7 Beauty Products for an Effortless Summer Glow
Simply put, less is more.
Summertime… and the glow is easy. When it’s hot and sticky out, the last thing I want to do is pile on products—except for sunscreen, of course. This year’s summer season may not be the same as the ones pre-pandemic, but it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of fun with beauty products. Whether you’re out and about (safely) or staying in, you can still play with bright colors or shimmery textures.
If there’s one beauty lesson that quarantine life has taught me, it’s that less is more. During the past few months, I haven’t worn much makeup. In fact, I have surprisingly found comfort in a simpler routine. Scroll below to find seven of my favorite products for a simple and effortless summer glow.
1. Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint
When it comes to foundation, I always look for one that does double duty. Why not add some skincare goodness while covering up imperfections Kevyn Aucoin’s Skin Tint does just that and more. The formula (which comes in 10 shades) is sheer but it’s effective. Hyaluronic acid helps to plump the skin while evening out your complexion. As a modern invention, it also contains Butterfly Bush Flower Extract to help protect against free radicals caused by blue light.
2. Estée Lauder Pure Color Love Cooling Highlighter
For a beauty touch-up that takes less than one minute, use this new dome-shaped highlighter. Apply on your cheekbones, below your brow or wherever you want a hint of glow. The springy balm feels cool to the touch and comes in four shades to complement an array of skin tones. Keep it in your purse for a refreshing uplift any time of day or season.
3. Hourglass Ambient Metallic Strobe Light Palette
Speaking of highlighters, this one is all about dimension. I’ve had this palette for a few years now, and it’s the one I reach for over and over again. It includes three pearly shades of metallic strobing powders that can be used wet or dry. To instantly brighten your look, use a makeup sponge and apply the powder to the bridge of your nose and cupid’s bow. Your cheekbones aren’t the only parts of your face that need some dewy love!
4. Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss
Cue the nostalgia: Juicy Tubes are back! Nothing says summer like a good lip gloss. Just in time, Lancôme relaunched its iconic lip gloss in celebration of its 20 years anniversary. Choose from 20 shades: hot pink Radio Lychee, sparkle-filled Birthday Cupcake, shimmery purple Grape Arcade, and more. Apply on its own or layer over lipstick for four hours of hydration and shine.
5. Jill Stuart Beauty Eternal Couture Eyes Shimmer
Inspired by a vintage jewelry box, this diamond-like case serves as ornate décor for your vanity. Even more, it’s the ideal eyeshadow palette for summer. The Tulip Ballade color combo includes pastel pink, medium pink, peach, and light cocoa. The luminescent shimmer on your eyelids will stand out even more while wearing a face mask.
6. RMS Living Glow Face and Body Powder
Even if you choose to spend more time indoors, you can still get a sun-kissed glow with the RMS face and body powder. The superfine powder comes in one universally-flattering golden champagne shade filled with eye-catching shimmer. Use a fan brush to dust the powder across your cheeks and a larger body brush to apply on your décolletage. This clean beauty brand knows that nothing complements your favorite sundress more than glistening skin.
7. Nails Inc. Crystals Made Me Do It Nail Polish Duo
There’s something calming about giving yourself a mani-pedi. Nails Inc. makes the process even more zen with the Crystals Made Me Do It nail polish duo. Part one is a shimmery pink color infused with rose quartz (a healing stone that’s said to attract love). Part two is a 45-second top coat infused with amethyst crystals to radiate positive energy. Make it a full-on spa day and use the Thirsty Hands and Thirsty Feet masks for 15-20 minutes. The mix of plant extracts, shea butter, and vitamin E will leave your skin feeling brand new.
Wendy Sy is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer based in New York City. In addition to her editorial website, Style Meets Story, her work has been featured in Allure, Avenue Magazine, InStyle, and more. When she’s not brainstorming ideas for upcoming articles, you can find her spending countless hours searching for lost treasures at vintage shops. Photo by Sophie Elgort.
If there’s one beauty lesson that quarantine life has taught me, it’s that sometimes, less is more.
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