Top 20 Must-Have Summer Beauty Items

Every season has its beauty challenges. In winter, you’ve got chapped lips and dry skin to deal with. Summer has its issues as well, like protecting skin and hair from the damage done by sun, chlorine, and salt water. Here are 25 must-have beauty items every beauty professional will want to have in his or her arsenal.

For Hair…

1. Frizz Fighting Product

Serums containing silicone are essential for fighting the frizzies caused by heat and humidity. Rub the product in your hands and distribute lightly to dry hair, sealing in moisture and adding a protective barrier.

2. Flat Iron

A flat iron adds additional control to fly-aways and frizzies most hair is prone to in the summer. Run the flat iron over dry hair for a sleek, straight finish.

3. Clarifying Shampoo

A good clarifying shampoo will help to rid hair of residue left from hair products and will improve the health of hair fried by summer burnout.

4. Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in protector or conditioner is a great way to add moisture to dry hair, and it acts as yet another layer of protection from the elements.

For Skin…

5. Rich Lotion or Cream

You’ll definitely want to keep a lotion or cream containing salicylic or lactic acid on hand for the summer. These exfoliants help to slough off dead skin cells, while the thick lotion locks in moisture.

6. SPF 15+

A sunscreen of at least 15 is your best defense against the damaging rays of the summer sun. Many products like facial moisturizers come with built in protection and are a definite necessity all year long.

7. Light Fragrance

Choose a light fragrance that won’t become overpowering in the sweltering heat. Look for something with beachy notes or essence of fruit.

8. Exfoliating Body Wash

An absolute must for dry summer skin. It also helps to prep the skin for the application of self-tanner.

9. Self-Tanner

Every woman wants a nice summertime glow, but beauty professionals know that sun worshipping has serious health risks and is damaging to the skin. A quality self-tanning product or lotion containing self-tanner will help provide that glow without the risk.

For Eyes…

10. Waterproof Mascara

This one’s a no-brainer. You need to go waterproof to keep your mascara from running down your face after a day at the pool or when you’ve been squinting to block out the sun.

11. Long-Wearing Eye Liner

Ditto on this product. Without a liner that’s long-wearing, there’s no hope of keeping it on all day long in the summer sun. Try one of the new gel formulas for fabulous performance.

12. Eye Lid Primer

Face primer has become commonplace, but did you know about eye lid primer? It goes on smooth to keep your eye shadow free of smudges and creases.

For Face…

13. Blotting Papers

These are pretty self explanatory. We all get a little oily in the summer. Simply grab a paper and blot excess oil throughout the day to keep your makeup looking fresh.

14. Oil-Free Moisturizer

Moisturizer is a year-round essential, especially as we age. Even ladies with dry or combination skin may need to go oil-free when summer’s hot conditions stimulate excess oil production. Be sure to look for one that contains SPF.

15. Bronzer

Find a good bronzer, one that’s not too much darker than your natural skin tone, and lightly brush it in the T-zone area where sun naturally hits. Be sure to blend well, and you’ll be looking sun-kissed and radiant all summer long.

16. Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is a fabulous, one-step alternative to moisturizer and foundation. Who wants to mess with heavy-feeling product during the dog days of summer? A tinted moisturizer will have you looking natural and out the door in minutes flat.

For Lips…

17. SPF Gloss

The sensitive skin of your lips needs extra TLC in the summer, too. Regular gloss increases sun damage by drawing the rays to the slick surface of your lips. Choose one with SPF for shine and protection.

18. Lip Mask

Apply an exfoliating lip mask before your lip product to get rid of any dry skin. This provides a perfect foundation for your pretty pout.

For Legs…

19. Bikini Wax

It can be done at home or in a salon, but this beauty procedure is an absolutely necessary step in every woman’s summer routine. Sometimes the little things make the most impact.

20. Moisture Bar Razor

These razors have a bar of moisturizer built in around the blades and allow for a perfect shave without shaving cream or foam. With increased frequency in our shaving routine, women need a product like this to make it simpler.