Real talk: I don't like summer. I'm sorry, OK? For what it's worth, I'm cool with the start of summer, when I can put my coats and heavy-duty moisturizer in storage and let my legs feel the breeze from a passing subway train. And I do love a lazy Friday afternoon, the kind that rolls by without a single email, because everyone's too busy packing for vacation to spam me.
So what I really mean here is that I don't like the end of summer — you know, once we're on our 16th heat wave and the humidity levels are at an all-time high. But this year, in partnership with Walmart, I'm planning ahead. With these five summertime essentials, my beauty routine won't suffer, so I'll be able to survive until September comes around to cut me a cool, crisp break.
Wonder Water
The great outdoors calls for ample sunscreen and waterproof makeup formulas — and my usual cleanser won't exactly do the trick for removing either one. This is a job for Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Remover Solution for Face and Eyes. It deploys micelles to gently pick up and remove leftover grime, makeup, and oil (without stripping skin), meaning I won't wake up in the morning with stubborn mascara still stuck to my lashes.
Refreshing Shampoo
Even though my hair is naturally curly, I can't help but wash it daily. (I know, and I'm sorry.) I just like the feeling of freshly washed hair, especially after a long day, and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo takes that to the next level with a cooling blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender. It gently cleanses hair while imparting its calming, herbal scent.
Not-So-Heavy Hydration
Cursed with breakout-prone skin, I prefer lightweight moisturizers that sink in quickly, especially when temps are at sweat level. That's where Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief Face Moisturizer comes in. The weightless gel-cream absorbs on the spot, and it contains hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into skin for instant hydration and brightening.
Lip Illuminator
In the summer, a matte lipstick — my usual go-to — can be way too high maintenance. Instead, a sheer formula like MILANI Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper in Soft Rose delivers a wash of pale pink that works as well for the beach as it does for a friend's wedding. And while I usually shy away from glosses, which can be sticky and thick, this one has a nice, creamy feel.
Skin Soother
While dry, itchy skin is a winter thing for some, it's unfortunately a year-round phenomenon for me. And it's especially rough in the summer, when everyone can get a good look at my ashy knees. So, to keep dryness at bay during bare-skin season, I slather on Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion (a derm favorite). It contains ceramides and other moisturizing ingredients to strengthen my skin's moisture barrier, keeping it smooth and soft.
This post is sponsored by Walmart.
