Summer Beauty Notes
The weekly skin treatment I swear by, things I'm toting around, SPF favorites, the best lip pencil and favorite products for a dewy glow.
With summer in full swing and the fact that I’ve become a bit of a beauty junkie lately, I thought now was a perfect time to report back on some favorites.
After returning from Mexico—the most humidity I have experienced to date, which I loved—I have newfound appreciation for products that do the work in true “heat”. Also SPF that you can count on. Let’s dive in.
First off… I know I’m not alone when I say my handbag has become the hub for all things important more than ever. There’s so much life-on-the-go during these months (and of course travel) and necessities that feel more essential than ever. So here’s what I’ve been toting around…
In My Bag
While my morning routine always consists of this tinted sunscreen, I’ve been throwing a mineral sunscreen brush in my bag to reapply throughout the day—I also use it on the kids. This one never makes me breakout and is so convenient to apply in the car.
I can’t live without this lip pencil (color biscuit, the perfect nude) which I’ve been pairing with this plumping lip gloss (in Only Choice)… the combo is subtle and so pretty. I also have been using this gloss with SPF when I’m in the sun, which I like because it’s also moisturizing—also a fan of their body milk with SPF 50, love how it soaks in without being greasy.
These face wipes are ideal if you’re traveling (and sweating) and need a reset on the go. We used them in Mexico and I wish I had brought more.
Getting That Dewy Summer Glow
Hydrating and exfoliating seems to be the key to a true summer glow… my secret is using the IS Clinical Active Peel System once a week. It’s a super easy, and gentle, two step routine that are in the form of wipes so even better they’re great to travel with too. With the sweating, sunscreen, chlorine etc… that goes on in summer, I feel like I’ve had a facial after using this! And my skin looks baby soft and dewy.
Some makeup favorites I’ve been loving…
Milk Makeup Hydra Grip Moisture Foundation—used this in Mexico and was so impressed with how it stayed on in the humidity. Also loved how hydrating it was and really gave my skin and even, pretty glow.
Rhode Glazing Milk—love mixing this with a little foundation and using a brush to apply on my cheekbones, leaves a water like dew.
Westman Atelier Contour Stick in Biscuit—I finally found the ideal shade, it’s not too dark… just enough to create a subtle contour. I apply on my cheekbones, temples and top of my forehead and blend with a beauty blender.
Ilia Cream Bronzer—I have “peachy bronze” and the color is so pretty, also love the creamy consistency that is easy to blend.
Westman Atelier Cream Bronzer duo—Another bronzer favorite, couldn’t not share both! I do like this one because of the dual colors, I have Soleil 1.
Sarah Creal Mousse Blush—hands down the best blush I have tried, I got the color sunshine that is like a sunset pink… it’s stunning! And the soft consistency of the powder is amazing. Also have to mention her illuminating spf serum that is stunning!
Tower 28 Mascara in brown—Longtime favorite but I love it even more during the summer months when I want a natural look. The brush makes it ideal for a barely there application too.
Milk Makeup Primer and Setting Spray—The secret ingredient for a truly dewy look is starting with the primer and ending with the setting spray… I’ve used both of these for a few years and always so amazed especially by the primer.
Self Tanner + SPF Favorites
I have a handful of self tanners under my bathroom counter at the moment and these are the ones I find myself using the most…
Tan Towel On The Glow gradual tanning lotion… I like this one because it doesn’t smell as wierd and I feel a teensy bit tanner faster than some of the other lotions I have.
I’ve been using the Salty Face tanning water and brush on my face and it’s so natural looking, ideal for that sun kissed glow.
Coco & Eve tanning foam… make sure you use a mitt!
At the start of Summer I put a basket by the front door and loaded it up with sunscreen so we wouldn’t have any excuse! And so many times I send the kids with a bottle or bring one in a tote bag… so far we haven’t lost any but here are the favorites.
Supergoop Vanilla Orchid spray, we all can’t get enough of this scent, like summer in a bottle!
Freaks of Nature sunscreen stick and the mineral spray… we used this in Mexico and nobody got burned. Also appreciate how large the stick is! We have so many that are tiny but this one is substantial and easy to apply.
Of course of course my everyday favorite and the deserted island product… Alastin Tinted SPF moisturizer.
Summer Scents
I’m the true princess and the pea when it comes to scents… I’m not a fan of 90% of them and find an overbearing scent on someone else to be a pet peeve of mine. With that said… here are two I’ve been wearing lately.
Molecule 01—a scent I’ve actually owned for a decade but returned to recently… it’s a woodsy musk (slightly mysterious) and subtle!
Wearing a scent in the form of lotion or deodorant is my favorite… never too much and gives that cool allure of a true personal scent. I’ve been using Salt and Stone deodorant for a while and recently tried the Santal & Vetiver scent… my favorite yet!
Summer Hair Diary
Knowing that we were going to experience a lot of humidity in Mexico (extra because of the weather/rain) I brought along this leave in hair serum. It worked the first couple of days but after so many dunks in the pool and ocean I gave up and resorted to a wet low bun the rest of the time.
Here at home that same leave-in serum plus this pre-wash oil is still my holy grail combination. Lately I’ve been air drying a bit and then going back with a curling iron to touch up once it’s dry. Also finding hydrating shampoos + conditioners like this one to be ideal with the warmer weather.
I love using this brush on wet hair (also great for blow drying)…
Day two summer hair is the best if you ask me! Especially when I use a little of this wave texture mist—makes for the perfect tousled hair look—and this K18 spray dry shampoo… easiest to use yet! Goes on slightly wet and then dries powdery, favorite dry shampoo yet!
Staying Hydrated
One last note on the beauty front… I’ve been making it my job to drink water first thing in the morning and I have to say my days (and nights) are so much better. Also adding electrolytes + minerals after listening to a podcast… The Moon Juice Mini Dew is one that I trust but also like the taste of. I feel like it’s the most simple thing to adjust but the results (at least for me) have been so noticeable. My energy levels in the afternoon are better but also I’m sleeping deeper.
Beauty from the inside right!?
Hope you’re all having a good summer! Including some links below and like always, tap the heart or share this post if you enjoyed it!
xx Samantha
Discount codes for mentions above!
Violet Grey // Samantha15
Coco & Eve // SamW15
Salty Face // SamanthaW10