15 products that solve your summer beauty problems
From a trustworthy sunscreen to a bold, stay-put lipstick
Credit:
Supergoop! / Glossier
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Choosing the right beauty products can be difficult year-round. Add in the summer heat and endless activities that have you on the go—and sweating—from day to night and you’re met with new challenges. To always look your best, rely on these trusted beauty products to get you through the season, from a highly reviewed primer to a liquid lipstick rated the best on Reviewed’s test.
1. A facial sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays
We know makeup with SPF isn’t enough to protect your skin from the sun’s powerful UVA and UVB rays. Layer up with a sunscreen like the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, which won’t interfere with your makeup and keeps your face guarded against sun damage.
Get the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 on Sephora for $32
2. A no-fuss foundation that doesn't weigh your skin down
You’ll want a foundation that feels lightweight while still giving you the coverage you desire. With more than 13,000 reviews on ULTA’s website, the IT Cosmetics CC+ cream is a fan favorite because of its skin-like feel and light-to-full coverage, depending on how many layers you apply.
Get the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ on ULTA for $39
3. A primer to keep your makeup in place
Using a great primer underneath your foundation is key to achieving a flawless look that will last all day. The right primer “grips” your foundation and prevents humidity from causing your products to slide around during the summer months. The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer has hundreds of raving reviews claiming it keeps oil at bay and makeup in place for hours.
Get the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer on Sephora for $30
4. A one-and-done lid color for an easy eye look
Wanting to highlight your eyes without doing a full-on eyeshadow look? Try a one-and-done lid color like the Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow. Just swipe the cream all over the lid to instantly brighten up the eye area without picking up a makeup brush.
Get the Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30 on Sephora for $24
5. A setting powder to lock everything in
Setting powder doesn't just smooth your foundation for a flawless finish. You can use it for quick touch-ups throughout the day as you sweat or as natural skin oils begin to seep through. Even better, Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield from Colorescience is a dermatologist-recommended way to boost your SPF without having to slather on lotion. The powder dispenses as you lightly swipe the brush wherever you need coverage.
Get the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 on Dermstore for $65
6. A highlighter to keep your skin looking fresh and bronzy
If you want the sun to reflect off the high points of your face, don’t skip over highlighter. For summer, a bronzy highlight like Wet n Wild’s MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter in a color like Goddess Glow does the trick. In our tests, it even stood up to higher-end brands like Marc Jacobs and the ever-popular Glossier. Dab a little onto your collarbones and shoulders to give your body a little extra shimmer, too.
Get the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter on ULTA for $5.99
7. A waterproof mascara that doesn't budge
Worried about your eye makeup creating raccoon eyes by the end of the day? Using waterproof mascara secures the longevity of your lashes, whether you’re sweating or purposefully cooling yourself down with a rosewater spray. The Maybelline Lash Sensational was one of our favorites when we tested drugstore mascaras and the waterproof version earns favorable ratings from ULTA shoppers.
Get the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara on ULTA for $8.99
8. A pop of color that stays put on the lips
Summer is the perfect time to try a standout lip color. For only $5, the Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipsticks come in bold colors like an orange-red called “Flame of The Game” and bright ones like a fuschia called “Oh My Dolly.” Plus, this formula lasts longer than comparable liquid lipsticks.
Get the Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick on ULTA for $5.29
9. A blush that makes you look sun-kissed without the UV rays
Contrary to popular belief, bronzer isn’t the only cosmetic you need for looking sun-kissed. Blush gives you rosy cheeks without the risky sun exposure. Glossier’s Cloud Paint is a cult favorite that comes in six different shades, from a baby pink to a deep berry tint. The best part is that you can blend them onto the cheeks easily using just your fingers.
Get the Glossier Cloud Paint on Glossier for $18
10. A setting spray to give the perfect finish
When you need to reapply your SPF but don’t want to add more powder to your face, look for an SPF-infused setting spray like the COOLA Classic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray. ULTA reviewers report it keeps them from burning, touches up their makeup, and feels lightweight on the skin.
Get the COOLA Classic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray Green Tea/Aloe on ULTA for $36
11. A waterproof eyeliner so your wing doesn’t smudge
Evenly applying eyeliner is already a tricky business, so it’s especially disappointing when you muss it or watch it slowly wear off throughout the day. To avoid those nuisances, go with a trusted classic like Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, which we love because it didn’t budge on watery eyes or greasy lids in our tests.
Get the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner on Sephora for $22
12. A hair texturizer that gives you beachy waves without the salt water
You don’t need to dive into the ocean to give your hair that windblown, post-swim look. Add some oomph to your hair without the trip to the seashore with IGK’s Beach Club Texture Spray. Spray a little to add texture or a lot for more defined volume.
Get the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray on Sephora for $29
13. A lip balm with SPF for extra protection
When lathering your body with SPF, don’t forget that the sun can harm your lips, too. Avoiding burnt lips is as simple as applying (and reapplying) a lip balm infused with sunscreen, like the Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
Get the Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on ULTA for $3.99
14. A pack of oil-blotting sheets, just in case
Another trick for removing excess oil throughout the day or before you touch up your makeup is using blotting paper. The Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets promise to remove oil without smudging your makeup, and Amazon reviewers agree.
Get the Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets on Amazon starting at $5.67
15. A mask that restores moisture after a day in the sun
After spending time out in the sun, your skin may feel parched and in need of some TLC. Recharge your skin with a moisturizing mask, like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, which you can leave on overnight for radiant, refreshed skin.