There is just something about summer that makes me yearn for ease- longer days, freedom, exposure, and most of all, less layering... If there is one thing I have learned by now is that my body does not appreciate the same beauty routines in the summer as it does in the winter. Thick cream, heavy makeup, and intense fragrances? I'd rather not.
That's why every year when the summer season rolls around, I like to become a beauty minimalist. I take a hard look at what is unnecessary in my routines (to completely outlaw) and what could be swapped for products that make me feel like the confident queen I am, but also feel simple, clean, and glowy (not greasy). It could be a simple swap- like swapping heavy foundation with light concealer, or an intense change that alters how my body and skin reacts.
Don't worry, because in this post I will be guiding you through what you absolutely don't need, and what specifically you will swap your products with!
In the cooler months, I love a rich, buttery moisturizer — the kind that transforms your skin and locks in every last drop of hydration. Once summer comes? That same cream feels like a weighted blanket in a sauna. Thick formulas can clog pores, trap sweat, and lead to horrendous breakouts...
That’s why I swap out heavy creams for gel-based moisturizers or water-light serums packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. They give your skin the hydration it needs without being able to fry a pancake on it. Bonus: they absorb quickly, which makes them perfect for layering under SPF or makeup.
Pro tip: Keep your moisturizer in the fridge. Applying it cold not only feels amazing in the morning, but it also helps reduce puffiness and inflammation.
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.
No matter how many beauty swaps I make for summer, one thing always stays the same: sunscreen is non-negotiable. Sun protection isn’t just about avoiding sunburn — it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term skin damage.
Face SPF Picks
I reach for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that sit well under makeup (or replace it entirely). Tinted SPFs are a personal favorite — they even out my skin tone while protecting it at the same time. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for mineral protection, especially if you have sensitive skin or prone to breakouts.
Lips Need Love, Too
Your lips are super vulnerable to sun damage, and most of us forget about them. I always keep an SPF lip balm in my bag — or any lip balm for that matter.
Body SPF Tips
For body, I love spray formulas when I’m on the go and lotion when I need a more thorough application. Whatever you use, reapplication is key. Every 2 hours — more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Reapplication Hacks
Powder SPF over makeup (great for touch-ups)
SPF setting mists
Reapplying with a beauty sponge for minimal disruption
Trust me — finding an SPF you actually like will make using it every day feel like part of your routine, not a chore.
Summer beauty is all about adapting to the season’s heat and finding products that make you feel fresh, confident, and ready for anything — without negotiating on skincare. By swapping out heavy formulas for lighter, more breathable options, my routine feels easier and more suited for the sun. Whether it's switching to a tinted moisturizer with SPF or protecting your hair from UV rays, small changes can make a huge difference in how your skin and hair respond to summer’s demands.
I hope these beauty swaps inspire you to simplify and refresh your summer routine. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What products do you swap out in the summer? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media!