Between battling sweat, beating the heat and dodging harmful sun rays, there’s a not-so-glamorous side to summertime that needs to be acknowledged. To successfully make it through hot girl season (literally), there are a few key summer-proof beauty swaps and additions to consider.
From cooling mists and after-sun balms to air-dry hair creams and anti-chafe sticks, we’ve rounded up 13 beauty-must haves that’ll keep you cool, calm and collected. Below, our beauty lover’s survival guide to beating the heat this summer.
For those moments when it’s simply too hot to function, reach for Coola’s Refreshing Water Mist. Infused with organic aloe, coconut water and a plant-derived Full Spectrum 360-degree technology which defends against skin aggressors like pollution, this weightless facial spritz will keep you hydrated all summer long.
The best part? It’s SPF 18, so you’re getting a little protection top-up every time you apply.
Underarm deodorants are essential for staying fresh during the hot summer months, but what about other areas, like the chest and thighs, where things can get sweaty, too? That’s where an all-over deodorant, like Dove’s Whole Body Deodorant, comes to the rescue.
From your pits to your toes, this aluminum-free cream provides all-day odour protection. And it’s safe to use on even the most sensitive skin types.
A do-it-all hero product for summer, Nanoset Blurring Setting Spray uses light-diffusing technology to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and oil-absorbing ingredients reduce dreaded forehead and T-zone shine. The best part? It sets your makeup for up to sixteen hours.
After a day of splashing in the sea or pool, there’s nothing more soothing than lathering on an after-sun cream. With its intensely hydrating properties, Dior Solar After-Sun Balm is a luxurious treat for parched skin that’s been exposed to the sun.
As you apply this balm to the face and body, its fresh and summery monoi scent makes for a sensorial, spa-like experience.
While we’re constantly told to top up on facial and body sunscreens, it can be easy to forget about wearing SPF on our lips, too. But Australian skincare brand Ultra Violette just dropped a hydrating lip balm with SPF 50 that moisturizes and protects. Whether you like a pink, coral, or beige lip, there’s a shade for everyone.
Plus, the subtle peppermint scent adds a refreshing touch.
Sporting shorts this time of year is all fun and games until your legs rub together and begin to chafe, but Gillette’s Intimate Pubic Anti-Chafe Stick is a lifesaver. It’s designed to prevent skin irritation by preventing and reducing friction in the groin area.
Ideal for summertime travel, you can take this compact stick with you from the beach to the gym, and wherever else you may need a quick touch-up.
Nudestix’s Nudescreen Blush Tints are formulated with SPF 30 for protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays and can be worn on the eyes, cheeks or lips for a flush of summery colour.
From coral “Strawberry Sunburst” to mauve “Sunset Rose,” these easy-to-use, liquid shades are perfect for creating a monochromatic makeup look on the go.
The dryness of winter may lead to dehydrated, brittle hair, but sun exposure can, too. Leave-in conditioners, like Mielle’s White Peony Leave-In, work to moisturize, smooth and refresh strands.
Formulated with coconut oil, green tea extract and grapefruit extract, this lightweight conditioner is suitable for all hair types and can be used daily to quench thirsty tresses.
You can’t survive a summer heat wave without an on-the-go sunscreen. For an option that’s safe for the whole family, throw Avéne’s Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 into your beach bag.
This water-resistant stick was made with the often overlooked areas of our skin in mind, from the nose and lips to ears and scars.
This season, there’s no shame in using the sun as a natural hair dryer. Apply JVN’s Completely Hydrating Air Dry Hair Styling Cream to damp strands for a frizz-free look that dries beautifully.
No matter your texture, this cream smooths, defines and protects against UV damage on all hair types.
This coconut and castor oil stick really does it all. It can be used as a shine product, a pre-shampoo treatment, an overnight mask, a fly-aways tamer for a slicked-back bun and so much more.
The thought of putting on multiple layers of creams and foundations during a heat wave can be torture. But skipping SPF just isn’t an option. Enter: Neutrogena’s new Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid Sunscreen.
It features SPF 30 and a sheer tint to complement your natural skin tone.
Sticky summer heat can trigger rough bumps and spots all over the body that feel impossible to treat — but First Aid Beauty has a remedy The KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub works wonders for sloughing off dry bumps associated with keratosis pilaris (KP) and strawberry skin.
For smooth vacation-ready skin, use one to two times a week as tolerated.
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Lauren Knowles is FASHION Magazine’s digital beauty writer. If she’s wearing it, it’s neutral — but her minimalist taste doesn’t mean she’s not tuned in to what avant-garde trends are hot on the runway or in the works backstage with the beauty pros (she’s pinning it all to a virtual mood board for future reference). This Bahamian-born creative also has bylines in Elle Canada, Hypebae, and CBC.
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