When the temps rise, my beauty routine gets lighter, faster, and a little glowier. Between beach days, baby naps, and running around with the big kids, I don’t have time for anything high-maintenance—but I still want to feel polished. I’ve streamlined my summer staples down to a handful of clean favorites that give me just enough coverage, a healthy flush, and that fresh-faced finish I love. Here’s exactly what I’ve been reaching for this season.
Conceal + Protect
I skip the heavy foundation in the summer and go straight in with the Merit Conceal Stick. It’s creamy but never cakey, and I just dab it under my eyes, around my nose, and on any little spots. After that, I apply Merit’s sunscreen, which has been a staple in my routine. It’s lightweight, glowy (not greasy!), and layers beautifully under everything without pilling or leaving a white cast.
The Prettiest Flush
A quick tap of Merit’s cream blush (their Flush Balm) on my cheeks brings my whole face to life. It melts right into the skin and gives that perfect dewy, just-back-from-the-beach kind of glow. I’ll even dab a little on my lips or eyelids when I’m short on time—it’s that versatile.
Easy Eyes
For eyes, I love the RMS Cream Eyeshadow Tube. It’s swipe-and-go—literally. I’ll squeeze out the tiniest bit and blend with my finger for a sheer wash of shimmer that instantly brightens. Then I brush up my brows with Kosas Brow Gel, which holds everything in place without going stiff or flaky, and finish with a coat (or two) of Soshe mascara. It’s clean, buildable, and doesn’t smudge—even on long hot days.
Lips That Keep Up
Depending on the mood (and what’s rolling around in my diaper bag), I switch between Kosas lipstick and Merit gloss. Both are flattering, hydrating, and easy to apply one-handed—which is kind of the gold standard in this season of life.
Set + Go
To keep everything fresh, I finish with a light dusting of Kosas Setting Powder, just through my T-zone, and a spritz of the Kosas Setting Spray. It sets everything in place while still letting my skin look like skin—dewy, not shiny.
Other Beauty Favorites
A few extras I’ve been reaching for lately that deserve a spot on the counter too:
- Dyson Airwrap – Still the gold standard for quick waves or a smooth blowout without the heat damage. Worth every bit of the hype.
- Teleties Tortoise Claw Clip – The only clip that holds all my hair and still looks cute. I toss it in my bag and use it all day—especially for slicked-back bun days.
- Roz Hair Cream – Speaking of slick buns, this is my new go-to. It gives shine and hold without that stiff, crunchy feel.
- Salt & Stone Deodorant – Clean, smells amazing, and actually works. The bergamot one is my favorite.
- Wonder Valley Oil Cleanser – A new discovery that has completely earned its place in my routine. It melts off sunscreen and makeup but leaves my skin soft and not stripped.
- Tenoverten Nail Polish + Foot Scrubber – I was gifted this combo recently and I’m obsessed. The polish is chic and non-toxic, and the foot scrubber is surprisingly effective.
- The New Perfume I Was Gifted – This scent is so good. It’s floral without being fussy—light, fresh, and just a little flirty. I’ve been wearing it on repeat.
- Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream + Vitamin C Serum – These two have been lifesavers for calming my skin post-sun and keeping it bright and bouncy.
- ZIIP or CurrentBody Face Mask – I rotate between the two when I have a quiet moment (rare!)—they feel so luxe and definitely help with tone and glow.
