Beauty is both cyclical and seasonal. It’s the reason why decades-old makeup looks and hairstyles are relevant. It’s also the reason why there’s so much emphasis on swapping out different skincare and makeup products whenever the weather changes.
You know the drill. When the temperatures rise, it’s time to switch from a rich winter moisturizer to a lightweight summer formula. Maybe you’ll even retire your creamy cleanser and opt for an oil-controlling gel one instead. But what about the less obvious seasonal swaps? I reached out to my fellow Who What Wear editors to ask which products they’re retiring for summer (and why) and which ones they’re adding to their routines. As beauty experts, I knew their answers would inspire me to make some changes in my own routine, and I was right. Ahead, see every summer beauty swap our editors are making this year.
Out: Heavy, gourmand scents . In: Solar scents. “In the summer, I always opt for scents that remind me of the beach. Heavier scents can feel a bit stifling in the heat, so I like switching some of my fall and winter favorites for scents that feel airy and bright. My favorite summer scent will always and forever be Ellis Brooklyn Salt. It’s creamy, vibrant, and smells like sun-kissed skin and salty air. It smells good on everyone and isn’t overpowering or too floral, which I appreciate. It works for day or night, too.”
With notes of bergamot, orange flower, and musk, this perfume smells like summer, bottled. It’s fresh, slightly floral, and warm.
If you want to smell like the Italian seaside, spray this perfume. It has notes of bergamot, neroli, and blood orange, so it’s bright and citrusy.
This perfume smells like sea spray in the best way. It’s all thanks to notes of coriander, red seaweed essence, and something called aquatic accord.
Out: Hair products with alcohol . In: Alcohol-free, sulfate-free hair products. “Okay, this one is a little odd, but I realized that hair products with alcohol were actually drying my hair out more. My curls already err on the dry side and for months I was trying to figure out why they still looked limp and lifeless. Now that I stopped using products with heavy amounts of alcohol, I’ve noticed a huge difference in the moisture levels of my hair and my curls look a lot more defined! It’s just in time for summer since my hair actually tends to get even thirstier during the warmer months. I’ve been obsessed with Sun Bum’s Shampoo and Conditioner for curls! It’s drugstore-priced and is one of the best duos I’ve found for my curly, thick, frizzy hair. The products are alcohol-free and make my curls so shapely and moisturized. I also love the summer scent that comes with any Sun Bum product! It reminds me of sunscreen and the beach in the best way possible.”
If you’re in need of a multi-tasking hair serum, this is it. The alcohol-free formula adds shine, smoothes the hair cuticle, resists humidity, and protects color.
This alcohol-free styling mousse won’t weigh hair down or strip moisture from your strands. Instead, it defines curls and hydrates the hair for soft, bouncy texture.
Out: Dewy Sunscreens. In: Matte Sunscreens. “I’m a huge fan of using dewy sunscreen formulas in the fall, winter, and spring. They give my skin an instant glow when it’s dull and dehydrated. However, in the summer, my skin tends to get oily, and dewy sunscreens only exacerbate that dreaded oil-slick look. That’s why I’m swapping out my dewy sunscreens for matte formulas this year; they give me a velvety ‘cloud skin’-effect that I really love. The one I’m most excited about is from Paula’s Choice. It offers SPF 50 in a non-greasy, semi-matte formula.”
If you want a true, matte finish, this formula is for you. It actively reduces excess oil throughout the day.
A combination of sunscreen and primer, this formula is imperceptible under makeup.
If you prefer using mineral formulas, this one from Supergoop is a good option. It offers SPF 40 along with a matte finish.
Out: Regular body lotion . In: Sparkling body oil. “Although there’s nothing wrong with a basic body lotion, I’m craving something a little more deluxe that will enhance the sunkissed glow that I hope to have come summertime. So, I’ll be turning to this shimmering body oil from Summer Fridays. It has macadamia oil to hydrate my skin and ultra-fine minerals to make it glisten in the summer sun. Also, the tropical coconut and vanilla scent is to die for and really evokes that golden hour feeling.”
An oil-gel hybrid, this formula feels lightweight—not sticky.
You can’t go wrong with this super sparkly luxury pick.
This feels like a dry oil, meaning it soaks into the skin without leaving a film of greasy residue over the top. Plus, the shimmer particles are super finely milled for a more subtle sparkle.
