Summer is in full swing, and with all our fun plans comes an arsenal of SPF, the reign of dewy skin, and plenty of exciting beauty and wellness trends to keep us inspired all season long. Whether you're having a Barbie summer, embracing every new take on mermaidcore, or celebrating the return of coastal grandmother season with a minimalist mani, this summer can be whatever you make it—and we're taking that to heart with fresh fragrances, playful makeup, and hair and skin products that keep us looking and feeling our best through humid temps. Keep reading for our June 2024 editors' picks–you just may want to add a few of these to your own summer staples.
Aimee Simeon, senior beauty editor
Achieving the perfect wash-and-go requires me to wet my hair a lot. Consistent water and shampooing does my curl pattern good but wreaks havoc on my color, often leaving it brassy and dry. Because of this, I've incorporated regular color care into my routine, including this clear gloss mask. Unlike the other Moroccanoil color depositing masks, which add a tint to your strands, this one is completely colorless and conditions while adding shine. I leave this on for a few minutes in the shower, and my hair always looks much more vibrant and healthy afterward.
I'm a sucker for a functional travel-sized product, like this WYOS shave stick. It creates a silky barrier between my legs and the razor, allowing for a close, comfy shave. It's perfect for tossing in your bag on the go this summer.
Additionally, I'll always love monogrammed things, like this mini Baublebar hairbrush that came in the mail with my first name. It's great to keep in your purse on the go, but it also makes an excellent gift for birthdays, graduations, and any special occasion.
Ali Webb, content producer
For summer, I love a glossy, hydrated lip that's easy to swipe on all day long. This lip oil from Beaubble's collaboration with Ellie Thumann creates a shiny, non-sticky finish with a subtle plumping effect, and the Desert Sand shade is the perfect neutral for achieving a noticeable "your lips but better" tint. This product is surely a great candidate for all your summer lip combos, but even mainly wearing it on its own, I've been receiving compliments galore.
I'm fully leaning into Barbie summer—obsessing over every new trailer, planning trips to the Malibu Barbie Café, and upgrading my fashion, beauty, and self-care routines to make them feel a little more sparkly and fun. The Truly x Barbie collab is full of shimmery, pink-and-purple products for skin and body, and this pre-shave scrub helps you romanticize your shower routine to emerge feeling like everything (and he's just Ken). In addition to effectively and gently exfoliating, the scrub smells exactly like what you'd want from a Barbie product—fresh, fruity, and undeniably pink.
This plant-powered serum came to me at a time when my skin was reacting to seasonal change, travel, and a few long days spent out in the heat, and it's been majorly helpful in restoring balance. The formula brings together hibiscus, beetroot, and niacinamide to improve skin texture and keep pores in check while maintaining hydration, and I've found it to have a gentle, calming effect on my complexion overall.
Eden Stuart, editor
I've been wearing winged eyeliner for a full 15 years now, so out of all the makeup categories, it might be the one I judge the most harshly. I've had plenty of time to experiment and learn what I do (and more frequently don't) like—and I knew this one was going to be a keeper from the first day I tried it. The ink is a beautiful, pigmented satin black, the pen makes drawing on wings a breeze, and the formula does. Not. Budge. It's been a long time since I've used a liner with this level of staying power. What else can you ask for? (Except for maybe a good micellar water for when you're ready to take it off at the end of the day.)
Attention, all my fellow melanated makeup lovers: If you're looking to get in on the color of the season, Dibs' Desert Island Duo in Plot Twist/Level Up is an absolute must. The blush color, a blue-based fuschia, is a bit more shocking in the tube than it is on the skin—you can easily apply it with a light hand and blend it out for a sheerer look. That said, I personally like to build it up and live my full "This Barbie..." fantasy.
At this point it's practically cliché, but the best tinted moisturizers kind of function like a filter: Your skin looks natural, with diffused imperfections and an imperceptible finish. Iris & Romeo's Best Skin Days SPF 30 tinted moisturizer delivers all that and then some, complete with a subtle glow and a super-lightweight feel. The brand's whole deal is blurring (pun intended) the line between skincare and makeup, and I love that the formula includes vitamin C—the go-to ingredient for all of us hyperpigmentation-fighting girlies—and moisture-boosting sodium hyaluronate, all while creating that beautiful base.
