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Popsicles. Pool floats. Sunscreen. Some things just scream summer. And to help you maximize your glow this summer, we’ve rounded up 33 of the coolest- and hottest- beauty, makeup, haircare, and skincare brands for summer. With everything from drugstore mainstays to glamorous luxe brands making the list, every beauty enthusiast will be able to find something to help them get their glow on this summer!
1. Fenty Beauty
Brainchild of music superstar Rihanna, Fenty Beauty became an instant sensation following its launch in September of 2017.
Shoppers love the brand’s extensive range of shades- over 45 skin-matching tints for many of the collections- and accessible price points.
Fenty beauty’s perennial best sellers include the Pro Filt’R foundation and the bold Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters. For summer, we love the Body Lava skin illumination balm and the Stunna Lip Paint, which offers long-lasting color, perfect for those cool drinks
Fenty Beauty can be purchased at Harvey Nichols, Ulta, select Boots stores, and on the Fenty Beauty Website.
2. Benefit
For nearly 50 years, beauty enthusiasts have loved the simple, yet fun cosmetics staples from San Francisco-founded Benefit.
The brand’s best-selling product- Benetint- was originally created to enhance the color of an exotic dancer’s nipples. Today, its more benign use as a blendable, one-shade-fits-all blush and lip tint has led to the selling over 10 million Benetints globally.
Summer staples include the critically acclaimed Hoola Matte Bronzer- perfect for enhancing the summer glow- and the brand’s “They’re Real” mascara.
We also love the two of Benefit’s BADgal waterproof offerings: BADgal BANG! Waterproof volumizing mascara and the BADgal Waterproof Eyeliner. Both can outlast dips in the pool and are sweatproof!
Shoppers can find Benefit at Macy’s, Harrods, Sephora, and on the Benefit website.
3. MAC
For timeless- yet bold- summer style, look no further than MAC. The brand- which is an acronym for Make-up Art Cosmetics- was originally created as a line by- and for- professional makeup artists and models- but the brand quickly expanded when friends and sisters of the models and artists got their hands on the collection and realized it was superior to many other choices in the market.
The brand is known for collaborations with popular artists, musicians, actors, television shows, and movies.
Ever-popular products include the Studio Fix Fluid foundation to the iconic Ruby Woo Retro Matte Lipstick.
Shoppers can find MAC cosmetics at department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales, along with specialty boutiques like Ulta, Sephora, Space NK, and of course, on the MAC website. The brand is available in over 120 countries and also has dozens of stand-alone boutiques globally.
4. Bobbi Brown
Avoid cakey, heavy colors this summer in favor of Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks. The 30+ color collection swipes on creamy quick, blends seamlessly, and lasts for 24+ hours.
For long-lasting, skin-correcting color, check out the Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15. The super lightweight formula won’t melt in summer heat, and the added SPF 15 will help protect you from the sun.
Shoppers can find Bobbi Brown cosmetics at department stores like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, and Nordstrom, as well as at Sephora and Ulta, and on BobbiBrown.com.
5. Huda Beauty
Enhance your summer tan with Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powders (available in 9 shades) and the 18-shade Mercury in Retrograde and Rose Quartz Eyeshadow Palettes.
Spritz one of the Kayali fragrances on your neck, wrists, and other pulse points to wow friends over lunch, cocktails, or a steamy night out.
Huda Beauty is available at Sephora, Kohl’s, and the Huda Beauty website.
6. Lancome
Although Lancome’s been a juggernaut in the beauty space for decades, the brand’s still innovating and releasing new products perfect for summer.
In the mascara vertical, shoppers love the newly released Le 8 Hypnose serum-infused volumizing mascara, as it hydrates- and actually improves- lashes as it builds lasting volume. L’absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick offers 18 hours of creamy, luscious hydration in over 25 shades, while the Artliner Precision Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner is richly pigmented and long-lasting- perfect for staying put in the summer heat.
Lancome can be found at stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Ulta, and Sephora, as well as directly via the Lancome website.
