Summer is my favourite season — even when it comes to beauty.
Summer makeup is more natural but also more fun! I let my curly hair run wild, and I tend to be a lot gentler with the skin care products I choose in the summertime.
No matter your tastes, hotter days call for a change in your routine. Check out the products that have found a permanent place in my makeup bag this summer.
Skin Care
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $17.97 CDN
Photo Credit: www.neutrogena.com
This daily moisturizer is one of Neutrogena’s newer offerings, and it's the perfect addition for summer. The formula is oil-free and keeps you feeling hydrated all day, without clogging pores. The cooling sensation of the gel is soothing and perfect for hotter days. I’ve been using this product daily for the last couple of weeks, and my skin is loving it!
The Body Shop Tea Tree 3-in-1 Wash Scrub, $20 CDN
Photo Credit: The Body Shop
This product serves as a gentle exfoliator, a mask or even as a regular cleanser. I go for the first two options with this one, either using it as an exfoliator on its own or as a mask and then exfoliating as I wash it off. Tea Tree products have always been my go-to in the summer months when my skin is oilier, and this single product does the trick for deep-cleaning and mattifying.
Photo Credit: Nivea
Sun protection for lips does not get enough love. Nivea has come to the rescue with a lip balm that has SPF 30, protecting lips from UVA and UVB rays. It also has vitamin E and sunflower extracts to help keep your lips feeling soft and supple all day. This balm is great to use under makeup.
Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Chamomile Lotion, $7.97 CDN
Aveeno has recently added to its Skin Relief line with a collection of Gentle Scent products, including this lotion infused with chamomile. The lotion itself is so soothing on the skin — great for after you're out in the sun.
It cools and moisturizes without feeling like you’ve got layers of heavy cream sitting on your skin. Plus, the chamomile scent is so light that it only adds to the sensorial experience of this lotion.
Hair Care
Marc Anthony Kinky Girls With Wild Curls Exotic Oil Treatment, $9.83 CDN
This product has become my go-to hair oil. I use this after shampooing, applying it to damp hair. The box says to use two to four drops, but I use at least 10, finger-combing it through my hair. (It really depends on your hair type and how much hair you have.) While this is a product targeted for curly-haired girls like myself, I do think it would work well on anyone with dry or coarse hair, thanks to ingredients like shea butter and coconut, argan and avocado oils.
Unite 7Seconds Conditioner, $31.99 CDN
This product is the best leave-in conditioner I have ever used. It actually helps to detangle! I spray this all over my hair before using a hair oil, while the hair is still wet or damp. It also helps make hair shinier, protect it from UV and thermal damage, and keep colour from fading. This is a great product to keep in your bag for beach and pool days to give your hair a post-swim sprucing up.
Makeup
M.A.C Pro Beyond Twisted Lash, $27 CDN
This is the mascara I have been reaching for most this summer. The wand is completely flexible, so you can move it into any position to get those hard-to-reach lashes near the corner of the eyes. While I usually opt for larger mascara brushes, I love how much definition I get with this one!
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drench Lip Splash Lipstick in Hey Sailor, $26 CDN
This super-pigmented lipstick has a satin-matte finish, is long-wearing and will keep lips hydrated. But let’s talk about the colour. This vibrant pink is so gorgeous on so many skin tones, and it will give you that perfectly playful pout this summer. Pair this with a matching lip liner. The creamy texture of the lipstick means it tends to bleed if you aren’t careful.
The Body Shop Honey Bronzed Highlighting Dome in Shade 03, $18 CDN
I’m kind of obsessed with this highlighter. The dome makes it the perfect shape to easily glide on top of cheekbones. Then use your fingers or a brush to blend it in. It’s creamy without feeling heavy, and it has a shimmery finish. The colour is a coral-pink that's so perfect for summer. I love pairing this with an otherwise nude face to really make the highlight stand out.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.milknheels.com
Rosemina Nazarali
Author
Rosemina (@RoseminaN) is a writer and content strategist who has a special place in her heart for beauty. She’s always on the pulse of current trends and loves trying new products -- especially if they are brown-skin worthy! When she’s not playing with makeup, she’s travelling, going to concer...