While the worst of beauty problems tend to snowball during the winter, summertime isn’t exactly a breeze. There are many factors that wreak havoc, including humidity frizz, parched skin and melting makeup.
Thankfully, all of these problems can be solved easily (as long as you’ve got the right products on hand!). This is where a summer beauty bag comes in.
Curious about what you should be packing this summer? We’ve peeked inside the beauty bags of several top beauty experts for that. Trust us when we say you’re going to want to take notes.
Michaeline Becker; celebrity hair and makeup artist
1. Face mist
If you haven't hopped on the face mist trend yet, you don't know what you’re missing. When the weather gets hot and humid, face mist is added to my bag! It literally takes two seconds to spritz and you get a cooling, calming experience while hydrating your skin.
My favorite right now is Odacite's Rose + Neroli Treatment Mist, which keeps skin moist and offers a beautiful glow. Not to mention, it smells like a spa!
2. Mascara
Thrive Causemetics' Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is perfect for the summer heat. When applied, this formula creates a tube around each lash and will not melt off in the sun (read: no more black smudging under the eyes!). As a bonus, it's way easier to remove than traditional mascara. I also love using their brown shade in the summer months, as it offers a softer, effortless look.
3. Hair oil
Between saltwater, chlorine, and sun, I love treating my hair with a hair oil. Joon's Saffron Hair Elixir is my go-to for creating soft, smooth, bouncy styles. It doesn't weigh your hair down and it smells like a rosy dream!
4. Self-tanner
I've definitely lost out on some beach days because of the pandemic, so I have been using self-tanner to make up for it! Hampton Sun Airbrush Bronzing Mist is an easy-to-apply aerosol that gives a gorgeous glow. I love that it includes naturally derived pearls and pigments for a luminous finish. This bronzing mist is also temporary, so wash it off and reapply anytime.
Dionne Phillips; the pioneer of lash extensions and founder of D'Lashes
1. Eyelashes
My go-to item is, of course, my D’Lashes D-WISPY Eyelashes. It comes with a travel-size glue adhesive for easy application.
2. Face oil
Since we have to wear a mask these days, I want to make sure that my face is nice and hydrated so I don’t get micro-tears on my skin. For this, I keep moisturized with the RX Glow Moringa Luminous Face Oil.
3. Sunscreen
For protection from the sun when I’m out and about, I have my Black Girl Sunscreen. Yes! There is black girl sunblock made for us without the extra zinc and whiteness that’s going to be on our face since I’m a brown girl.
4. Moisturizing hand sanitizer
I love the Touchland Power Mist Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer. I love it! It goes right in my bag when I’m running around right now because of COVID-19. It keeps my hands hydrated on top of being protected from any bacteria.
Martino Cartier; Celebrity hairstylist
1. Hair products
Summer can do a number on your hair. Fight frizz, breakage and humidity with Martino by Martino Cartier’s Jewels of the Nile Collection. The set includes my Complete Care Shampoo, Hydrating Volumizing Conditioner, Texturizing Pomade, Volume Serum, Leave-In Conditioning Spray, Volume Root Lifting Spray and Turbo Quick Dry Spray.
2. Portable hairdryer
I wouldn't dare leave home without my Power Ball Compact Hair Dryer. What I love so much about this dryer is that it fits in the palm of your hand and is lightweight, making it super easy to travel with. Throw it in your gym bag, beach bag or weekend getaway bag.
Jaleh Bisharat; Co-founder and CEO of clean beauty e-tailer, NakedPoppy
1. Facial oil
I've never been so in love with a product in my life. NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil is my moisturizer, anti-aging product, skin smoother and moment of self-care all rolled into one.
2. Undereye concealer
I searched high and low for an undereye concealer that actually gets rid of those dark circles and this Clove + Hallow Conceal and Correct one is like magic. A few dabs are all that’s needed to go from looking tired to looking fresh.
Shannon Erley; Founder & CEO of Pomp
1. Vitamin C serum
Every morning, I always make sure to use the Revision Skincare Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C is such an important part of my daily routine (read more about its skin-boosting benefits here!). In addition to all of the antioxidant and skin tone benefits, it also helps to make sunblock more effective, so I'm all about it! This formula is really light and fragrance-free.
2. Face sunblock
I will not leave the house without putting on sunblock, period. I am in love with the Sorella Apothecary Tropical Matte SPF. It has a really great matte finish for the hot summer days when I'm prone to sweating.
3. Eye cream
I am completely obsessed with the Tammy Fender Awakening Eye Gel. I have tried dozens of eye creams and this is by far the best for me. It has a cream-like consistency and is incredibly hydrating throughout the day.
