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. Glossier Ultralip adds gloss and shine to lips with the perfect hint of color. Achieve a "your lips but better" look all while hydrating them post sunbathing. (Chapped lips be gone!)
It's super buildable and is vegan and cruelty-free.
This is an amazing lip product for summer. It's hydrating and not sticky (which is, in my opinion, the worst thing about glosses). I love applying a light coat and then blending it in with my finger so it isn't too shiny but it looks great without blending too. I find that in the summertime, regular lipsticks and liquid lippies can be way too drying so this balm is the perfect hybrid between lipstick and gloss. It has a gorgeous sheen that looks natural and healthy. You can even apply it on the high points of your cheeks for some glow and a pop of color (no need for blush!).
Get it from Glossier for $18 (available in nine shades).
3. Revlon oil-absorbing roller replaces oil-blotting sheets with its magical oil-ridding properties. This lil' guy can remove shine with each and every roll AND the stone can be washed and used time and time again. We all know summertime = an increase in face oil so this is a great secret weapon to keep in your makeup bag.
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 $12.99.
4. Supergoop! Broad Spectrum 40 SPF Sunscreen offers great UV protection all while feeling almost *weightless*. This layers beautifully under makeup and even looks fab on its own. The best part? It's nongreasy and leaves no white cast!
Promising reviews: "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
"It is a very light but effective moisturizer, which is especially good on those hot summer days. It also acts as a great makeup base. I’m very pleased. Please don’t change it or stop making it." —JB
Get it from Amazon for $36.
5. Or Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 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 Black woman-owned small biz making skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Promising review: "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 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
Promising review: "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.
6. 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.
7. 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. Reviewers also say this is great for eczema-prone skin!
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 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
"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
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
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 absolutely LOVE this moisturizer. I’m a total beauty lover, and there isn’t much I haven’t tried in the way of skincare. This product really stands out! It has an amazing, thick texture and a lovely scent. I was blown away when I put this cream on my face. It felt so soothing and took away the redness! I can’t recommend this moisturizer enough to anyone who has sensitive skin, has a skin condition like eczema, or is like me and uses strong skincare products. Plus, it’s insanely moisturizing. That being said, it is not one of those moisturizers that you use and it instantly soaks right into the skin. This cream does actually feel like a cream, but I wouldn’t say that it feels greasy. I will always have a big tub of this stuff around for sure. It really does work wonders on dry skin!" —ilamarie10
Get it from Sephora for $16+ (available in three sizes).
9. Avarelle Acne Patches soothe breakouts overnight and suck the gunk out by morning. 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. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner features a waterproof formula that doesn't budge even through sweaty workout sessions and trips to the pool. A winged liner that lasts all day in the summer heat? Magic.
11. NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel works as the perfect topcoat after you fill in your brows with your favorite pomade or pencil. This will ensure your brow hairs don't take one step out of place, and is great for taming brows before a trip to the beach!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. I have a bare minimum makeup look and this stuff is part of it! I actually use it even if I don't fill in my brows at all. This stuff is able to go on thin enough for me to not feel it but thick enough to hold the hairs where I want them until I take it off. I don't have any extra wax or residue, it lasts until I remove it, and it does not have any smell or tint to it. I take my brow shape pretty seriously since that seems to be what I'm complimented on more than anything else. You will not find anything this good for a price in the same ballpark." —Nina
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
12. Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer soothes and smoothes pores so your makeup will have the perfect base for application. If you try 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 a bit skeptical about the hyped up reviews on here. 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." —MOJO2013
Get it from Amazon for $14.40.
13. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant gently exfoliates skin and unclogs/shrinks enlarged 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 believe I had what is called Malassezia on my forehead, which are just tiny skin colored bumps that are unsightly but not even acne, which can be SO frustrating! But this stuff helped clear it up! I can’t believe it. 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).
14. Elizabeth Mott Eyeshadow Primer extends the life 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 $14.50.
15. Fanola Purple Shampoo brightens and maintains blonde tresses without having to shell out big bucks for toning appointments at the salon. Doing a lot of pool swimming? Invest in this shampoo, you won't be sorry.
Just don't use it for more than three minutes (once a week), because then your hair will turn lavender (unless you're into that, which some reviewers are!!!).
Promising review: "This is the most amazing purple shampoo ever. Day one after the salon was fine, but then my hair almost instantly turned a truly awful orange that stuck for most of the summer (sun, chlorine, seawater, not a great combination for hair). I purchased this purple shampoo on a whim after seeing it in a BuzzFeed article. THIS SHAMPOO, let me tell you, has pulled any and every unwanted orange color from my hair. I use it once a week and leave it on for about five minutes while I shave in the shower, and it does its job. Within two weeks it pulled all the orange brassiness from my hair and has left me with a wintery icy blonde that I never thought my hair could be. I love it so much and don't know what state of pumpkin I would be without this shampoo." —Lenna K.
Get it from Amazon for $9.30.
For more info, check out our Fanola No Yellow shampoo deep dive.
16. 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 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 review: "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
"After months of using this product, it is absolutely a permanent part of my skincare regimen. It is perfect in the summer to cool off as well as hydrate your skin, and in the winter it is a lightweight toner before I put on my lotion. My skin has stayed hydrated throughout the duration of using this product and I love it. Also, I definitely trust Teddie Organics quality. Amazing." —Emily R
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two sizes).
We rounded up the best toners — check out our picks and see what won.
17. OPI Nail Strengthener prevents nail breakage so you can live stress-free knowing that your summer mani won't be flaking off before that two-week mark. Or if you're forgoing nail appointments altogether this summer, its wheat protein and calcium formula will have them strong and unbreakable by fall.