Bella Cacciatore, news editor
Pat McGrath has never let me down, and she’s not starting now. This dewy, sheer blush balm is everything you could want out of summer makeup—it couldn’t be easier to apply, and it leaves the prettiest tint behind. The texture is hydrating and lightweight, and it doesn’t cake up like some cream blushes, leaving behind only the prettiest sheer flush of color. I’m particularly fond of the shade Forbidden Fleur, which looks like a dark berry in the tube but leaves more of a sun-kissed flush on my skin—but any of the colors are worth adding to your makeup bag.
This innovative serum may be shockingly expensive, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a noticeable difference in my skin. Its laundry list of ingredients, including biosynthetic peptide-rich plasma, hyaluronic and glycolic acids, and manuka honey, make my skin look so incredibly radiant, hydrated, and healthy that I feel like skipping foundation for the first time in my life. I alternate nights with an acid toner (gentler on my skin and makes the bottle last longer), and even using it sparingly, I'm so impressed with the glow.
Perhaps it’s the endless rain NYC has been experiencing, but this summer I’m really feeling a goth-lite, wine-toned lipstick. Sheer, bricky reds pair so well with a tan and sunburnt blush, plus they feel like a nice switch-up from summer brights. I’ve been loving this Lip Chic in the shade Ceylon for a shiny, hydrating kiss of color that gives all my outfits a bit of ‘90s cool.
Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
As summer rolls around, I welcome a dewy appearance from head to toe. While I've raved about my favorite products to create a glowy face, I must shine a light on one of my new favorite body serums for dewy skin. Cay Skin's Deepwater Dew Body Serum hydrates my skin and leaves the silkiest appearance. It contains sea moss, vitamin E, evening primrose, and more ingredients to even out texture, protect your moisture barrier, and replenish the skin. This is a must-have product for summer vacation.
I apply sunscreen every single day, but I'm not the best with reapplying. Sun Bum's face mist fits easily in my purse, so it's easy to keep with me to spritz on every couple of hours. A light mist is a great way to cool down my skin, especially if I'm out in the sun on a hot summer day.
Caitlyn Martyn, commerce writer
When the summer months roll around, I ditch my usual soft neutral pink shades for brighter, splashier nail polishes. But finding a super pigmented formula that doesn’t chip hours after being applied was always a tough task—until I discovered Lights Lacquer’s Hide the Rum. This orange creamsicle shade requires two to three coats to achieve total opacity, but once dry, it stays put for over a week, which is rare for a regular polish. I added the brand’s tropical fruit nail art tattoos on top, and I swear I’ve never gotten this many compliments on an at-home manicure before.
I typically hate lathering on body lotion in hot and humid weather, but after testing this lightweight formula for about a month, I’d consider myself a convert. Not only is it incredibly hydrating, but it has a serum-like texture that absorbs into the skin upon contact. Never sticky or greasy, the moisturizer feels velvety-soft and creates a healthy-looking sheen that’s detectible even in flash photos. The fact that the formula includes vegan collagen to firm the skin is just the cherry on top.
Holly Rhue, associate editorial director
My skin gets pretty oily in the summertime, so I love that this powerful hyaluronic acid serum contains lightweight moisturizing ingredients. In the winter, I definitely use this as a true serum, but in the summer, it's the perfect daytime moisturizer if you hate the feeling of layers and layers of skincare on a sweaty face.
Truly, what could be more luxurious? I love pulling this fancy little egg out of my bag (I always get compliments). But beyond the packaging (and that Dior logo, duh), this formula is really impressive. It's suitable to use anywhere on your body—like lips, hands, elbows, and cuticles—and delivers rich hydration without leaving my keyboard feeling slick and slimy.
Proactiv is one of those tried-and-true acne brands you can always trust, and the brand has just rounded out its portfolio with the cutest hydrocolloid acne patches. Created in collaboration with one of my favorite board-certified dermatologists, Rachel Nazarian (who is also a member of Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Review Board), these acne patches are the perfect way to reduce the lifespan of your pimple and prevent picking all at once. A single patch flattened one of my painful, pus-filled chin pimples in just six hours.
I was born and raised in a beach town, where freckles and sun spots are a right of passage. But in my late 20s, I've sworn off sun exposure entirely. Fortunately, that doesn't mean I have to give up on bronzed, glowing skin. It can be challenging to find a bronzer that doesn't pull orange or muddy-looking on my fair skin, but Too Faced nailed it with its Chocolate Soleil Natural Bronzer. It's silky-smooth, easy to blend, and 100% buildable for a natural-looking, customizable finish.
Olivia Hancock, editor
I've been wanting to try this product for the longest, and I finally got my hands on it. This soothing body mist feels just like butter on your skin, and it absorbs effortlessly. My body always feels hydrated and soft from head to toe whenever I slather this on.