7. Neutrogena
This dermatologist-recommended drugstore skincare brand is a great choice for summer. The Johnson & Johnson-owned brand offers a wide array of sun-care brands for adults and children, including mineral sunscreens, after-suncare products, and sunless tanning options.
Neutrogena also offers haircare and skincare products designed to address excess oil, a problem which can be more pronounced in summer.
Neutrogena is commonly found at retailers like Sam’s Club, Target, K Mart, Walmart, and Ulta. Shoppers can also buy Neutrogena directly through their website.
8. Stila
Beauty experts and “regular” people alike love the lasting power of Stila’s waterproof collection. Favorites include a variety of options from the Stay All Day Waterproof collection.
The Liquid Eye Liner and the Smudge Stick Eye Liner are popular Stay All Day eyeliner choices, and the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick- available in over 30 different colors- are among the most popular lipstick choices from Stila. Shoppers can even choose from 15 shades of the Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer.
Stila can be found at Sephora, Ulta, and Macy’s, as well as at some Targets and Walmarts stores. Of course, shoppers can also shop directly via Stila’s website, too.
9. Sunday Riley
While Sunday Riley is unquestionably a luxury brand in the skincare space, it’s with good reason. They only use premium ingredients and they’re expertly formulated to be most effective.
The Sunday Riley line includes a number of editor-approved skin repair serums, ideal for combating the effects of harsh summer sun.
Protect yourself with the Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, and then repair damage with the CEO 15% C Vitamin C Brightening Serum, the 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum, and the A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.
Sunday Riley can be found at retailers like Sephora, Revolve, and QVC, in addition to the Sunday Riley website.
10. Shiseido
Shiseido is one of the most popular brands out of Tokyo, thanks in part to the enviable skin of many Japanese women.
The most popular suncare line from Shiseido is their Ultimate Sun Protection, which includes spray and lotion choices. Additional popular skincare items include Shiseido’s Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42 and the easy-to-apply Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+. Make up lovers also Sunscreen SPF Foundations, that allow for buildable, breathable coverage in 9 shades.
Shoppers can purchase Shiseido at retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Ulta, in addition to Shiseido’s website.
11. Redken
Haircare is an often overlooked element of summer beauty. But not at Redken. They offer UV protection, frizz taming products, blonde haircare options, and products specifically formulated for curly and wavy hair. They also offer heat protection products- great for those who use straighteners to combat frizz.
Shoppers can find Redken at stores like JCPenney, Ulta, and the Redken official website.
12. Olay
For over 70 years, Olay has been well-respected skincare brand carried at drugstores.
Their Vitamin C Skincare collection is a perfect compliment to the hot summer season, as Vitamin C helps repair damage caused by the sun.
The wide variety of facial Olay skincare products can be purchased at retailers like Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and Ulta, as well as on the Olay website.
13. Clinique
We all know the sun can cause skin damage, including discoloration, sunspots, and wrinkles.
Combat these challenges with the “Even Better” line- skincare and cosmetics (primarily foundation and concealers) designed to help even skin tone, brighten and refresh it, as well as depuff and perfect it.
The Even Better Broad Spectrum Makeup (foundation) comes with and SPF of 15, and in a whopping 56 shades, while the Even Better All-Over Concealer and Eraser comes in 42 shades.
Clinique can be found at department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Harrods. They also sell direct via the Clinique website.
14. Klorane
Quickly nix sweaty, greasy hair with a spritz of Korane’s famed dry shampoo. Shoppers and beauty experts alike love Klorane, as it’s made with natural ingredients and doesn’t leave hair looking powdery.
Klorane can be found at retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Space NK, and Macy’s.
15. La Mer
Few brands have achieved the cult following La Mer has over the years. Although the product is pricey, devotees swear by the efficacy of the line.
