We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. CeraVe body wash assists in diminishing razor bumps and scaly skin with its salicylic acid formula that exfoliates gently (unlike harsh physically rough scrubs). If you tend to shave often in the summer, or are prone to getting those small bumps on your arms (called keratosis pilaris), then this wash is for you.
Promising reviews: "Really happy with this body wash so far. Makes me feel clean, no residue or anything unpleasant like that. My skin feels really soft when I'm out of the shower, and I love that it has no fragrance. Very good for sensitive skin and it even helps heal any razor bumps or hives that I get from working outside in the California summer." —Brittney
"Bought this for my 10-year-old daughter who has keratosis pilaris on her arms. This before and after photo is after two washes! Her upper arms are perfectly smooth now and she is very happy with the results." —MRenee82
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
2. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay works wonders on hair and skin when mixed with apple cider vinegar. Utilize it as a hair mask, bath soak, foot soak, and even on those pesky bug bites you can get from sitting around the bonfire on chilly summer nights.
The Aztec Healing Clay can also be used as a face mask that's great for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation. Combine the powder with apple cider vinegar.
Promising reviews: "I have terrible eczema symptoms in the summer months. I get all dry and itchy and bumpy on my arms and chest. This stuff clears it right up. It’s a thousand times better than anything I’ve gotten from the dermatologist or drugstore." —Kelly
"I have very thick, super curly, coarse hair. I have been natural going on nine years. I’ve never been able to wear my hair in a wash and go style because my roots were always puffy, tangled, and had no curl definition. It would just swell up and look like cotton. Oh but then I used this miracle in a jar. It’s messy, and takes forever. But for the first time in my natural hair journey, I have been consistently wearing wash-and-gos. Takes me no time to style my hair, it’s moisturized, shiny, and looks so healthy. I’ve had soooo many people tell me how healthier my hair looks now. If I could give it 20 stars just for my hair I would!" —keina
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+.
3. Revlon Oil-Absorbing Roller replaces oil-blotting sheets with its magical oil-ridding properties. This lil' guy can remove summertime shine with each and every roll AND the stone can be washed and added back into the holder to use time and time again.
Promising review: "I highly recommend this tool for my oily skin friends. This definitely takes away the shininess on my face mid-day in summer weather. I find it easy to wash at night too. Personally, I don't get extremely oily skin anymore like in my teens so just mid-day rolling takes care of the shininess so that I can just wash face twice a day only. If I were to live in more humid environment, I may need to use it another time in day. But since I have acne-prone skin, I'm not going to take that risky step and would rather buy another one to carry out and use as needed. Previously I used to use blotting sheets but I'm glad to be more sustainable now. For its portability, function, and price, this is extremely useful device. Highly recommend!" —SJJS
Get it from Amazon for $13.49.
4. Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion soothes sunburned skin with aloe and coconut oil for sweet sweet pain relief. It's fast absorbing and can be used on both the face and body to refresh and calm the skin.
Promising review: "I ordered this two weeks ago after seeing rave reviews. So grateful I did. Yesterday I got the worst burn. It was unbelievable. I applied this four times over 24 hours. When I woke up this morning it was a lot better and has just gotten increasingly better throughout the day. I took the top photo at 9:30 p.m. then the bottom photo 23.5 hours later, and the difference is huge. The burn is mostly faded, and the pain is so much better. I hope to never burn this badly again, but I will be stockpiling this lotion all the same." —Carolina G.
Get it from Amazon for $10.02.
5. Klur Symmetry Fluid Serum creates a breathable barrier between skin and potential exposure to urban pollution, helping keep your skin resilient. I use this serum each and every day and I've noticed incredible results in my skin's texture and plumpness. It features a blend of vitamins and antioxidants that'll help ease any sun damage your face may endure this summer.
Klur is a small business that specializes in clean, ethical, beauty products that work wonders and also look aesthetically pleasing on your vanity.
