19 Beauty-Editor Approved Products You Need to Try This Summer

I basically live in a slick top-knot bun when it’s hot out. While I typically use a styling pomade and edge control, it’s been nice to have this stick in rotation. I apply it directly to my spiky edges and use a dense brush to slick my hair back. I love that I don’t have to worry about getting gel under my nails and all over my hands when trying to do my hair. It also doesn’t get crunchy or goopy so it holds up well.

I can’t believe there was a time I’d pay hundreds of dollars in the name of fuller lashes, in a world where Falscara exists. The lash clusters work underneath the lash line to enhance and lengthen and they’ve honestly been such a game changer. Kiss recently released a clear band version, which allows an even more seamless and invisible finish. So if you’re on the hunt for a fuller lash without coughing up tons of cash and time, I’d highly recommend buying a few boxes of these.

On the topic of DIY beauty, I’ve also found doing my nails at home to be relaxing and cost-saving. I’ve been dabbling between press-on nails and these Dashing Diva extensions, which mimic gel extensions without a trip to the salon. If you have two left hands when it comes to doing your nails, you also don’t have to worry much with these—the process is super easy: size your nails; prep, file, buff; apply the adhesive, and then cure under the provided lamp. These held up a little over a week for me between traveling and wrangling a toddler, which is impressive!

This gel top coat has also made experimenting with gel at home super easy. It has a super glossy finish and doesn’t require any wiping or additional steps so it makes putting on a gel overlay on my extensions a no-brainer and I feel like a total pro. Just pop on a coat, cure, and done. My polish jobs usually last super long when this top coat is involved.

I love a good scalp scrub, but some are really hard to scoop up and end up chilling at the bottom of my bathtub. This one has a super thin nozzle that allows for precise application directly on the scalp. It uses apricot seeds to lift dirt and buildup from the scalp, while coconut yogurt and ginseng help replenish moisture simultaneously. It lathers up nicely, and my hair always feels squeaky clean after. I’m getting box braids in a few weeks, and this will be my go-to when it’s time to cleanse my scalp without ruining my braids

The Ami Colé Desert Date stick is already a beauty editor favorite and the newest shade Pink Sel has been my recent go-to for my cheeks and lips. It’s a vivid, punchy pink that is perfect for summer. The formula is buildable so you can customize your look, sheering it out for a subtle wash of color, or layer it on for a bolder look.

I recently got my hair done by celebrity hairstylist Matthew Collins, who slipped this innovation into my bag before I left the salon, and I haven’t put it down since. Collins collaborated with accessories designer Chelsea King to create a bungee cord and scrunchy hybrid product called the Scrungee. It’s a super easy wraparound hair tie that literally doesn’t move (I’ve seriously slept with my ponytail for about two days and didn’t have to fix it once). Collins (an avoid Soul Cycler) originally made this with people with super active lifestyles in mind. But even if you aren’t always sweating and want a super snatched ponytail that won’t give you a headache, this is a must-have.

If you’ll be washing your face on the go, these waterless cleanser beads should be in your skincare stash. All you need is a splash of water in your palm to create a nice lather that removes makeup and sebum buildup on the face.  Each bead is formulated with rice starch, papaya enzymes, blue butterfly pea flower, and kaolin clay to brighten and improve the skin texture over time. You can take the entire jar with you or pop a few in a travel container for easy transportation.

When it comes to summertime moisturizers, I look for formulas that deeply hydrate and leave my skin soft and dewy but won’t feel tacky throughout the day. This one does all that and uses rose oil (one of my favorite hydrating and soothing ingredients), vitamin C, and fatty acids to plump and soothe my face. You can use it at any time of the day, but I really love using it at night after I’ve been out in the sun to help relax my skin. It also smells divine so there’s an aromatherapy element I really like.

The name of this fragrance definitely gave me a pause when I first saw it: What exactly does a shitty day smell like? Nothing pleasant comes to mind. But inside of this Noyz bottle is a refreshing blend of ocean air, coconut water, and lavender. It’s refreshing and instantly wakes up my senses, which is, ironically, perfect to help perk up your vibe if you’re having a not-so-hot day. 

I’ve officially survived my first year with a child and my hair is in recovery mode from postpartum shedding. To help, I’ve employed a ton of density and growth support products, mainly this treatment which has made a huge difference IMO. It’s made with turmeric, collagen, and ashwagandha to help stimulate circulation, hydrate and strengthen hair at the root. I apply some to my roots once daily and style as usual. I love that it isn’t greasy, so it doesn’t weigh down my roots or make my hairstyles stiff.

You’d never think I have super dry skin if you saw what it looked like after using this gel. It’s a thick balmy-gel hybrid that soothes and moisturizes even the dryest of skin (read: mine). A little goes a long way, and I only use a small quarter-size amount to cover large areas like my legs and arms. My skin always feels super soft and has a healthy, hydrated glow once fully absorbed, which I love.

When I want a tamed, filled brow that doesn’t look overdone (and doesn’t take tons of time) I swear by this wax. The formula fills in sparse areas while making the hairs appear thicker while laying them in place all at once. It’s perfect if you want a somewhat laminated look without going through the process at home or in a salon.

My shower time is always super sacred, and it’s felt even more special since I added this body wash to my routine. The thick and creamy formula creates a bubbly, soft lather that always makes my skin feel super soft and smooth after rinsing. My favorite part, though, is the scent. I’ve been using the Rose and Cherry Creme, and my bathroom always smells like a luxe garden after I shower. I’m on the last drop of my current bottle, and the Caribbean Guava and Coconut scent is next on the docket. 

I have hyperpigmentation, and I’m always looking for products that help fade my dark spots. I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and noticed a huge improvement in the overall look of my skin. My spots are lighter, the texture is much smoother, and I feel more radiant after each use. The magic is in its ingredients list loaded with AHAs (azelaic, glycolic, lactic), which all exfoliate and target discoloration, and hyaluronic acid and aloe to hydrate and soothe. 

I am typically not a radiant foundation gal, but this one has made me a convert. It has a glowy, skin-like finish that’ll make you look like you just left the beach (even if you didn’t). The coverage is definitely on the lighter, buildable side, so this may not be the best choice if you want full coverage. However, this is perfect if you’re after a sheer glow that isn’t too heavy (especially in the heat). So, it’s definitely getting packed for my upcoming travels.

Confession: I fought hard not to jump on the Rhode bandwagon when this blush launched. I needed to see it in action before singing its praises (I am a blush lover, and not cream blushes are actually good). But, man, this stuff is really, really good. It’s pigmented and creamy, doesn’t disrupt any base makeup on your face, gives your skin a nice glow, and blends well. Seriously, it’s fantastic. Freckle has been my go-to color, but honestly, now I need them all.

My beauty editor friend Kayla Greaves collaborated with Brown Sugar Babe on a sexy-smelling body oil that I haven’t stopped using since I got it in the mail. It has notes of bergamot and black pepper and dries down to a rosy musk that leaves behind the most beautiful trail of fragrance all day. Best part? It actually moisturizes the skin, so you’ll be soft and smell good. I love putting this on right out of the shower and then layering my body mists and fragrance on top.

I am super allergic to mosquito bites (I swell and get super red and itchy), so I will not be making a move on my vacation without this in hand (I’m packing two). It has the anti-itch benefits of hydrocortisone plus aloe and glycerin to hydrate and soothe irritation. The rollerball applicator also makes it easy to apply on the go without getting my hands messy.