After the brand’s inventor ( an aerospace physicist) suffered laboratory burns, he believed the restorative elements of sea kelp could help rejuvenate his damaged skin. Fast forward 12 years and over 6,000 iterations, and the foundation for all La Mer products- the Miracle Broth- was invented- a product that’s not only effective in soothing the effects of a sunburn, but also the after affects of sun damage and aging.
La Mer can be found at premium department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Harrods, and Bloomingdales. The brand’s also carried at Sephora locations nationwide, and via the La Mer official site.
16. Smashbox
Among the most popular products in the Smashbox collection are their Photo Finish primers. Primers are applied under foundations to smooth the skin and provide a clean, neutral canvas for makeup.
While primers are a must all the time for professional makeup artists, applying primer in the summer is especially important, as primer can combat oil and provide a matte surface to apply makeup.
Check out the Control Mattifying Primer, the Pore Minimizing Primer, and the Halo Healthy Glow All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25- which primes, perfects, protects, and hydrates all day.
In addition to Smashbox.com, shoppers can find Smashbox at Ulta, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Sephora.
17. Giorgio Armani
In the dog days of summer, who wouldn’t want a 24-hour long lasting foundation that has SPF 25 incorporated right in. Did we mention it comes in 30 skin-flattering shades?
Enter Giorgio Armani’s Power Fabric+ Foundation SPF 25. The luxe formula is blendable and leaves a clean, matte finish.
Compliment your clean skin with the Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick, for 8 hours of life-proof rich color.
Giorgio Armani Beauty can be found at department stores like Bergrorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Sephora.
18. Aveda
Summer can be a tough season for hair- between chlorine, sweat, frequent top topknots, and UV damage, your tresses may well need some summer lovin’.
Speaking of love, Aveda is loved not only for the effectiveness of the products, but also for their vegan stance. Shoppers can feel good that the bottles are 90% recycled, the manufacturing process is 100% solar and wind-powered, and the products formulas are 90% naturally derived.
Our team loves the Sun Care line of leave-in conditioners, a leave-in masque, and a cleanser designed to remove chlorine, salt, and build-up, revealing healthy, clean hair.
Aveda can be found at a variety of retailers including Walmart, Nordstrom, Target, and on their website.
19. Briogeo
Do more than just protect your hair this summer- revive it!
Briogeo’s new Superfoods Leave-In conditioner detangles, hydrates, and offers much-needed UV protection.
They also offer solutions to repair dry, damaged hair, soothe flaky scalps and define curls.
Find Briogeo at Ulta, Nordstrom, Sephora, and on the Briogeo website.
20. Glamnetic
When it’s hot out, many women can experience “melting” eye make up, leaving them looking like racoons shortly after leaving the house.
But if you still want lush, full lashes without the hassle of mascara, consider Glamnetic lashes. They’re magnetic, reusable lashes that are waterproof and last all day.
Choose a bold style, a subtle, natural look, or something in between.
Check out Glamnetic here!
21. Kerastase
One of the most common beauty complaints about summer is frizzy hair. Combat this common problem with Kerastase’s premium, salon-quality hair care products.
One of our faves is the Fluidissime Anti Frizz Spray, which not only combats humidity-induced frizziness, but also acts as a heat protectant against hot tools. With nearly 200 glowing reviews, you know this stuff works!
You can find Kerastase at Sephora, Ulta, and on the Kerastase website.
22. Bath and Body Works
The 90s mall staple has stood the test of time, thanks to their wide variety of fragrances and reasonable prices.
Everything from shower gel to sanitizers to room sprays carry summery scents like Fresh Cut Lilacs, Waikiki Beach Coconut, and Pink Watermelon.
In addition to nearly 2,000 retail locations, shoppers can pick up summery scents from Bath and Body Works on their website.
23. Jo Malone
The premium, timeless scents of Jo Malone are perfect for summer. Subtle fragrances like Lime Basil & Mandarin, English Pear & Freesia, and Basil & Neroli evoke fresh, bright memories.
The luxury fragrances of Jo Malone can be found at retailers like Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Selfridges, and Sephora. They also have retail locations and a website where customers can shop.