I am OBSESSED with this serum. It's lightweight and unlike other serums I've tried. Sometimes serums can be a bit oily or even too thick feeling but this one is *chef's kiss*. It's so refreshing when massaged into the skin and it's just the right consistency, it's not too thin and not too thick. This is well worth the money and I put it on every day before my moisturizer. I've noticed less breakouts on my skin and more of an overall even texture since using this.
Get it from Credo Beauty and Klur for $70.
6. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream envelops skin in the most ~incredible~ smelling hydration you've ever used (and it has shimmer)! Once you use this cream, you'll understand the hype around its yummy smell and hydrating properties. This'll keep your skin in its ~summer glow era~ even when summer's over.
If you’re more interested in the scent of the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, check out the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ‘62 Bum Bum Hair and Body Mist so you can get the smell without having to lather up!
Promising review: “I’m in love with this lotion! I use it every day and it still lasts a long time. You only need a little bit for each body part. It’s super moisturizing without being greasy and is hydrating without feeling like it’s water based. It also smells amazing, especially for the summer! Highly recommend.” —Claireeblee
Get it from Amazon and Sephora for $22+ (available in two sizes).
7. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask foams up on the skin and helps extract blackheads (that were potentially caused by your sunscreen-clogged pores). This fast-working face mask creates oodles and oodles of cleansing bubbles as it sits on the skin, detoxing and removing blackheads.
Promising review: "Much needed in the summer when you're sweaty and using different products. I have combination skin, and it does wonders for my oily T-zone! Smells lovely too!" —LaKeisha R.
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream infuses skin with shea butter and calms with oatmeal so any flaking skin (AKA that sunburn from your recent vacay), can stop, well — flaking. This is thicker than your typical face cream in case that lightweight one you currently own just isn't cutting it.
Promising Review: "I LOVE this product. In the winter I get dry patches that I’ve always struggled to repair. I started using this at night and haven’t had a dry spot since. I’ve continued to use it as my nighttime moisturizer, and even in the summer it’s not too heavy and keeps my skin feeling so good!" —kayerin
Get it from Sephora for $16+ (available in three sizes).
9. Avarelle Acne Patches soothe breakouts while you sleep and suck the gunk overnight. We all know the feeling of sunscreen breakouts (no thank you), so these will be your secret weapon.
They also blend into the skin so they can be worn throughout the day and not just at night!
Promising review: "I've been experiencing chin acne for about three weeks now, maybe due to using sunblock in the summer. White and blackheads have been popping up everywhere. I used these patches trying to draw out the bacteria and it worked! I did steam my face before using to open up my pores. The steam started the process and the acne patches finished the job." —Gari
Get a box of 40 round patches for $8.49.
10. Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer smooths pores so your makeup will have the perfect base for application. If you want to avoid using a lot of makeup in the summer, try using just a primer and no additional makeup on top for a smooth skin look.
Touch in Sol is an AAPI-owned brand from South Korea who mission is to put the fun back in makeup.
Promising review: "So I was about skeptical about the hyped up reviews on here and Sephora. I have combination skin in the mornings but by midday I end up feeling oily and greasy/shiny all over my face...especially in the summer. I tried this and it didn't dry out my normally dry cheeks and under eyes AND it matted my oily T-zone. I have very sensitive skin and so far, after days of use in sun, while out in humid weather, sweating profusely, it held up without breaking me out or making my makeup look like a cracked ceramic vase. I recommend my oily T-zone companions to give it a shot." —MOJO2013
Get it from Amazon for $14.40.
11. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant gently exfoliates skin and impurities — like blackheads and large pores. This will come in handy when that weeks-old tan needs to finally be exfoliated off. Bye-bye Bora Bora bronze.
Promising review: "OMG this stuff is amazing! Let me just say that if you suffer from forehead acne and an oily forehead (especially during humid NY summers) like I do, this is for you! I’ve been using this product for about two weeks now, and it’s amazing!! I had tiny skin-colored bumps that weren't acne, which was SO frustrating! But this stuff helped clear it up! I can’t believe it. I’ve tried topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or 2% salicylic acid, and they didn’t help as much as this did to get rid of the oiliness on my forehead. My forehead is extremely sensitive, but this didn’t cause any adverse reactions when used on my forehead or problem spots in my T-zone. Definitely buy." —Melis
Get it from Amazon for $11 (available in two sizes).