Promising review: "I love this nail strengthener!! When my nails were destroyed from gel polish, this easily made my nails more stronger and longer in about three months! The proof is in the pictures! This stuff is AMAZING." —Cierra Lewis
My nails were a mess after a summer of mani/pedis that were dip powder. My podiatrist suggested this product and I’m very happy with the results." —Frequent OnLine Purchaser
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in nine styles).
18. 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 $13.55.
19. Argan Oil Thermal Spray protects hair before heat tools and also doubles as a leave-in conditioning serum. So whether you're letting your hair air dry and want to avoid frizz, or are getting ready to use that blowout brush, your hair will stay smooth and protected.
Promising reviews: "I’ve tried a lot of heat protectors and straighteners, but this is the best one yet. It doesn’t make my hair difficult to brush or sticky, like many of them. My hair is so soft and conditioned, and straightens very easily. I don’t even think it’s meant to be a straightening product, but when you have thick curly hair, it still makes the process sooo much easier. I love the fine mist too. I washed and sprayed my hair, then went to bed, and in the morning I finished blow drying (if you have curls, you know they don't dry completely overnight, lol) and flat ironed. Beautiful results! I’ll be reordering for sure." —luckydb16
"My hair is long, curly, and thick. During the summer months it gets very dry and dull and my hairdresser recommended some heat spray. I found this one and I love it. It smells great, is easy to put on, and leaves my hair shiny and soft. I don't have to worry about the sun drying my hair out anymore." —Helen
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
20. Dry Shampoo Powder rejuvenates second and third day hair, especially if you've been spending a ton of time outside and it's getting a bit greasy. If the humidity is taking a toll on the longevity of that recent blowout, pop some of this in for taming.
Promising review: "I love the smell of this. I worried it'd be overpowering but it's quite nice. In terms of keeping my hair from looking greasy, it's really effective and I have dark fine hair that can be quite greasy come summer. It does also help my hair gain some volume." —Sally
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
21. JVN Air Dry Cream minimizes frizz while supplying all-day hold. If you prefer to take a break from heat styling your hair in the warmer months (because it needs time to BREATHE), give this cream a whirl after you pop out of the shower.
This brand was founded by Jonathan Van Ness from the beloved Netflix show Queer Eye.
Promising review: "I have very fine, wavy brown hair that I was taught needed to be straight and thick and blow-dried or straight-ironed. Air drying your hair may not seem like an integral step to confidence and self love but it has been for me and this stuff helped. My hair feels protected, shiny, soft, way thicker than usual, and very neatly curls up when dry! While the smell isn’t my fave, it is relatively inoffensive and a small price to pay for a very happy head." —Loveyouintheface
Get it from Amazon for $24.
22. Maybelline 4-in-1 Instant Perfector combines primer, concealer, BB cream, and highlighter into one effortless product so you can avoid that gross, cakey skin feeling that happens when the summer heat affects your full face of makeup. Here's to making your makeup bag a littleeeeee lighter and your summer routine simpler.
Promising reviews: "I heard so many people rave about this product and now I see why! It's a gorgeous, all-over face-filtering glow. I got it just a shade darker than my normal color to give me a more sunkissed tan look. It looks natural. I'm obsessed! BUY IT!" —Amazon Customer
"One of my favorite lightweight summer makeup products!" —Abbie Stringer
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in eight shades).
23. Vanicream Daily Moisturizer hydrates sensitive skin with its lightweight formula that's fragrance- and gluten-free. It features ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid that can be used any time of day for a touch of molsture. This is great if even during the summer months your skin tends to stay on the oilier side and thick creams are a bit overbearing.
Promising reviews: "I have been using Vanicream products for many years and am happy they now have a facial moisturizer! The product is lightweight but leaves your skin feeling hydrated. I have only been using for a few days but it has already improved the dryness on my cheeks. I now use this and their facial cleanser every morning and night. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to avoid 'junk' in their skincare products!" —Zach
"I finally found the answer to all my sensitive acne prone skin prayers! This moisturizer is perfect and light but still hydrating. This is perfect for summer. I even feel like this has made my skin more balanced and less oily. And my skin is so much clearer lately. My skin loves this stuff!" —Rinren84
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask softens and hydrates 3a–4c hair, leaving you with a lusciously moisturized mane. You'll wonder how you lived without it in your wash day routine until now. If your curls tend to dry out (too much swimming *cough cough*) or you typically lighten your hair in the summer, you'll want to add this step to your shower routine.
Bread Beauty Supply is an Australia-based, woman-owned business that was founded by Maeva Heim in 2020. This product works best for hair types 3a–4c.
BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd is v impressed with their deep conditioning hair mask:
"I recently started using Bread products and I really love how lightweight and easy they are to use. Since I have mixed textured hair that's been frequently dyed, it tends to get very dry. After using this deep conditioner my hair felt so much better and softer. In addition to that, the smell is A-MA-ZING. Definitely one of my new favorite wash day products."
Get the hair mask from Bread Beauty Supply for $28.
27. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer preps skin for the day whether you choose to place makeup on top of it or wear it by itself. You can feel confident knowing you're protected with 50 SPF. This protects and hydrates the skin all while smoothing pores.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this new Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer! It’s amazing quality and the texture is just right for using under your makeup and gives your skin a great coverage and wonderfully flawless look! It’s light and feels really comfortable on the skin and even better that it also helps protect your skin from UV rays. I would definitely recommend this to others looking for a great quality primer!" —jennymore1
Get it from Charlotte Tilbury for $55.
28. 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.
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.
Let's face it, everyone will be asking for your beauty regimen...pun intended.
