Summer Beauty, Edited
5 looks & the makeup, skincare, hair products keeping my routine simple this summer
Summer beauty, for me, is all about ease: bare nails, SPF with just a hint of glow, and heading out the door with wet hair more days than not.
Right before our trip to Mexico this past spring, I got my first Brazilian blowout, and I honestly wish I’d done it sooner. Being able to shower, let my hair air-dry, and head to dinner in the humidity without worrying about it turning into a frizzy puff felt like the ultimate luxury. I had it done again a couple of weeks ago, which reminded me that I needed to share it here.
If you have naturally wavy or curly hair that tends to frizz, it might be worth trying. My hair is definitely a bit flatter and straighter for the first couple of weeks, but then the body gradually comes back. It still holds a curl when I style it—it just does so without all the frizz. For someone who likes to spend as little time as possible on hair and makeup, it’s been a total game changer.
That also got me thinking about the rest of my routine—a barely-there SPF that replaces foundation, the hydrating lip balms that live in my bag, skincare I keep repurchasing, and a few hair favorites I never travel without.
These are the products I’ve been reaching for over and over again this summer.
The Look | T-Shirt. Jeans. Eyeliner. Sandals. Bag (& Brown).
Before we get into my current favorites…
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The Look | Long Sleeve. Glow Daily SPF. Jacket. Lip Balm. Shorts. Sandals. Woven Bag.
Minimal summer skin favorites and what I keep restocking…
My VG Beauty Bag: Summer Essentials (code: ALICIA15 for 15% off)
Makeup:
Warm Glow Daily SPF — SPF with just a hint of glow. Honestly all I need for morning walks, kids' sports practices, carpool, the gym—anytime I want my skin to look fresh without wearing makeup.
Daily Lip Gloss with SPF — The lip product I've kept in my bag all summer. Hydrating, just a hint of color, and the added SPF is a bonus.
Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm — If you prefer a true balm over a gloss, this one is also always in my bag. Deeply hydrating, and leaves lips feeling incredibly soft.
Hydrating Tinted Lipstick — My newest everyday favorite. Just enough color while still feeling like a balm (I'm loving Ballerine).
Sarah Creal Longwear Liner — Creamy, easy to blend, and actually stays put. I use it almost every day just in the outer corners of my eyes—it subtly defines them without needing mascara.
Sarah Creal Sculpting Cream Bronzer — The quickest way to add warmth and subtle definition. It blends in beautifully and never looks like too much.
The Look | Sunglasses. Swimsuit. Eyelift Serum. Dress. Woven Bag. Beaded Sandals.
Skincare:
Dr. Diamond Eyelift — The eye treatment I keep coming back to this summer. It hydrates beautifully and helps me look a little more awake.
Irene Forte Night Cream — Rich enough to deeply nourish but never heavy. My skin absolutely drinks this up overnight. I honestly haven't tried an Irene Forte product I haven't loved.
Irene Forte Hibiscus Serum — Lightweight, hydrating, and layers beautifully under moisturizer. My skin always feels calmer and more balanced when I use it.
Resurfacing Pads — My shortcut to smoother, glowier skin whenever it's feeling dull or in need of a little reset.
111Skin Cryo De-Puffing Facial Masks — I always travel with these. They're my go-to whenever I want to look a little more refreshed—the difference after a late night or a flight is instantly noticeable.
The Look | Necklace. T-Shirt Dress. Swimsuit. Tee. Hair Mask. Shorts. Bag. Sandals.
Hair:
Strength Hair Treatment Mask — I just restocked this mask because I love it that much. It leaves my hair incredibly soft without weighing it down.
Cool Girl Barely There Mist — The finishing spray that gives my hair that effortless, lived-in texture without feeling sticky or crunchy.
The Hair Towel — Ever since getting my Brazilian blowout, this has become even more of a staple. It helps absorb excess water without roughing up my hair, which means less frizz when I let it air-dry.
Crown Affair Shampoo — Cleanses without stripping my hair and leaves it feeling soft and healthy.
Crown Affair Conditioner — Hydrating without weighing my hair down. My hair always feels smoother and easier to style after using it.
La Bonne Brosse Detangling Brush — The chicest (and best) hairbrushes. I now have two of the larger size plus the mini for travel. And if you ever find yourself in Paris, don't miss their beautiful boutique.
Skinny Scrunchies — luxurious and gentle on the hair!
The Look | Sunglasses. T-Shirt. Bronzer. Skirt (more sizes). Manicure Set. Flip Flop.
Nails:
Cuticle Serum — The easiest way to make bare nails look polished. I’ve been embracing a more minimal summer manicure, and this keeps my nails looking healthy in between appointments. (I actually haven’t gotten a manicure all summer!).
At-Home Manicure Kit — Everything you need for simple at-home upkeep. Perfect if you’re leaning into the barely-there nail look.
Okay, those are the products I’ve been reaching for over and over this summer! As someone who’s become much more of a beauty minimalist over the past few years, these are the ones that have genuinely earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Love this roundup! Your hair has been looking amazing lately- color, texture, everything. I had been wondering what you’d done differently or if you got a new stylist. I would love to hear more about your Brazilian blowout experience as I’ve always wanted to try. Did you do a traditional blowout with the chemicals or a more natural process?