"I do love the cozy sweaters and darker vibes of the colder months. However, I’ve always been someone more partial to the style and beauty trends of summer. Maybe it’s because I’m a summer baby who’s always gravitated toward the season. But those pops of color, luminous skin, and bronzy tones all feel very carefree and effortless. (Even if that is far from the reality of summer as a parent.) This makeup vibe also fits very well into my ideal five-minute beauty routine. Because, really, what parent has the time for a full 10-step production?
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For years now, I’ve been writing about beauty, starting during my teenage days. I first tried my hand at a makeup and skincare blog of my own (hosted on Blogger, just to reveal myself as a true millennial). Since then, that passion has turned into part of my career as a writer. It’s allowed me to stay pretty on top of the latest makeup and skincare drops. This includes the latest onslaught of new beauty products that have come out for the summer.
While summer beauty typically leans toward the “less is more” effect, this year’s launches really emphasize that trend. Over the past several weeks, there has been a near-overwhelming amount of launches for new sunscreens, bronzing products, and glossy lip colors. And I’ve been lucky enough to try out quite a few of them. So, in an effort to help you parse through the plethora of new launches for the warmer months, I’m sharing my curated picks. These are my absolute favorite new beauty product launches that you should consider for the summer months.
Adding new beauty products to your summer makeup routine
Wondering where to start with a summer makeup routine? Well, in my opinion, less is more. With higher temperatures and the sweat that comes with it, there’s no need to layer on heavy makeup for all your outdoor activities.
In fact, I’d say my essentials for summer are pretty simple. Sunscreen, a skin tint (and maybe a bit of concealer), mascara, and a color for the lips and cheeks. Makeup is such a personal thing. So what you opt for is always going to depend on your personal preference. For me, versatile products that can add just a bit of color and glow to my face are the low-maintenance favorites I gravitate toward.
And recent summer launches really emphasize that fact. Instead of powder bronzers, this year we’re seeing a lot more liquid formulas that can be built up or even added into your skin tint for a bit of extra color. Multi-use products are also a hit, offering colors that can be applied to both your lips and cheeks, saving space in your bathroom cupboard.
Of course, no routine in the summer (or year-round, for that matter) can or should be complete without sunscreen. Some great tinted options have arrived this year, with formulas that make it easy to get the proper amount of sun protection with just a hint of coverage as well.
New Sunscreen and SPF Products
As you would expect for the warmer months, there are plenty of new sunscreens to try out. This summer is bringing new tinted SPF, illuminating sunscreens, and more. These all-around innovative formulas will please even the pickiest of sunscreen wearers.
Tower 28 has perfected the game when it comes to approachable but fun makeup and skincare intended for sensitive skin. So it’s no surprise they hit it out of the park with their first SPF, the SOS FaceGuard.
The mineral sunscreen is non-irritating and has been recognized and accepted by several organizations. This includes the National Eczema Association, National Rosacea Society, and National Psoriasis Association. The blendable formula wears great under makeup and never feels greasy or irritating on the skin.
While not technically a new product, Ultra Violette is an Australian brand of SPF products that just recently launched in U.S. Sephora stores. The brand became a social media darling before even reaching stateside due to its many innovative formulas. While you can find sunscreen intended for a matte finish (Velvet Screen), an SPF-infused moisturizer and primer (Supreme Screen), and a water-resistant face and body option (Vibrant Screen), my favorite is the Future Screen.
The ultralight formula goes on like a serum, with non-comedogenic ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. It wears wonderfully under makeup and has become a favorite for me as an easy-to-wear sunscreen.
Supergoop! Glow Screen has become a cult favorite for its luminous formulas. The original is available in four different shades, with SPF 40 sun protection. Now, you can get that same great glow in an all-mineral formula with the Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40.
Available in two shades (the illuminating Sunrise or bronzing Golden Hour), the formula is a mineral SPF that provides a radiant finish. While the subtle tints won’t cover up as well as a foundation, they give just enough glow and radiance that it does look like you’re wearing a little something. To me, that can feel just right on easy summer days!
When it comes to no-fuss makeup, MERIT has perfected the formula. The brand has become a staple for moms due to its curated selection of products, which help you achieve a five-minute makeup look in the mornings. Now, you can add sunscreen to the equation with the brand’s newest launch, The Uniform.
The tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 45 and is available in a sheer tint with 15 shades. The shades are all sheer enough that they’re fairly adaptable, and you can find the shade you need across a broad spectrum of options. Wear it alone for a light wash of color or underneath the Minimalist Complexion Stick for a more perfected look.
New Bronzers and Illuminators
Just like with sunscreen, a bronzer and highlighter are synonymous with warm, sunny days. Those of us using our sunscreen properly can still fake a little extra glow. Just add a few of these new bronzing or illuminating drops.
Summer Fridays’ newest product launch is their Bronzing and Illuminating Drops. Both are lightweight, serum-like formulas that add either a subtle glow or a hint of bronze, depending on your choice.
The formulas are both easy to use in multiple ways, whether that’s adding to your moisturizer, skin tint, or directly onto the skin. I’ve been enjoying adding the Bronzing Drops to my daily foundation for just a bit of extra warmth.
Westman Atelier also launched its own bronzing drops. Available in four shades, the liquid formula is lightweight but dries down to a natural finish that’s neither super matte nor too dewy.
Unlike Summer Fridays’ version, the bronze has no shimmer to it, so this is perfect for applying to more targeted areas like your cheeks, nose, or other high points of the face. I also love combining a drop or two with my Westman Atelier Complexion Drops—they blend perfectly together for a summer shade.
If you want a glow that goes on before your makeup, there’s also a new launch from skincare brand True Botanicals: their Bronze Well Regenerative Glow Drops. The oil treatment comes with a golden glow, so when you use it as your base skincare, it applies an instant warmth to your face.
While I love putting it on pre-makeup, you can also mix a drop or two with your moisturizer or foundation or even add a little bit as the final step in your routine—it all depends on what look you’re going for!
New Summer Beauty Lip Products
For warmer days, I’ll never turn down a hydrating, glossy lip—especially if it comes in a fun color! These three recent launches fit the bill for just that.
While I’ve always loved the hydrating formulas of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, I’ll admit I felt extra cool using it when my friend’s pre-teen daughter told me the brand is all the rage for middle schoolers. I imagine the new Pink Guava shade from the brand will be a hit.
The new launch features the same moisturizing formula the brand is known for, now in a wash of watermelon hot pink that perfectly complements the season.
While VIOLETTE_FR is well known for their matte lip Bisou Balm, they’ve added a new formula to the lineup. The new lip stain is super hydrating with a high shine and great color payoff that lasts well after the shine has worn off.
As someone who loathes reapplying lip color, I’ve loved how long this lasts throughout the day. The shade Pois de Senteur is a bright pink that makes me so happy and is my definite favorite for the season.
If you love the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, chances are you’ll also fall head over heels for the Outset’s Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment. While the product initially launched in a clear formula, the same moisturizing treatment is now available in three tinted shades: a sheer nude, a sheer orange-red, and a sheer blackberry.
While the color payoff isn’t the same as a full-on lipstick, it provides a surprising amount of pigment for a tinted balm. My current favorite is Sun Kiss, an orangey red that feels like the perfect pop of color.
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Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic images credited to: Tower 28 and VIOLETTE_FR.