12. Elizabeth Mott Eyeshadow Primer extends the longevity of your eye makeup with a few swipes before application. This also makes shadows more opaque and less patchy so if you're headed to a summer wedding, you don't have to worry about your eye makeup melting off before the reception.
Promising review: "This product stays true to its name. I would love to thank the person who developed it. I put on my eye makeup at the beginning of the day, and it is still holding strong at night when I go to take it off. Even in the Arizona summer, my eye makeup doesn't melt. I kid you not! And, the tube is going to last me a long time because I barely need to use any on my eyelids. This product is the find of the century. You will not be disappointed." —csmc
Get it from Amazon for $12.31.
13. Teddie Organics Rose Water Toner Spray calms the skin while diminishing redness and excess oil. This will breathe new life into the skin, will work well as a makeup refresher spray, and can help balance skin's pH levels.
It'll also restore your skin's pH balance and absorb excess oil. It's everything you want your toner to do, except now you can use it WHEREVER. Plus it's organic and suitable for sensitive skin!
Promising reviews: "I have very acne-prone and sensitive skin that is pale with pink and red undertones. I break out very easily, and my skin is irritated even by the 'sensitive skin' brands and formulas. I have used EVERYTHING under the sun to aid in redness and sensitivity, and nothing has worked to calm flare-ups like this. I wake up and my skin is glowing and peachy pale, as opposed to red and blotchy. This rose water has not only improved my skin's redness and overall tone, but it has virtually eliminated any signs on acne. I use before I put on my redness moisturizer and before bed as a refresher. I also find myself spritzing at various times of the day, because the fragrance is so pleasant." —Kathy Pancake
"Great product and very satisfied with purchase. I have been using this rose water for a few months now and I can tell a difference in my skin. Some days I just wash my face and spray the rose water on and go. Other days I spray this on and let it dry before applying my moisturizer. I talked to my dermatologist and she strongly approves. I even got a little burnt over the summer and I truly believe spraying this on my neck and chest helped to keep me from peeling...with the help of aloe. This is the first summer I have not peeled." —Jennifer W
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
We rounded up the best toners — check out our picks and see what won.
14. Or this Habit N°38 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 38 supplies the refreshing spritz your skin has been longing for AND with a dose of helpful SPF. It's lightweight and doesn't have an intense smell — talk about a win-win.
It's got SPF 38.
Promising reviews: "The best lightweight face SPF I have come across! I spray it right over my makeup and I can't even tell I have sunscreen on! No heavy oil residue or streakiness! Also it works...spent hours outside in 85-degree direct sun and no burn!" —Melissalkossack
"I absolutely LOVE this sunscreen mist! I always struggled to remember to put on SPF before my makeup and now I don’t have to! Naked face or full face of makeup, I can just spray some on before I leave the house. It’s also small enough to keep one in my purse. And the SMELL! I looove the cucumber smell. It’s so refreshing. Definitely recommend." —Nessarcoiris
Get it from Sephora for $30.
15. Tend Skin Razor Bump Solution helps heal ingrown hairs, rashes, and razor burns from consistent shaving and bikini waxes. Keep this on hand after your next Brazilian — you won't be sorry.
Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. You would never believe it but it works wonders. One of the worst parts of summer for me is razor burn and chafing/irritation, particularly at the beach when my hair follicles on my legs dry from the saltwater. This stuff prevents ALL of that. No bumps, no pain, nothing. Best part is, it doesn't matter when you put it on. Before you shave, after you shave, even when you're not shaving, going to the beach, getting back from the beach, etc. Always works." —Claire
Get it from Amazon for $16.79.
16. Selfmade Secure Attachment + Comfort Serum rejuvenates skin when applied post cleansing for a hydrating glow that works great as a base under the rest of your makeup. It can also be used by itself for that summery glow your dry summer skin will drink right up.