This has quickly become one of my favorite masks. The luxe mud mask is inspired by Arizona's red mud, and it’s formulated to improve your barrier, firm the skin, smooth texture, and reduce unevenness in tone. My skin always looks incredibly refreshed and feels soothed after using it.
When it comes to eye makeup, I tend to stick to the same lineup of eyeshadow sticks. However, Kulfi's Zari Eyes cream eyeshadow has disrupted my routine in the best way. These creamy shadows are incredibly pigmented but so easy to work with and blend. I'm obsessed with all the shades, but Sitara Sparkles (a rose gold with silver flecks) has quickly become my summer go-to.
This is another launch I was beyond eager to try. I'm already a fan of Glow Recipe's Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, so I was confident this gloss balm would work wonders for me as well. Spoiler alert: It has. I apply this every night (and during the day, as needed), and it leaves my lips feeling hydrated and soft. I also love that it has a super glossy, high-shine finish.
Jill DiDonato, associate commerce editorial director
This tinted moisturizer's coverage is perfect for a light tint because of the light-diffusing natural mineral pigments. It seriously covers spider veins and sunspots, both of which can make me feel insecure about my complexion. I can't stand the feel of anything thick or heavy on my face when the humidity gets intense, and this sunscreen-foundation hybrid is an excellent choice for my combination skin. I love that it has vitamins C and E, so the antioxidants work to help diminish the appearance of my spots while covering them, as well as the all-important SPF 30 protection.
I live for matte lip products, and this formula is so silky smooth. It feels amazing on and lasts all day, even after hours of eating and drinking. The pigment payoff is rich, yet there's no caking or flaking. Also, the presentation is impeccable—it's such a gorgeous product, and I love applying it.
Full disclosure: I got this friendship bracelet kit for my four-year-old, but I totally snagged it from her when I saw how well-crafted the beads are. Making friendship bracelets is a total meditative practice (plus it's trending again thanks to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour), and this kit really kicks up the nostalgia factor. This wellness activity is super fun—maybe I'll even let my daughter play with me.
Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Sofie Pavitt has done it again! It’s rare when a cleanser comes along and is special enough to gain the buzz that this one has. I always gravitate towards gel cleansers, but it’s difficult for me to really feel clean after using them because of their watery texture. Sofie Pavitt’s Clean Clean Cleanser is an acne-safe gel cleanser that lathers in a satisfying way to make washing your face a more gratifying experience. It cleanses without stripping and leaves the skin soft and hydrated with allantoin to soothe the skin, panthenol for anti-inflammation, and glycerin for hydration. It’s the perfect way to prep your skin for the rest of your routine, and I truly look forward to using it both day and night.
I’m a minimalist when it comes to my lips, and on top of that, I find most lipsticks and lip gloss formulas to be messy or drying. Tata Harper’s new Lip Crèmes have made their way into my summer makeup routine because they solve the problems that I usually encounter. These tinted lip treatments feel incredibly hydrating like a rich balm once applied, then leave a delicate hue behind. I love a natural lip look, and the shade Blase is like my lip color but better. The best part is that it doesn’t dry out after hours of wear. I’ll be carrying this product with me all summer long.
Candles are a big part of my home’s aesthetic. I’ve burned through so many that I can really distinguish a good one from a great one. From the moment I lifted this Skin Pharm candle out of the box, it enveloped my living room in a delicious scent—and it wasn’t even lit yet. After I lit the candle, it took only 15 minutes for my entire apartment to smell like a delicious mix of cedarwood, santal, and California orange. It’s the kind of scent that feels cozy and elevated with a touch of citrus for a summery vibe—I can’t get enough. It's also much longer-lasting than other candles I’ve tried because it only needs to burn for a short amount of time for the scent to fill my home.
Alyssa Kaplan, commerce writer
As someone with oily hair that needs to be washed and styled frequently, I'm always on the hunt for styling tools that can help me achieve a polished look quickly. The first time I tried out Dyson's latest innovation, I was blown away by how fast it worked to dry and straighten my hair, with just two passes per section. While I wish it created a bit more bounce at my ends, I cannot stress enough how smooth and shiny it makes my hair look. If you're on the hunt for a hot tool that will take your hair from wet to dry while leaving it looking straight and glossy, the Airstrait Straightener could be a worthwhile investment.
