The perfect products that will have you shining all summer long. Read on for our list of six warm-weather must-haves.
Nourishing Mascara from Lash Spell ($28)
I have stubborn eyelashes that never stay curled, so I’m picky about the mascara I use. With one swipe of Lash Spell’s mascara, I was shocked at how long my lashes looked. I was even more impressed at the end of the day when I saw that my lashes were still upright. I love how light the wand feels, and the precise bristles ensure no clumping happens during application.
This mascara makes your lashes look great, but it’s good for them, too. The vegan formula includes nourishing ingredients like acai oil, glycerin, vitamin C, and tea extract. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested, meaning that it’s safe for even the most sensitive eyes.
The Solution from Magic Molecule ($32)
If you could bottle magic, The Solution would be it. Our white blood cells produce a compound called hypochlorous acid (or HOCI) to fight bacteria and viruses. HOCI is really good at its job, and recently, scientists figured out how to extend its shelf life so we can get its antimicrobial benefits in a simple spray.
The Solution’s uses are endless: fighting a zit, soothing a sunburn, healing a cut, cleaning clogged pores, reducing itchiness, and more. I love using it after the gym or when I exit a particularly grimy subway car. It’s the holy grail product I didn’t think I needed but now can’t live without.
Crown of Glory Hair & Scalp Serum from Blessed Bananas ($14.99)
I started oiling my scalp about a year ago to help with dandruff and improve hair health. While most products on the market include rosemary and mint, this serum is unique for its inclusion of banana oil, which has rich antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It’s very lightweight, non-greasy, and has left my hair feeling softer and stronger after a few months of use.
My favorite method is applying the serum to my scalp the morning before I shower, so my hair has the whole day to absorb the oil and its benefits. It’s also a great conditioning and glossing serum, so you can also use a little bit on your ends to reduce frizz and refresh dry hair.
Plant Protein Powder from fitppl ($54.99)
When I looked at my diet, I realized I don’t eat enough protein, so I looked to powders to supplement my intake. Fitppl’s products immediately stood out for being low calorie, low in sugar, vegan, and gluten-free. One scoop of their plant protein blend contains 18 grams of organic protein, enriched with superfoods like spirulina and adaptogens like ashwagandha, for a holistic blend that helps to heal from within.
I have the Vanilla & Goji flavor, and it tastes pretty good blended into my morning smoothie. You can also drink it straight up mixed into water or milk, or add it into overnight oats or pancake batter for a protein-packed breakfast.
Everlast Eye Mask from Apres Beauty ($24)
Between park picnics and happy hours, the sun, alcohol, and late nights are a recipe for eye bag disaster. These masks are the perfect mini spa treatment when you’re starting to look—and feel—tired.
Because the masks are made from medical-grade silicone, they’re meant to be used over and over again. Just apply your favorite serum or moisturizer and leave the masks on for 20 minutes. You can even pop them in the fridge or freezer beforehand for an extra cooling sensation.
Face Serums from Ere Perez
For natural, clean formulas that don’t contain harmful additives, look no further than Ere Perez’s skincare line. For your morning routine, the bestselling Quandong Green Booster Serum ($38) brightens dull skin and improves texture. It’s packed with superfoods like chlorophyll, spinach, raspberry seed, and Australian desert fruit quandong, which has twice the vitamin C of oranges.
For your nighttime regimen, try the White Tea Phyto-Retinol Elixir ($42). It contains bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that doesn’t have harsh side effects. It promotes cell turnover and firms skin while you sleep, so you wake up with the softest skin ever.
