Summer Beauty Swaps

Physical scrubs might leave your skin feeling smooth at first, but during summer, they can do more harm than good — especially when combined with sun exposure. Just imagine your skin being over-exfoliated and sunburnt... Ouch! Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, increase sensitivity, and even lead to pigmentation when exposed to UV rays.

Instead, I switch to gentle chemical exfoliants like enzyme powders or lactic acid toners. These are much kinder to sun-exposed skin and help keep pores clear without the harsh abrasiveness. I stick to using them at night, no more than 1–2 times a week, to avoid overdoing it.

This swap helps my skin stay clear and radiant without risking sensitivity or damage — and it plays so much better with summer sun and sweat.

If there's one product I absolutely ditch once summer hits, it’s full-coverage foundation. No matter how matte or breathable the label promises- foundation will end up creasing , melting, or even getting cakey. I don't know about you, but I'd prefer not to look like an orange peel...

Instead, I switch to breathable, multitasking options like tinted moisturizers, skin tints, or BB/CC creams that offer light coverage and SPF. They even out your skin tone while still letting your real skin peek through — which feels more natural and summer-appropriate anyway.

My personal go-to: W7 "Golden Glow Bronzing Drops". It gives a healthy, dewy finish and feels like you're wearing nothing at all.

I used to avoid cream products in summer out of fear they’d melt right off my face — but the difference is in how you apply and set them. I now lean into lightweight cream blushes and highlighters that melt seamlessly into the skin and give that natural, sun-kissed glow.

Just be smart about where you place them. I set only my T-zone with a translucent powder to keep shine in check without mattifying the entire look. It's a 2 in 1: staying power and a radiant finish.

Cream products have truly changed my summer makeup game — they move with your skin, not against it.

Between the sun, chlorine, and saltwater, our hair already goes through enough during the summer — adding heat to the mix just makes it worse. I used to rely on my flat iron or blow dryer to tame my hair daily, but once I discovered air-drying and protective hairstyles, my summer routine became so much easier (and my strands, way healthier).

Now I opt for air-dry styling creams or sea salt sprays that enhance my natural texture and give that effortless, beachy look without any heat. Whether your hair is wavy, curly, or straight, there’s a product out there that helps you work with your hair, not against it.

Bonus tip: When I know I’ll be hitting the beach or pool, I go for protective hairstyles like braids, buns, or a silk scarf wrap. They help prevent tangles and reduce sun and water damage — plus, they’re super cute.

Hair oils can be great for sealing in moisture, but during the summer, they tend to feel a bit too heavy and attract grime — especially when combined with sweat or SPF residue. So instead of slathering on oils, I reach for lightweight leave-in conditioners or sprays that also include UV protection.

Yep — your hair needs sun protection too! UV rays can fade color, dry out strands, and make ends more prone to breakage. A few spritzes of a good UV-protectant leave-in can make a big difference, especially if you’re outdoors often.

This swap keeps my hair soft, manageable, and protected — all without weighing it down.

When it’s hot and sticky outside, the last thing I want to do is slather on a heavy body butter or thick cream. While those are amazing in the winter, they tend to just sit on my skin in the summer rather than absorbing — and honestly, who wants to feel greasy and sweaty all day?

Instead, I go for lightweight, fast-absorbing options like aloe-based gels, cooling body mists, or water-based lotions with ingredients like glycerin or squalane. They hydrate without the heaviness, and some even give a subtle refreshing tingle that feels amazing post-shower.

If you’re feeling extra, stash a body mist in the fridge — it’s the ultimate mid-day cool-down trick.

Summer isn’t the time for overpowering perfumes. The heat can intensify strong scents, and some alcohol-based formulas can even irritate sun-exposed skin. That’s why I switch to lighter, skin-friendly options like oil-based roller perfumes, body sprays, or hair perfumes that give a gentle scent without overwhelming the senses.

Think fresh, citrusy, coconut, or floral notes — anything that feels like a vacation in a bottle. My personal favorite is any type of pheromone perfume because they bring out your natural scent.

 Bonus: these tend to layer really well with your body wash or lotion for a more natural, long-lasting scent.