I'm fully convinced that Victoria Beckham Beauty could release 100 more shades in this incredible eyeliner range, and I would feel the need to have each and every one—the formula is just that good. So, it's no surprise that when I got my hands on the summer collection, I was thrilled to see vibrant, seriously unique pops of color added to the already extensive shade range. Though I adore all three new additions, my favorite is Electric Blueberry, a bold blue that offers full pigmentation in one swipe. I can't imagine a skin tone this shade wouldn't look incredible on, so if you're into playing with colored eyeliner for summer, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
I've been struggling with keratosis pilaris more than usual lately, so this new launch from Skinfix came at the perfect time. The formula contains chemical exfoliants and barrier-restoring actives to treat KP and psoriasis-prone skin, and while I can't personally vouch for its effectiveness on psoriasis, I was absolutely blown away by how it worked to diminish my KP—after just one use. After using it consistently for a few days, the pesky bumps on the back of my arms have almost entirely vanished. Plus, I love that the texture feels smooth and comfortable on my skin, and it doesn't have a funky smell like many similar products.
Erika Harwood, senior style editor
New season, new smells: Maison Francis Kurkdjian's new fragrance has notes of calabria, verbena, fennel, hedione, and more for the cleanest and freshest scent of the summer. I've been spritzing this all over in the morning and basking in the scent all day long.
Applying SPF every day is vital, but it also has the tendency to be kind of annoying. Some take minutes to blend out the white cast, while others are so runny that it takes even longer to absorb. In addition to being vegan and fragrance-free, Summer Fridays ShadeDrops are fast-absorbing with little to no white cast. Best of all, your skin ends up with a dewy, non-greasy glow.
I love anything that smells like the beach, and with notes of salted bergamot, golden sandalwood, and coconut milk, AromaTech's Beach House essential oil fits the bill (the scent is eerily similar to Maison Margiela Replica's Beach Walk). Adding a bit of this into my sleek AromaTech diffuser transforms my East Side apartment into a luxurious beach cabana.
I cycle through moisturizers pretty regularly, but each time I return to the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, I wonder why I ever strayed. My skin barrier loves it thanks to the ceramides, panthenol, and glycerin. My skin feels bouncy, and dare I say supple, every time I use it.
Hallie Gould, editor-in-chief
I've been experimenting with various dandruff shampoos after months of flaking and this one actually works. I'm coining it the next generation of dandruff shampoo—as it doesn't feel clinical, offers more sustainable packaging, and looks nice on my shower shelf. It's sulfate free, recommended by derms, and formulated specially for an oily hair and scalp (which I've become accustomed to during the summer months). After using it, my scalp feels hydrated and refreshed, my hair clean, and the subtle coconut scent lingers all day (in a good way).
I live for a thick, comforting, luxurious lather in the shower. Olay's Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash offers this in spades—and quenches my dry skin in minutes. Packed with hyaluronic acid (of course), as well as a vitamin B3 complex (aka my beloved niacinamide), this rich later will leave your body so silky and soft.
I find myself endlessly searching for the perfect gel cleanser. It should be thick, viscous, and practically meditative to massage into your skin. I found the one with Oak Essentials' Pure Gel Cleanser. It uses aloe lead juice (to soothe), glycerin (to lock in moisture), and verbena officinalis extract (for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits) to effectively cleanse, cushion, and protect your skin. I love it so much I find myself washing my face just for the fun of it.
This luxe, vegan formula smells absolutely divine. It fills my apartment with cozy, fresh citrus and vetiver notes that smell like summer. It's such a treat to light this, and I savor every minute when it's burning.
Shannon Stubbs, commerce updates writer
I’m always on the hunt for a new daily morning serum to apply before my sunscreen, and this ultra-light fluid from Klur has become my new go-to. It truly has everything that your skin needs before stepping outside, including a variety of antioxidants (like vitamin C, vitamin E, and a myriad of organic fruit extracts) to protect against free radicals. It has a fine texture that absorbs into my skin immediately, and it really relieves the dryness that I get after cleansing. After using it for a couple of months, my skin looks healthier and more radiant without a drop of makeup on.
I hurried to the Sephora fragrance aisle in a panic when the first day of June hit, realizing that I had absolutely no summer-suitable perfumes. I'd spent the winter and spring indulging in rich, gourmand fragrances that felt like too much for the sticky, humid weather. I left with this beautiful floral scent from Henry Rose, which has already become my everyday favorite. I love a crisp, clean fragrance when it’s warm out, and this one has light, refreshing notes of orange flower water and jasmine. It’s bright enough for daytime wear but a musky enough for nighttime, so I love to carry it with me and spritz it throughout the day.