Selfmade is a small beauty brand that creates clean, sustainable products that put self-worth at the forefront.
My co-worker Clara McMahon recently tested out this product:
"They were kind enough to send me their Secure Attachment + Comfort Serum, which I have been using and loving for about a month now. As someone with sensitive skin that tends to run on the drier side, I love products that are gentle and nourishing, as well as hydrating and super glowy. This serum does it all! It adds a nice boost of dewy hydration to my skin when I wear it solo (without making me look like I doused my face in oil), but it also wears well under makeup. In the photo above, I wore the serum under Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint, just to add a *smidge* of coverage, and basked in the ~afterglow~. Oh and P.S., it comes in a super-cute bottle and smells really. good."
Get it from Selfmade for $36.
17. Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts help exfoliate dead skin from that two-week-old tan you've been avoiding saying "toodles" to. It's time to reveal fresh, new, and smooth skin, and this mitt will help you satisfyingly remove any and all flakes. You'll def wanna keep this handy if you apply self tanner!
Promising reviews: "I love these mitts so much, I wish I found them sooner! For me, brushes and loofas don’t give me enough exfoliation and they fall apart and get gross too fast. These mitts are perfect. Also, they are way more cost effective and easier to use than a sugar scrub type product. I feel like these mitts will last a long time, and they’re easy to clean and have a loop so you can hang them to dry in your shower. I keep one at my place and one at my boyfriend's. They are a little rough so it’s not something you want to use more than twice per week, and use gentle motions in sensitive areas. My skin is so smooth after I use these and it’s helped me get rid of ingrown hairs on my bikini line. Just make sure to moisturize after using! I’m excited to use it for when I apply fake tan in the summer months." —Amazon Customer
"This took all the dead skin off my legs. I suffer from ingrown hairs on my legs to wear I still have little dots in my legs of hair even after I shave. This helped so much! Buy it, you need this for soft smooth legs for the summer!" —Jacqueline
Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available as a pair).
18. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum reveals brighter and more even-toned skin all while supplying a plumper overall look. With hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and witch hazel, this plant-based formulation will keep your skin in ~glowy summer mode~ 4ever.
TruSkin is a small business that offer a wide variety of skincare products.
Promising review: "This serum is better than anything I have ever used! It is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and gives my face such a smooth feel and look. It has also quickly diminished acne scars on my face!" —DENISE EBERLINE
Promising review: "I really love this stuff. My skin does that super fun combination of too dry or too oily at the same time. (It's always painful, either so dry it's cracking or one or two swollen, painful zits that make my whole face hurt when it moves). Dry air in the winter and humid air in the summer are the worst, and a lot of products help *a little bit* but none of them seem to give real relief. THIS STUFF is the best so far of everything I have tried (no reduced rate purchase, no review bribery...I wish! I'd say the same thing either way). I use TruSkin moisturizer which balances my skin, gets rid of the dryness, and creates better skin health overall." —Lirit Elizabeth Pendell
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
19. Supergoop! Broad Spectrum 40 SPF Sunscreen offers great UV protection all while feeling literally *weightless.* This layers beautifully under makeup and even looks fab on its own. The best part? It's non-greasy and leaves no white cast!
Promising review: "I was hesitant to purchase this because of how expensive it is for the amount you’re given but it was totally worth it! I usually have issues with sunscreens and moisturizers making my other skincare products peel (I use hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin) but this sunscreen is perfect! I experienced no peeling and no white cast like you would with mineral sunscreens. The texture feels like a foundation primer and doesn’t look or feel greasy. Highly recommend and definitely worth it." —Fran
Get it from Amazon for $36.
20. Or Bolden Brightening Moisturizer with SPF 30, which dries clear on the skin with no chalky residue or white-cast. This product was formulated with melanin-rich skin tones in mind and also contains vitamin C to help brighten skin and reverse any sun damage.
