Summer Beauty Essentials I Can’t Live Without (2026)


summer beauty essentials 2026

Now that we’re nearly to fall, I wanted to share a roundup of the beauty products that have been in constant rotation this season. It has been exceptionally hot here this year, with extreme temperatures almost every day, so I’m always on the hunt for finding the best products that perform well in the Florida heat.

Foundation/Skin Tints

Chanel Water TintThis lightweight gel texture feels like a cooling dose of hydration and comfort to my skin during the summer months. It has incredibly light, sheer coverage and feels weightless on the skin. The coverage gives a refreshed appearance…it’s a bare skin look but almost as if you’ve just had a facial. It doesn’t look like you’re wearing makeup as it has an extremely sheer finish. It leaves my skin appearing fresh and luminous. I reach for this on days I want a minimal, almost no-makeup, makeup look.

Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation – I love this foundation because of its gel-like, cushiony texture and skincare benefits. It has very natural coverage — I’d say it’s slightly buildable, but it provides a beautiful, skin-like finish to the skin. The newer, reformulated version of this foundation has slightly more coverage than the previous version (and also an expanded color range – finally!). It has comfortable wear and holds up even on hot, humid days.

Bare Minerals Powder – This one surprised me. I never thought I’d purchase Bare Minerals powder foundation as an adult in my 40s, but I was feeling nostalgic and decided to give it another try. I’m so glad I did! I had forgotten how beautiful the finish of this powder is –soft and luminous, with a buildable coverage. It almost has a filter-like effect on the skin. I find that I only need to buff in a small amount of powder to even out my skin tone; if I get too heavy-handed with application, it settles into my pores. I use this BK Beauty brush for an easy application.

summer makeup best skin tints and foundations

SPF

Caudalie Vinosun Protect High Protection Cream SPF50 – To be fair, I purchased this in Paris in May, so the version I purchased there is far superior to the version sold here in the US. However, it deserved a spot on my list, as I have fallen in love with this SPF. It’s lightweight, wears well under makeup, and isn’t greasy. It’s marketed as “no fragrance,” but it has a beautiful, light, almost jasmine-scented scent that I adore. I’m counting down the days until I can go to Paris again so that I can stock up!

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Clear StickThis invisible stick formula is a must here in Florida. It glides over makeup with ease, and the small packaging makes it easy to bring on the go. I take it everywhere with me and use it over makeup and on my scalp/hairline, as well as on my body in a pinch.

Body

Body Wash/Body SprayHanni is a newer discovery for me, and I’ve fallen in love with their Rich Rinse Moisture Serum Body Wash and Water Balm Hydration Moisture Mist. The body wash gives a creamy lather and is incredibly hydrating. I love the warm, floral scent. It has notes of rose stems, pink peppercorns, Palmarosa, geranium, jasmine, amber, and honey wood. I use the body mist in the same scent. The body mist is unique in that it does not contain oil…it feels weightless and applies almost like water –fresh and light. It contains hyaluronic acid and red algae extract.

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil – An oldie but goodie, I’ve been married to this body oil for over a decade now. I have the large bottle and purchase the refills so that I’m never without it. It’s a deeply hydrating, luxurious oil that turns into a soft, milky lather upon adding water. The texture is very comforting, and it provides the smoothest shave. It’s been my go-to for shaving for years and leaves my skin so soft.

Bronzers

Chantecaille Real Bronze – My favorite powder bronzer in the summer, as the creamy gel formula provides the perfect sun-kissed sheen. I mentioned it here in my last blog post about Chantecaille, so I won’t repeat myself too much, but I love the shade Sirena for its warm, golden glow.

Saltyface Tanning Water – Although I’m not one to use self-tanning products on the regular, I do enjoy adding just a touch of glow to my skin during the summer, and this tanning mist has been a great addition to my routine. It has a clean, lightweight texture that blends easily into the skin. It’s non-sticky and gives a subtle, sun-kissed glow. I have not had any issues with breakouts or irritation with this product, which is normally a concern for me with self-tanning products for the face. I also recommend this handy brush for an easy application.

summer body care essentials

Fragrance

Bal d’Afrique by BYREDO Eau de Parfum – One of my go-to fragrances for summer, this scent is warm and intoxicating. It has vibrant notes of bergamot, neroli, and African marigold, and dries down to a warm, vetiver and cedarwood finish.

Chanel Paris – Biarritz Eau de Toilette – I received a sample of this with an order and immediately added this fragrance to my wishlist. It’s a fresh, citrusy, sea-salt-inspired scent composed of notes of Sicilian mandarin and lily of the valley accord. It’s radiant and light – perfect for the summer heat.

Nails

Olive & June in CV – Red nail polish is always a classic in my collection, but I prefer warm, tomato or cherry reds for the summer months. This cheery red has been a staple this season, and I love wearing it on my toes as well.

OPI in Rooting for Hue – I know this isn’t your typical summer hue, but I have been on a brown kick recently, and this creamy neutral shade has been a favorite. It has a touch of a pinky nude tone mixed in that gives it a universally flattering color. It’s not your typical heavy brown fall hue, which makes it feel fresh for the summer.

best summer nail polish colors

Shop the Post