Hello Coco and Mainers!
Happy first day of summer! What a wonderful time to relax and lounge, maybe plan a trip, possibly do a little introspection as you lay by the pool? After all, summer is the season for more free time and for plenty of change! But before you plunge too deep and change your whole life (and risk an existential crisis), maybe just change up some of your beauty products. Below are some of our favorite beauty items, perfect for summer or really any time of the year!
*We do not make any money from the links provided in this article.*
1. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
Image courtesy of Bare Minerals
Looking for barely there, summer time coverage? Look no further! For years I sought out a foundation that would brighten my skin and also avoid caking or anything resembling pancake makeup, and many times I would be disappointed. Perhaps the undertone was off, or the formula greasy, or the coverage too heavy. This product, however, changed all of that. This lightweight (yet buildable) foundation is hydrating and absolutely gorgeous, all while bestowing a healthy glow on your skin. The one con of this amazing product could perhaps be the price point, but let me tell you, I have bought this many times over and have been happy with the results every time. Definitely worth the price to me. Buy it here.
2. Vaseline
Image courtesy of Walmart.com
I know, I know, but hear me out. You will never need to buy an expensive eye cream again. In fact, DO NOT ever buy an expensive eye cream ever again. All you need on your under eyes is this greasy, moisturizing, heaven in a jar. My dermatologist said that eye creams are a scam, and that all you need is a little swipe of this beauty before you go to bed to help preserve moisture and prevent dry skin and fine lines. Listen to me and my dermatologist, and your wallet and eyes will thank you. Buy it here.
3. Asarai Sleepercell Retinol Serum
Image courtesy of INCIDecoder
On the flip side of the wallet, we have this retinol serum. Every skin routine should have retinol incorporated into it, but retinol itself can be harsh. It can then be nice to find a retinoid that has additional soothing ingredients as well. While prescribed tretinoin is the most powerful in the retinol world, retinoids like this one can also help with fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. Asarai also uses additional natural ingredients, and every time I have used this serum my skin felt soft and rejuvenated. It's a bit of a 'treat yourself' moment, but when it comes to high end skincare, this is still a pretty decent price. Buy here.
4. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Image courtesy of Burt's Bees website
Another drug store favorite! This amazing lip balm will not only hydrate your lips, but will give you a wash of lovely color (perfect for summer!). I have the shade Daisy, a soft berry color, but many other shades are offered. For just under $5, you can get an easy to apply and moisturizing lip shade that will stay put under the hot summer sun. Buy it here.
5. MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge
Image courtesy of Amazon
I got this after seeing Top Gun: Maverick in theaters earlier this summer and gazing upon Jennifer Connelly's amazing makeup in the film. Her makeup artist used this eyeliner pencil to create a gorgeous golden look that brought out her eye color and summer loving vibe. I had to see what the fuss was about for myself, and I was not definitely not disappointed. This bronzy goddess kohl eyeliner brings out warmth and golden tones in any eye, perfect for a sun kissed summer! MAC's Eye Kohl is known for being useful for smudging, but this amazing shade will not give you raccoon eyes. It is a bit pricier than I normally would pay for an eyeliner, but until a reliable dupe is produced, it's staying on this list and in my makeup bag. Buy it here.
6. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara
Image courtesy of Amazon
Many people would say that waterproof mascara is a must for summer. I would be inclined to agree, but I despise the feeling of waterproof mascara. I prefer to live my life a bit more dangerously but much more flatteringly with this amazing tubing mascara. Tubing mascara, FYI, has polymers that wrap around every single eyelash for amazing coverage and pop. My favorite thing about it? It doesn't run. At all. I no longer have to worry about ruining my makeup to wipe off mascara smudges. That's all a thing of the past. You can purchase it here.
7. Tarte SEA Breezy Cream Bronzer
Image courtesy of Tarte Cosmetics
Bronzer is a big deal for me. Hydration is also a big deal for me. Fuse these 2 things together and you get this amazing cream bronzer! Its buildable color is perfect for hollowing out cheekbones and emphasizing your best features, while also giving your complexion some warmth. I often us this in conjunction with a more glittery cheap bronzer, to help add depth to the hollows of my face. At first glance, this bronzer seems a bit too pricy, but it lasts FOREVER. I use the mini size every single day and it has been around for me for a while and will continue to be. Buy it here.
8. NYX Epic Ink Liner
Image courtesy of NYX Cosmetics
To match my smudge free tubing mascara, I needed a waterproof eyeliner. I'm not a fan of applying liquid liner with a delicate brush and a pot of color; give me a filled knife-sharp felt pen and I will figure it out. This amazing liquid eyeliner stays put and is very easy to apply, giving a strong line of color every time I swipe it along my eyelid. Many say that this is a dupe of KVD's Tattoo Liner. This is a great substitute when you want to put your money elsewhere for a high quality item, but at a great price! Buy it here.
9. Free People 1809 Collection Surf All-Natural Fragrance
Image courtesy of The Blue Rose
I am OBSESSED with this scent. I have only had it for 2 months and already need to start thinking about a restock. This perfect summer scent, according to Free People, is a "warm floral, citrus blend, infused with exotic flowers of ylang ylang and jasmine, tropical fruits of coconut and lemon. Anchored by sweet notes of vanilla and tonka". Please don't sell it out. Please. I am begging you. You can buy it here.
10. NYX This is Milky Gloss
Image courtesy of NYX Cosmetics
I feel like, as an adult, I am finally responsible enough to wear lip gloss. That means I know how much to put on, and how to generally keep my hair away from my lips. To celebrate this newfound wisdom, I got myself NYX's This is Milky Gloss, and it is exactly what I love in a lip gloss. I also love how there isn't any glitter. I currently wear the shade Milk & Hunny but I'm itching to try the other shades out. Get it here.
We hope you enjoyed this list! Thanks for reading! XOXO