Bolden is a small, Black woman-owned biz making skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Promising reviews: "I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
"I love this product. It’s lightweight and I feel secure when I’m in the sun, especially when I apply it on top of serum that increases sun sensitivity." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
21. Neutrogena MoistureShine soothes lips with cucumber, chamomile, and glycerin for a juicy (protected) pout with SPF 20! This is sure to be your new beach bag must-have.
Promising reviews: "This is a very good product. It has cooling gel in it so when you put it on, it gets cold and it feels very nice. Great for the summer for a very glossy look. Unlike other lipglosses, it actually tastes good. This is a great product and I HIGHLY recommend!" —Manda
"I like this gloss because it's lightweight, has a hint of color, and includes SPF! So many of the glosses out there don't include SPF — a must for those of use who are outdoors all the time." —YachtGirl
Get it from Amazon for $5.89 (available in two colors).
22. Or Revlon Kiss Tinted Lip Balm with SPF 30, which keeps lips hydrated with a fruity-flavored finish. This lil' bb supplies lips with eight hours of moisture.
Promising reviews: "Great lightweight gloss. Definitely a sheer pink finish. Smells and tastes nice. Moisturizing without being sticky or goopy. The color sticks around for a surprisingly long time." —J. L. Knox
"It is a beautiful tinted balm with a very pleasant berry scent. It feels very nice and moisturizing on your lips. It is perfect for summer. Gives a nice tinted color and has SPF 20." —Michael
Get it from Amazon for $3.84.
23. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer brightens and evens skin with a super lightweight formula. It features vitamin C for a hint of luminosity, and French Polynesian kopara for a dose of hydration. All that AND it features SPF 30 (so while your skin looks flawless, it's also protected).
Promising review: "I rarely leave reviews, but THIS product is worthy. I’ve tried every tinted moisturizer in the book. They either felt too thick, sat on top of my skin, or the color range was never fair enough. This product is extremely easy to apply, blends into my skin color quickly, and has the most beautiful/natural radiant finish. 10/10 recommend for those with sensitive skin looking for the perfect summer tint + hydration + SPF." —whatliftsyou
Get it from Sephora for $46 (available in 15 shades).
24. Bio-Oil assists in fading scars, such as stretch marks and acne scars, as well as heals cracked and flaky skin (ahem — *dry, sunburned skin*) that needs some TLC. The best part? It won't clog your pores.
Promising review: "We spend a lot of hours outside in the sun for my kids' sports, especially in the summer for travel baseball. I noticed after this season my arms were developing several sun spots. I started using this oil and noticed a difference in less than two weeks. Then within a couple more weeks, I noticed my hands were looking a lot smoother. I really love this oil and it's a part of my daily regimen for skincare. It has made a significantly noticeable difference and I am very pleased with the results." —Sherrmor78
Get it from Amazon for $8.92 (available in three sizes).
25. Alder New York Smoothing Face Mask gently exfoliates the skin (think removing flaky, dry skin) with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant rich sea kelp to add hydration back into the skin simultaneously. It's sure to become a staple in your summer nighttime skincare routine.
Alder New York is a queer woman-owned business based in Brooklyn. Their cleansing body bar is one of my favorite soaps EVER.
I own several products from Alder New York and absolutely adore the brand. Their products are amazing for anyone with sensitive skin or a preference for fragrance-free beauty products.
Get it from Alder New York for $24.99.
26. Mario Badescu Cleansing Oil gently removes makeup without clogging pores. A little goes a long way with this product — just take a pump on your hands, massage into skin, rinse with water or a damp towel, and your skin will be fresh and makeup-free. Toss the makeup wipes to the side because those + sunburnt skin will just lead to painful irritation. This cleansing oil will make removing makeup painless.
Promising review: "Both my teen daughter and I use this product and we really like it! My daughter has dry typical teenage skin with some breakouts and I have very sensitive/dry skin due to rosacea. I use this alone or I'll double cleanse daily with it. It leaves our skin soft and clean without irritation and you only need a little. It also takes makeup off easily. You can't beat the price either." —Mel McFox
Get it from Amazon for $16.
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