My Summer Holy Grail Beauty Products

If you’re like me, you tend to use wear less makeup in the summer. But that doesn’t mean I give up completely on my routine — I just switch from my winter/spring products to ones that have words like “waterproof” or phrases like “frizz elimination” on the bottle. We’re right in the heat of summer (ba-dun-dun), so I thought I’d share with you all a handful of my holy grail beauty and hair products for the summer.

Band-Aid Friction Block Stick

If you’re anything like me, you despise wearing uncomfortable shoes. I love summer because it means I can get away with wearing no socks and just slipping on a pair of worn-in sandals every morning. But then there’s those fancy occasions — weddings, bridal showers, you name it — where I have to break in that new pair of wedges or heels. This is where the Band-Aid Friction Block stick saves the day. I’ve been using this product for a few years now and yes, it really does work. Just slide on a little bit of the stick to the areas where you normally get blisters (for me, it’s the outer side of my pinky toe when wearing wedges) prior to slipping on the heels and you’re good to go. I love the deodorant-like applicator and the small size, which makes it easy to fit in my purse for touch-ups on-the-go. One caveat- it’s hard to find in stores! I suggest buying a few in bulk online because a lot of drugstores don’t carry it.

Essie Nail Polish in “Tart Deco”

This peach shade with a hint of pink is perfect for lightly-tanned skin, which makes it one of my favorites for the summer. I rarely go through an entire bottle of nail polish (which is weird, right? How do they last so long?), but I’m almost done with this one.

L’oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray

I’ve tried numerous hairsprays over the years, and this is the clear winner. I use it year-round, but it’s especially useful in the summer heat, when my hair doesn’t want to hold a curl or my wispies are just flying all over the place. The formula isn’t sticky, doesn’t have a crazy floral scent, and doesn’t create crunchy hair. The bottle lasts me a long time, even with everyday use. This spray keeps my updos looking great for weddings and holds my style in tact throughout the entire workday.

The Wet Brush

People always tell others “Don’t use a brush on wet hair, use a comb!” But I disagree. Combs just do not work on my long, wavy hair at all. They take forever and just create more of a mess. So I use a brush — the Wet Brush. The Wet Brush detangles my wet hair (and works on dry hair as well) in a matter of seconds and doesn’t snag on my hair like other brushes. Plus, it comes in a variety of bright colors for summer, which I love.

NYX Cosmetics Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray

In the summer heat, makeup washes right off. While I don’t really wear foundation in the summer, I’ve seen girls who have and it’s not pretty when they sweat it off. This makeup setting spray (which is a dupe for the Urban Decay one, in my opinion) sets my makeup so it lasts all day. Just a couple of light sprays and you’re ready to go. The formula comes in matte or dewy to match your skin needs, but I prefer the matte since my skin is already a little dewy from the heat.

Garnier BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector

In the summer I rarely wear foundation. I prefer the sheer tint of a BB cream (which has built-in SPF for the days I forget to put it on in the morning) that’s barely noticeable, yet somehow makes my complexion even. I’ve tried a few higher-end brand BB creams, but I always end up going back to this drugstore version.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy Oil

On hot summer days, most powder blushes slip right off, so instead I use this creamy oil. I use the “Limitless Pink” shade, which is a great everyday color, but I’m dying to try the other, brighter shades. If only my wallet was larger…

What are your summer makeup and hair holy grail products?