The best beauty products for summer 2021

If there’s space for only one product in your handbag this season, make it this instant glow-giver. Offering the same nourishing, silky gel formula as the sheer original, this highlighter now comes in two new summer-friendly shades. “Brûlée adds a beautiful bronzy glow to deep skin, while Nectar’s golden, peachy undertones, placed close to the eye area, are a quick way to brighten it up and deflect from any dark circles,” says Westman Atelier founder Gucci Westman. Use for an instant shot of sun-kissed, dewy hydration on cheeks and lips, too.

This velvety body lotion is a must when baring flesh, thanks to blurring optics and shots of skin-smoothing caffeine that disguise imperfections. What’s more, it’s packed with super-nourishing natural oils (hello, olive, grapeseed, rice bran and apricot kernel) and sinks in almost instantly. But the real highlight is its deliciously exotic coconut-infused Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche scent, making it a veritable PORTER beauty-team favorite that exemplifies sun, sand and surf.

This Aussie-based sunscreen brand sees SPF as an extension of your skincare, and its everyday factor-50 formula doesn’t disappoint. It has a silky texture that slots right in to any serum-layering regimen (use it as your last step) and gives your complexion a lit-from-within-glow that’s ideal on its own or as an illuminating foundation base. Use three full droppers’ worth of product to maximize its free-radical-fighting antioxidants, too, which include vitamin C and Kakadu plum, as well as Dragosine – a peptide that shields skin from blue light.

Even with an SPF50 and well-laid plans to stay safe in the sun, mistakes can still happen. Aloe vera has been shown not only to soothe sunburn but reduce inflammation, help with skin regeneration, prevent peeling post-burn and act as a super-hydrator, too. This ultra-soothing gel from Dr. Barbara Sturm boasts a 90 percent pure organic aloe-leaf juice (certified by the International Aloe Science Council and other recognized bodies) and can be used from head to toe. Keep it in the fridge and apply a light layer on clean skin when needed. It’s also a great soother post-wax, or after any laser or microneedling treatment.

Think of this as an updated version of the popular ’80s hair lightener Sun In – except it offers the same color payoff with none of the infamous hair damage. Formulated without peroxide, this spray-in treatment uses lemon extract and chamomile to safely lighten and brighten colored, highlighted and naturally fair hair over time. Added hydration, shine and antioxidant protection come from natural fruit and flower extracts papaya, hibiscus and gardenia. Mist it over damp or dry hair, then let the sun or hair dryer do their thing.

In this discovery trio, the classic minimalist fragrance Molecule 01 is paired with a natural, single ingredient in three distinct perfumes. Each one subtly transforms and elevates the original scent for an irresistible day-to-night fragrance wardrobe. For example, Molecule + Mandarin’s fruity freshness is the perfect olfactory antidote to hot, humid weather, while Molecule + Iris invokes a creamy, powdery floral veil ideal for a seaside adventure. For balmy evenings, Molecule + Patchouli offers a clean, sophisticated take – there’s no typical headiness here.

When it comes to color, pink is universally flattering, adding instant warmth to any skin tone. Makeup heavyweight Pat McGrath has filled this second iteration of her coveted Mothership Eyeshadow Palette with ten complementary shades of the romantic rosy hue in matte, shimmer and iridescent finishes. Wear them muted or bold, layered or solo – anything goes with a dewy, sun-kissed glow.

These ampoules tackle dry, dehydrated skin – often the result of water loss from heat, sunlight and sweat in the summer months. The kit comprises a seven-day treatment pack that easily slots into your existing skincare routine and ensures you lock in moisture with clinical-strength hyaluronic acid, amongst other skin-quenching actives. Tap the solution on after cleansing, but before applying your serum or moisturizer, for a smoother, plumper, more radiant complexion from day one.

Victoria Beckham keeps this cordless straightener in her carry-on bag for on-the-go touch-ups when flying – and no wonder: it has three heat settings, for different hair types, and sleek titanium plates that distribute heat evenly, ensuring you minimize damage. Plus, it doubles as a curling iron and comes in this limited-edition, refreshing turquoise hue.

These hyaluronic acid-infused, skin-sloughing towels are your fast-track ticket to a neck-to-toe glow. The cocktail of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, exfoliating enzymes and bakuchiol – a natural retinol alternative – specifically targets thicker skin, and effectively tackles ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris (the back-of-the-arm bumps) and body breakouts, too. Used on dry skin, Dr. Dennis Gross advocates thoroughly massaging the towel into problem areas until it begins to dry, before unfolding it and moving on to other areas of concern.

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