papers across your face or you'll smear your makeup — just dab, dab, dab.
St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse
By avoiding tanning beds and minimizing time spent in the harsh midday sun, you'll do your skin all kinds of favors. Whenever possible, it's always best to use a self tanner to mimic the real thing.
We're both pretty pale, and St. Tropez gives our skin a realistic brownish colored tan instead of that fake orange “Donald Trump” look (ick). Loving Tan is another option that provides a realistic faux glow.
As with all self-tanners, the key is proper exfoliation before applying it. Here's a helpful video with tons of insider tips for applying fake tanner so it looks natural.
Don't forget the applicator mitt! Amazon | Sephora | ULTA
⭐ Insider Tip: If you're trying to save money, use a sugar scrub to exfoliate. Regular granulated sugar or brown sugar both work equally as well, just be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid attracting ants to your bathroom!
Summer Beauty Essentials: For the Body
Sunscreen is just as important for your body as it is your face! Your neck and hands are often the first to show signs of aging when you forget to use sunscreen products on them regularly.
Sun Bum SPF 50 Lotion or Spray
This is a great choice for summer since it's sweatproof, it blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and — most importantly (ha!) — it smells incredible. Thanks to Vitamin E as an ingredient, it's also very hydrating.
Purchase now: ULTA
Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel Deodorant
More humidity unfortunately means more sweat, but Secret was formulated especially for women. It goes on clear, so it won't leave marks on cute summer outfits!
Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair (Fragrance-Free)
It's important to keep your skin hydrated during the summer months,and we love this drugstore brand. It's unscented, isn't greasy, and it really holds moisture in all day. You can also use regular Vaseline on elbows, knees, and any other areas that seem to be particularly dry. Thank goodness this stuff is cheap, because we go through it like crazy!
Purchase now: Target
Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Hydrating Gel
For those instances when you do get too much sun (and hopefully those are few and far between) keep aloe vera handy to sooth the pain.
If you haven't already guessed, we love our Sun Bum products, and this one is intensely hydrating! It contains aloe, Vitamin E, and cocoa butter, which are all key ingredients for soft skin.
Also, since it's Sun Bum, you know it smells incredible!
Purchase now: ULTA
Tired of fighting the humidity? Here are the summer beauty essentials you need to beat the heat. Share on XWell, there you have it! That's our round-up of summer beauty essentials to help you survive the heat. Be sure to follow along on YouTube for more beauty tips and summer makeup looks.
Want more summer makeup inspiration? Try these…
- Humidity-Proof Summertime Makeup Routine
- How to Get Sunkissed Summer Skin
- Tips & Tricks for Applying Self Tanner (Includes Video!)
- How to Cover Sunburn with Makeup
- “No Makeup” Makeup Tutorial for Lazy Days
Pin It for Later: Blogger Recommended Summer Beauty Essentials
