Humidity is the Joker to my Batman. The Blofeld to my Bond, the Joan Crawford to my Bette Davis, the stairs to my J-Law; we are mortal enemies. As New York hits new records of heat and humidity, we're at that point of the summer where you need a shower three minutes after stepping outside. And when it comes to beauty, there’s an impulse to give up, to throw your hands in your hair and say, ‘You win!’ to the weather. But you don’t have to surrender to defeat—there is a way to survive summer without your makeup melting, your hair frizzing, or your pores clogging. Even though August is on the horizon, I promise it’s not too late to get your summer beauty survival pack together. (Let’s be real—it’s going to be hot until at least October.) This brings me to my summer must-haves, an arsenal of products that saved me from looking like a sad clown year after year.
Vitamin Enriched Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 15 with Hyaluronic Acid
With a formula infused with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E, this skin tint provides just the right amount of coverage and hydration for a lightweight, skin-like finish. It wears really well, even on a hot summer day. I haven’t dealt with any creasing, and it doesn’t slip and slide off my face.
High Gloss Shine Color Depositing Mask in Clear
Shout out to argan oil and amino acid, two ingredients in this deep-conditioning mask that’ll repair existing damage and boost hair elasticity to make hair healthier and softer. The clear mask also amps up shine, giving your hair that fresh-from-the-salon glossy finish.
Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
This blush formula blends out so seamlessly, you will avoid any blotchiness on your face. The creamy texture is easy to swipe on and build. Plus, it won’t leave your skin looking cakey or dried out, even after hours of wear.
SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
This is currently my go-to moisturizer for summer. Inside the formula, you’ll find four different types of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and allantoin, all of which calm irritation and redness, while infusing your skin with all-day hydration.
Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42
The best thing about this sunscreen is that it doesn’t increase your skin’s shine levels. It protects against UV rays, controls oil production without making your skin feel chalky, and doesn’t pill underneath makeup.
Kush Fiber Eyebrow Gel
This smudge-proof eyebrow gel shapes and tames brows, keeping them in check even in hot, humid weather. The gel formula also includes cannabis-seed oil giving brows a much-needed dose of nourishment.
Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminator Drops with Vitamin C
For those days you want to skip foundation, add a few drops of this vitamin C-infused illuminator to your moisturizer for a just-got-back-from-vacation glow.
The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover
You’re sweaty; so sweaty. You need a cleanser that’ll cut through dirt and makeup without sucking all the moisture out of your face. This balm will get the job done. Japanese indigo extract and cleansing lipids lift away grime in one go and leave skin feeling fresh and clean.
The Cleansing Scalp Scrub Shampoo
Sun, chlorine, salt, humidity—summer is hard on the hair. Enter: this exfoliating scalp cleanser which uses Bolivian pink salt to break down clogged follicles and remove buildup and flakes.
Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm
Consider this a must-have, carry-everywhere beauty product. It’s the ultimate multitasker—slip it out of your bag whenever you’re feeling a bit dry to cocoon your lips, hands, or elbows in a soothing, hydrating balm.
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment
Speaking of multitaskers, this hair treatment works as a heat protectant, shine booster, and humidity defender. It coats hair in an invisible layer of polymers to keep your hair sleek, glossy, and frizz-free all season.