I always get a little more playful with makeup and hair in the summer. But I also cannot abide heavy-duty product when it’s hot outside. Fun, easy, sweat-friendly — that’s the magic formula.
Today, I’m sharing three summer beauty picks from my vanity that have been working hard all season.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Throughout my 20s, I used a high-end moisturizer from a department store. But during my second pregnancy, my skin became so dry that the face creams which had worked in the past felt like they were sitting on top of my skin instead of sinking into it.
I researched even more expensive options and felt discouraged — I couldn’t justify spending $50 on a tiny jar that would last only a month.
Finally, I reached out to a friend who has eczema. She recommended CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — the classic one in a tub — saying it had completely transformed her skin.
Now, after two years of daily use, I’ve seen those results too. It always feels like my skin drank a full glass of water. The cream doesn’t clog my pores, and my face looks glowy, never shiny — even on hot, sticky days. One tub lasts me at least five months.
Verdict: drugstore price, splurge-level hydration. Repurchase every time.
Tarte Cheek Plump and Tubing Mascara
The other day I walked past a mirror and my face looked…gray. I needed a pop of color and two products delivered it.
The Tarte cheek plump is rosy and dewy and super lightweight — buildable, so a light swipe reads natural on dry skin. And for date nights, the tubing mascara is wild. You apply it like any normal mascara, but it wraps your lashes in tubes so they look longer and thicker immediately.
The best part: it keeps your lashes separated, not clumpy. I’d heard about tubing mascara for years but never really understood it until now.
Bonus: Tarte is having a big summer sale with bestsellers from $5 to $25.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask in Chic Copper
I don’t get my hair professionally colored — for me, it’s too much hassle and expense. But I’ve always loved playing around with tinted shampoos and conditioners, and this Christophe Robin mask is the best I’ve ever found.
You put it on after shampooing instead of regular conditioner and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing. Done.
It brings out my auburn highlights and adds warmth to my natural shade. The effect isn’t as dramatic as dye — but that’s exactly what I love about it. No prep work, no gloves needed, never stained my tub.
It’s one of my splurgier products, but since I do pretty much nothing else with my hair, the fact that this single step gives me such a lift makes every jar feel worth it.
If your skin needs serious hydration without heaviness, start with CeraVe. If you want an instant pick-me-up for makeup days, grab the Tarte blush and mascara. If you love low-maintenance hair color boosts, the Christophe Robin mask is your five-minute splurge.
How about you? Any beauty faves that you’re loving this summer?
A note from the studio: I bought a $90 serum once because the ad said so. Spoiler: my CeraVe tub works just as well.