As summer begins, beauty editors are sharing the products they rely on most during the warmer months. The season calls for light textures, natural finishes, and formulas that perform well in heat and humidity. Here are the top picks from the team.
Ourself Intelligent Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a serum-like mineral sunscreen that uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection. It includes Intides™ peptides to support skin firmness and elasticity, along with niacinamide, allantoin, and bisabolol for sensitive skin. Senior director of beauty and lifestyle editorial Alexandra Engler says it rethinks what sunscreen can do for skin longevity.
Smooth Skin Pure Adapt IPL is a device for at-home hair removal. Health editor Ailsa Cowell says it is quick and easy to use, taking about a minute once a week. She reports it helps manage her bikini line without razor burn.
Jones Road Miracle Balm is a weightless product for adding glow. Assistant health editor Sela Breen uses bronzy shades on her forehead and cheeks, then adds a dusty pink hue for sheen and rosiness. She says it works well with tinted lip balm.
Symbiome The Essence Rejuvenating Mist is made with Postbiomic™ microbial lysates and enzymes. Engler explains that emerging research on the skin microbiome shows how skin used to protect itself from UV damage. She says this mist helps replenish what has been lost due to modern living, though it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50 contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol. Email marketing lead Jasmina Kazic says it feels lightweight, leaves skin hydrated and dewy, and is water resistant for 80 minutes per application.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint Mineral SPF 50 offers light, buildable coverage. Kazic says it is perfect for the beach and everyday use, providing a serum-type feeling that brightens skin tone. It comes in a wide shade range.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops allow users to mix them with moisturizer to create a natural sunkissed look. Cowell says she starts slow and builds throughout the summer, noting the product is fragrance free.
Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA helps clear texture and clogged pores caused by sweat and sunscreen. Breen says it soaks in quickly without leaving a sticky feeling and can be mixed with body lotion. She recommends it for people with body acne or KP.
Kopari Beauty Sun Veil Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 30 provides a natural radiance. Kazic says it locks in glow, keeps skin hydrated and soft with shea butter, and is talc free.
Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Lotion SPF 30 has a moisturizing quality with no white cast. Cowell keeps a bottle in her purse for daily wear and plans to get another for her beach bag. She says it feels nourishing and works well with sweat.
Summer beauty routines focus on products that are easy to use and effective in hot weather. These editor-approved items range from sunscreens and self-tanners to skin treatments and glow-enhancing balms. Each product is chosen for its ability to perform in real-life conditions, whether at the beach, on vacation, or in city heat. The selections emphasize formulas that support skin health while delivering a natural, low-effort look.
