Buzz
1. CeraVe Body Wash helps reduce razor bumps and rough patches with its salicylic acid formula that gently exfoliates, unlike abrasive scrubs. Perfect for those who shave often or suffer from keratosis pilaris, those pesky bumps on the arms.
2. Glossier Ultralip gives your lips a beautiful gloss and shine with a subtle hint of color. Perfect for a "your lips but better" effect, it also hydrates your lips after sun exposure. (Say goodbye to chapped lips!)
It's highly buildable, vegan, and cruelty-free.
This is the ideal lip product for summer. It’s hydrating without being sticky (the worst trait of most glosses). I enjoy applying a thin layer and blending it with my finger to keep it from being too glossy, though it still looks amazing without blending. In summer, traditional lipsticks and liquid lipsticks can feel too drying, so this balm strikes the perfect balance between lipstick and gloss. It provides a natural, healthy sheen. You can even use it on your cheekbones for a natural glow and a hint of color (no need for blush!).
Get it from Glossier for $18 (available in nine shades).
3. Revlon oil-absorbing roller replaces traditional oil-blotting sheets with its powerful oil-removing abilities. This handy tool removes shine with every roll, and the stone is washable and reusable. With summer comes more face oil, making this roller the perfect secret weapon for your makeup bag.
4. Supergoop! Broad Spectrum 40 SPF Sunscreen provides excellent UV protection while feeling almost weightless. It layers perfectly under makeup and even looks great on its own. The best part? It’s non-greasy and leaves no white cast!
5. Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 absorbs seamlessly into the skin without leaving any chalky residue or white cast. Designed with melanin-rich skin tones in mind, it also features vitamin C to brighten the skin and repair sun damage.
Bolden is a Black woman-owned small business creating skincare products that are cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I love this moisturizer. As a dark-skinned African American, I often find that sunscreens leave a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've used that doesn’t leave any odd discoloration, feels amazing on my skin, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven’t had any breakouts while using Bolden’s sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
Promising review: "I love this product. It’s lightweight, and I feel protected when I’m in the sun, especially when I layer it over a serum that increases sun sensitivity." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
6. Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion provides relief for sunburned skin with aloe and coconut oil. It absorbs quickly and can be applied to both the face and body to cool and comfort the skin.
7. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a miracle for both your hair and skin when mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use it as a hair mask, bath soak, foot soak, or even to soothe bug bites from those summer bonfire nights. It’s also praised by reviewers for being effective on eczema-prone skin!
8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream nourishes the skin with rich shea butter and soothes with oatmeal, helping to stop any flaky skin (like from that sunburn on your recent getaway). It's thicker than typical face creams, making it the perfect solution when your lightweight moisturizer just isn’t enough.
Promising Review: "I’m totally in love with this moisturizer. As a beauty enthusiast, I’ve tried almost every skincare product out there, but this one really impressed me! Its thick texture and pleasant scent are just perfect. When I applied it, I was amazed by how soothing it was, and it instantly calmed my redness. I recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin, skin conditions like eczema, or anyone who uses harsh skincare products like me. It’s super hydrating too. While it doesn’t absorb instantly like some lightweight creams, it’s not greasy. I’ll always have a tub of this around. It truly works wonders for dry skin!" —ilamarie10
Get it from Sephora for $16+ (available in three sizes).
9. Avarelle Acne Patches help calm breakouts overnight, drawing out impurities by morning. These patches are a game-changer for those annoying sunscreen breakouts, making them a must-have secret weapon for your skincare routine.
These patches are designed to blend seamlessly into your skin, making them perfect for wearing throughout the day, not just overnight!
Promising review: "I’ve been dealing with chin acne for about three weeks, possibly due to sunscreen use this summer. Whiteheads and blackheads have been popping up everywhere. I tried these patches to draw out the bacteria, and they worked! I steamed my face beforehand to open my pores. The steam started the process, and the acne patches did the rest." —Gari
Get a box of 40 round patches for $8.49.
10. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner boasts a waterproof formula that stays put through intense workouts and poolside dips. Want a winged liner that holds up in summer’s heat? It’s nothing short of magic.
11. NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel serves as the ultimate finishing touch after filling in your brows with pomade or pencil. It keeps your brows in place all day, making it the perfect solution for taming brows before heading to the beach!
12. Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer works wonders by smoothing and soothing pores, providing the ideal canvas for makeup. If you prefer a minimal makeup routine during the summer, simply use this primer for a flawless, smooth complexion without the need for extra products on top.
13. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant offers a gentle exfoliation that clears pores and minimizes their appearance. This is a must-have when it's time to say goodbye to that stubborn, weeks-old tan. Farewell, tropical glow!
14. Elizabeth Mott Eyeshadow Primer helps to prolong the wear of your eye makeup with just a few swipes. It enhances the opacity of your shadows and ensures they go on evenly, making it the perfect solution if you're attending a summer wedding and need your eye makeup to stay flawless all day and night.
15. Fanola Purple Shampoo helps to brighten and maintain blonde hair without the hefty cost of salon toning treatments. If you're spending a lot of time swimming in the pool, this shampoo is a game changer you won’t regret using.