24. Erno Laszlo
Salt, sweat, and chlorine can do a number on skin. This summer, clean your skin with the clean skincare from Erno Laszlo.
The Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar uses charcoal to absorb excess surface oil, while Dead See Mud exfoliates, cleanses, and delivers rich nutrients and minerals.
And be sure to protect your skin as you hydrate, with the Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30.
Erno Laszlo skincare can be purchased at Nordstrom, Sephora, and from the Erno Laszlo website.
25. L’Occitane
Nothing says summer like the south of France. Enjoy a piece of European luxury at home with L’Occitane.
The french hair, fragrance, bath, body, and home retailer offers high-quality products in a variety of formats and scents.
Some of our favorite products come from their exfoliation collection. Their Radiance Scrub is ideal for sloughing off dry, winter skin all over the body, while their Cream-to-Milk Massage Activated Facial Exfoliant quickly, and gently leaves the face glowing.
Shoppers can find the full line of L’Occitane products at standalone locations nationwide, along with their website.
26. Christian Dior
Sparkle this summer in Christian Dior Beauty. Cosmetics from the famed fashion house are a great way to experience the luxury of couture design, but at a more accessible price point.
Our favorite Christian Dior Beauty pick for summer is the perennial favorite- DiorShow mascara. The rich, decadent formula coats lashes evenly, leaving them looking like a supermodel.
Get your DiorShow mascara- and more- at retailers like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Sephora.
27. Avon
Our top Avon pick for summer comes from their luxury suncare line, Isa Knox Anew Solaire. With an SPF of 50 and no white residue left behind, it’s the perfect choice to protect yourself while you shimmer in the sun.
While you can still get Avon cosmetics through a rep, many of the brand’s fans find it easier to simply shop via the Avon website.
28. Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden makes it easy to “brighten and lighten” your summer skincare routine. Their powerful Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0 targets and treats sun-induced skin damage like fine lines and discoloration, while their PREVAGE Anti-Aging Moisture Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 is ideal for staying safe while catching rays.
You can find Elizabeth Arden at Macy’s and on the Elizabeth Arden website.
29. Crabtree & Evelyn
This summer, stay hydrated and get glowy with Crabtree & Evelyn’s perfect-for-summer Evelyn Rose best sellers. The line is made with rose extracts, and is perfect to boost the skin’s radiance. Popular choices include the velvet body melt and the luscious shower melt.
Shoppers can find the luxurious, but still affordably priced- Crabtree & Evelyn collection at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and on the Crabtree & Evelyn website.
30. Paula’s Choice
We all know sun can damage the skin, but some people hate wearing sunscreen because it’s too heavy, greasy, or chalky looking.
This is why Paula’s Choice is a great option, as they’ve tagged their suncare collection “SPF for People Who Hate SPF.” Their super-light wrinkle defense goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly and evenly.
Shop Paula’s Choice at Sephora and on the Paula’s Choice website.
31. Sigma Beauty
Glow gorgeous with Sigma Beauty. Although the brand is best known for their premium makeup brushes, they’re also making a name for themselves with their color.
The new GLOW collection include blushes ins 6 shades, highlighters in 6 shades, 4 shades of broner, and the acclaimed F78 Ultimate Bronze.
Makeup lovers can find Sigma Beauty at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Revolve, Nordstrom, Target, and on their website.
32. Yves Rocher
Celebrate an endless summer with Yves Rocher. Selections start at just $4 and include hand creams, hair and body mists, concentrated shower gels, body scrubs, and dry oils.
The Yves Rocher website often offers promotions- like 2 for 1s- making their products even more affordable.
The easiest way to get the Yves Rocher summer collection is by shopping directly via their website.
33. Suavecito
Many beauty round-ups often focus on people with long hair. But here’s a great summer styling choice for short hair: Suavecito.
The fresh-scent pomades are available in a variety of strengths- original, firm, etc. They even offer a matte product for a non-shiny hold.
Get your Suavecito here!