Savannah St. Jean; Owner of Savannah Rae Beauty
1. Hairspray
This Kevin Murphy Ever.Smooth spray doesn’t feel like much when you apply it, but the minute you add heat to the mix, it creates humidity-proof, soft and smooth hair. In the heat of the summer, the last thing you need to battle is humidity-induced frizz! Simply apply this spray liberally to damp hair and style as you’d like.
2. Highlighter
I’m obsessed with dewy, glowing skin! To achieve this in the summer heat, simply tap this Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter onto your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. You can even swipe it across your eyelids for a brightening effect! To get a dewier effect, mix this into your favorite moisturizer!
3. Cream blush
Rituel de Fille Inner Glow Creme Pigment in Delirium is by far my most favorite blush! The color is universal and works on all skin tones. Tap this onto the apples of your cheeks for a beautiful blushing tone that melts right into the skin, leaving you with the best “lit from within" glow.
4. Exfoliator
After a long day out in the sun, you’ll need a good exfoliator to freshen your complexion! This is Sonia Roselli sexApeel Instant Exfoliation Spray exfoliator (a manual and chemical exfoliator combo) will work wonders! It's gentle but very effective at ridding your complexion of any dried, flaky skin.
Sophia Knapp; cosmetologist and content developer for skincare and cosmetics line, Oxygenetix
1. Eyeshadow
The Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Eyeshadow Palettehas my favorite colors for summer. There are nine matte shades in soft hues, including my favorite rosy pink and teal blue. I love how the other nine shiny and glittery shades reflect sunlight, making them a great summer option.
2. Foundation
My go-to foundation in the summer is Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation.It has a silky feel to it and once it’s set, I can’t even tell I’m wearing foundation. I can swim and exercise with it on, and the best part is it has physical SPF 30 to protect my skin safely all day.
3. Moisturizer
When I’m in the sun a lot in the summer, I double down on my moisturizing. I love Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix, which locks in my skin’s hydration with hyaluronic acid and PCA. It has an Aloe Vera base, so this really soothes and cools my skin if I get too much sun.
4. Lips
I am on my third tube of the physicians recommended Lipsmart Premium Lip Balm. I’ve tried a lot of lippies, but this one really takes the cake for me. My lips stay hydrated and the formula is so yummy in smell and texture.
Kryz Uy; beauty and lifestyle blogger
1. Lip tint
During the summer, I love using lip tints. They’re lightweight and they give that “effortlessly pretty” look. I recommend the Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint. I love this product mainly because the color lasts long and it’s hydrating.
2. Hand spray
This Nippon White Ginger Hand Spray spray keeps my hands germ-free but also smells wonderful! Nippon Cosmetics says that the formula is antibacterial, but this feels super mild on my skin. It has soothing aloe vera as well, which we all know has healing properties.
3. Moisturizer
A good summer moisturizer should leave no greasy residue after its applied. It should moisturize, but still leave you feeling fresh! That’s why the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion is what I recommend.
I love this because it’s super lightweight and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It’s also great for all skin types, so it’s a handy thing to have in your bag!
4. Sunglasses
It’s summertime and the sun is out! We need to protect our eyes!
Tiffany Ascensio; beauty blogger
1. Sunscreen
My number one summer beauty must-have is sunscreen. I really love the Supergoop! Play Everyday SPF 50 sunscreen. It wears well under makeup and doesn't have any white cast or flashback.
2. Self-tanner
With that being said, I still like to look tan. My go to self-tan product is the St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse. It's so quick (just three hours for a full dark tan!) and reliable; I even used it the morning of my brother's beach wedding.
3. Cream-based products
Lately, I'm obsessed with the new Tarte Cosmetics SEA Breezy Cream Bronzer. The formula is incredible and the price point is great. Another cream product I love for summer is the new Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush. It's perfect for adding a little color to your cheeks. Plus, you could use it on your lips.
4. Vital Proteins collagen
My other summer beauty essentials are Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptide Sticks. I prefer the unflavored collagen because I can add it to my iced coffee, tea, water or even fun summer drinks like mint lemonade while I'm on-the-go.
Jenny Patinkin; lean makeup artist
1. Cotton rounds
It's not humble or modest of me to say, but I am LOVING my own Jenny Patinkin Organic Bamboo Reusable Cosmetics Rounds. They have already been indispensable this summer. I especially like to soak them in cold cucumber water to soothe and calm my skin when I get overheated or have spent too much time in the sun.
2. Makeup sponge
I always carry the petite version of my new Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Makeup Sponge with me. It's great to touch up makeup over the course of the day without having to apply more, and when you run it under cold water, you can dab it behind your ears and on the back of your neck to help cool off and bring your body temperature down.