16. Teddie Organics Rose Water Toner Spray soothes irritated skin, reducing redness and excess oil. It’s a perfect skin reviver, ideal for refreshing makeup throughout the day and balancing your skin’s pH levels.
17. OPI Nail Strengthener prevents nail breakage so you can live stress-free knowing that your summer mani won't be flaking off before that two-week mark. Or if you're forgoing nail appointments altogether this summer, its wheat protein and calcium formula will have them strong and unbreakable by fall.
18. Tend Skin Razor Bump Solution helps heal ingrown hairs, rashes, and razor burns from consistent shaving and bikini waxes. Keep this on hand after your next Brazilian — you won't be sorry.
19. Argan Oil Thermal Spray shields hair from heat damage and serves as a leave-in conditioner. Whether you're letting your hair dry naturally to prevent frizz or styling it with a blow-dry brush, this spray ensures your hair remains sleek and protected.
20. Dry Shampoo Powder rejuvenates second and third day hair, especially if you've been spending a ton of time outside and it's getting a bit greasy. If the humidity is taking a toll on the longevity of that recent blowout, pop some of this in for taming.
21. JVN Air Dry Cream minimizes frizz while supplying all-day hold. If you prefer to take a break from heat styling your hair in the warmer months (because it needs time to BREATHE), give this cream a whirl after you pop out of the shower.
22. Maybelline 4-in-1 Instant Perfector blends primer, concealer, BB cream, and highlighter into one easy product, saving you from that heavy, cakey feel that comes with wearing a full face of makeup in the summer heat. It lightens up your makeup bag and streamlines your summer routine.
23. Vanicream Daily Moisturizer delivers hydration to sensitive skin with a lightweight, fragrance- and gluten-free formula. Infused with ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, it offers a touch of moisture anytime. This moisturizer is perfect for those who find thick creams too heavy, even in the summer, and need a balance between hydration and oil control.
24. Selfmade Secure Attachment Comfort Serum + nourishes skin post-cleansing, leaving it with a hydrated glow. This serum serves as an excellent base for makeup or can be used on its own to give your skin that fresh, dewy look your dry summer skin will love.
Selfmade is a boutique beauty brand focused on creating clean, sustainable products that emphasize self-worth.
My colleague, Clara McMahon, recently reviewed this product:
"I’ve been using the Secure Attachment + Comfort Serum for about a month now, and I’m loving it. With my sensitive, dry skin, I crave gentle yet hydrating products that leave me with a glowing finish. This serum ticks all the boxes—it gives me a refreshing dewy glow when worn alone, without feeling greasy, and it works beautifully as a base under makeup. In the photo above, I paired it with Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint for a subtle coverage boost, and the result was radiant. Plus, the bottle is adorable, and it smells amazing!"
Get it from Selfmade for $36.
25. Mario Badescu Cleansing Oil effectively dissolves makeup without blocking pores. Just a small amount of this product goes a long way — apply a pump to your hands, massage into your skin, rinse with water or a damp towel, and your face will feel fresh and free of makeup. Forget about makeup wipes, which can irritate sunburned skin. This oil provides a gentler, more comfortable way to remove makeup.
26. Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask nourishes and hydrates 3a–4c hair, leaving it smooth and beautifully moisturized. You'll soon wonder how you ever managed without it in your haircare routine. If your curls are prone to dryness (especially from swimming *cough cough*) or you lighten your hair in the summer, this mask is a must-have addition to your shower regimen.
Bread Beauty Supply is an Australia-based, woman-owned brand founded by Maeva Heim in 2020. This product is especially suitable for hair types 3a–4c.
Mytour editor Kayla Boyd is highly impressed with their deep conditioning hair mask:
"I've only recently started using Bread products, and I love how lightweight and simple they are to use. Since I have mixed-textured, frequently dyed hair, it tends to get dry. After using this deep conditioner, my hair felt significantly softer and more nourished. Plus, the scent is absolutely amazing! It's definitely one of my new favorite products for wash day."
Get the hair mask from Bread Beauty Supply for $28.
27. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer prepares your skin for the day, whether you choose to wear makeup on top or go bare-faced. With 50 SPF, you can confidently enjoy the sun while keeping your skin protected. This primer not only shields but also hydrates and smooths pores for a flawless finish.
Glowing review: "I am absolutely in love with the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer! The quality is incredible, and the texture is perfect for wearing under makeup, providing great coverage and a flawless finish. It's lightweight and feels so comfortable on the skin, plus it offers UV protection, which is a huge bonus. I would highly recommend this primer to anyone looking for a top-notch product!" —jennymore1
Get it from Charlotte Tilbury for $55.
28. Alder New York Smoothing Face Mask gently exfoliates your skin by sloughing off dry, flaky patches. Infused with hyaluronic acid and sea kelp, this mask replenishes your skin with much-needed hydration while it works its magic.
Alder New York is a queer woman-owned business located in Brooklyn. Their cleansing body bar is hands down one of my all-time favorite soaps.
I’ve used a variety of products from Alder New York, and I can’t get enough of the brand. Their offerings are perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free beauty solutions.
Get it from Alder New York for $24.99.
Let's face it, everyone will be dying to know your beauty routine...pun intended.
Some reviews have been condensed for length and/or clarity.
