1. A moisturizing Etude House sun milk , which comes packed with SPF 50 and 20 powerful plant ingredients that are gentle on your skin and leave you with a lightweight, airy finish. Etude House celebrates beauty and aims to provide both makeup and skincare products that are beginner-friendly.
Make sure to shake before using and apply to areas that will be exposed to UV rays. Promising review: "This SPF may be my new holy grail. This has a moisturizing feel with a soft powder finish on the skin.
I didn't feel or look oily and this SPF didn't cause my mascara to transfer to my lower lash line. I love that this is actually comfortable to wear without feeling heavy or greasy. This formula sits so well under makeup.
Would highly recommend! Sinks in and feels like nothing!" — Lilly B. Get it from Amazon for $13.64 (available in two styles).
2. Or a splurge-worthy Elta MD SPF 41 tinted sunscreen so that you can avoid overwhelming your sensitive skin with a ton of products. This oil- and fragrance-free formula protects and defends your skin from harmful UV rays *and* gives you a light tint in case you want to skip the rest of your makeup altogether and dash out the door.
Promising review: "I’ve tried probably close to 50 different mineral sunscreens over the years and this is simply THE BEST. It’s so lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky, greasy or heavy. Yet, it provides decent coverage for what it is.
I’d say equivalent to a little bit more than a tinted moisturizer. I used to be a daily foundation girl. But now I just wear this and some concealer.
I actually look forward to putting on my sunscreen every morning!! "— MK Get it from Amazon for $41.80 . 3.
A bestselling collagen-coating hair mask with *35,000 5-star ratings* and infused with collagen and ceramides to help repair your hair if it is damaged, over-processed, or you've ended up spending lots of time under those strong sun rays at the beach this summer. Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for." Promising review: "This collagen treatment is amazing! It revitalizes my hair, leaving it feeling stronger, smoother, and healthier.
The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving any residue, making styling a breeze. I've noticed reduced breakage and improved overall texture since incorporating it into my routine. A must-have for anyone wanting to nourish and protect their hair! Highly recommend! Value for money!" — crumbs pastry shop Get it from Amazon for $7.
40 . 4. Plus, a silicone-free L'Oréal moisturizing treatment , which works its magic in eight (!!!) seconds to give dull-looking hair a dose of shine and silkiness.
Perfect for helping to heal your hair after multiple trips to the pool! Shine in a silicone-free product?! Dreams really do come true. Promising review: " I don't know what is in this stuff but it is a miracle! It makes my hair soft, silky, and incredibly easy to manage. The effects do build up over time, so while you will start to feel and see the difference the first time, it takes about four or five treatments to see the full effect.
And wow!!! I've tried leave-ins, hair oil, and all the rest, but this hair product is the only one that's made a tangible difference in the feeling and look of my hair. Lightweight and turns my hair to silk. " — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $10.
97 . 5. A cruelty-free Elizabeth Mott eyeshadow primer because it'll make the eyeshadow look you created 10 hours ago look like it's only been 10 minutes.
It helps keep your eyeshadow from wearing off, smudging, or creasing and enhances your eyeshadow's color and vibrance! Promising review: "This product has truly become an essential part of my daily makeup routine! I use it as an under-eye primer and from the first application, I noticed a significant difference in the way my concealer sat on my skin. The primer is incredibly lightweight and smooth, making it easy to apply without feeling heavy or greasy. It creates a perfect, even canvas that blurs imperfections and leaves my under-eye area looking refreshed and well-rested.
The formula is hydrating without being oily, which is perfect for my combination skin." — Christy Foreman Get it from Amazon for $13.99 .
6. Plus an Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later face primer — the little potion you'll be thanking at the end of a sunny day at the pool when you're makeup *still* looks bomb AF. This pore-minimizing miracle worker (with SPF 30!) helps blur your pores, gives you a ~velvety complexion~, and locks your look in place so that it doesn't move or shift around.
Reviewers say it absorbs well, foundation glides over it, and it makes their full face stand up to summer heat! Plus, it comes in four problem-solving formulas. Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American, woman-owned biz! Promising reviews: "I wore this primer under my foundation ( Nars and Maybelline Fit Me ) along with setting spray ( Nyx ) in this photo [above right]. I had been dunked in the pool two times and went down a giant slide that caused you to go under water three times.
This was the result of my makeup ! Love this product. A little goes a long way!" — Ryan Brooks "I received a sample of this primer in my Ipsy bag to try out. Oh.
My. Gosh!!!! I have tried a LOT of different primers, from drug store to more expensive brands, and none have impressed me the way this one did!!! I have very oily skin, that is also very sensitive. This primer did not irritate my skin, and was not heavy or very 'silicone-y' feeling on my skin.
Foundation went on great over it, I’ve tried several different ones to see if the performance varied. Nope! Makeup stayed on great with this primer! Didn’t break up or rub off, even in the high humidity and heat of the NC summer. Immediately had to buy two more, I don’t want to ever run out of this product! Can’t wait to try the eye primer next!" — mydestiny524 Get it from Amazon for $18.
25+ (available in four formulas and in a bundle). 7. A lightweight, moisture-coating Laneige Lip Glowy Balm because your lippies deserve just as much care when it comes to nourishing them after sun exposure.
This is packed with murumuru (a palm native to the Amazon) and shea butter, making it the perfect daytime partner in crime to the cult-favorite lip sleeping mask . Be careful using this around your besties, because they *will* be asking if they can have some. Check out how all the colors look when applied in this TikTok ! Although the brand's name comes from the French phrase "la neige," which translates to "the snow," Laneige is a South Korean cosmetics and skincare brand that was founded in 1994 by Amore Pacific.
Promising reviews: "I’ve been on the hunt for a lip balm that provides both hydration and a hint of color, and I’ve finally found it in the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm! This balm is a game-changer for my daily routine. The shea butter-infused formula truly lives up to its promises of being lightweight, moisturizing, and glossy. What I love most about this balm is how effortlessly it glides onto my lips, instantly quenching any dryness without feeling heavy or greasy.
The subtle tint it provides is perfect for those days when I want a natural look with a touch of color. The glossy finish gives my lips a healthy sheen that lasts throughout the day. I’ve tried many lip balms in the past, but this one truly stands out for its ability to keep my lips moisturized, glossy, and beautifully tinted.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one lip product that combines hydration, shine, and a touch of color, I highly recommend giving this lip balm a try. It’s become a must-have in my daily beauty routine!" — Noodle Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in eight scents). 8.
A Cosrx niacinamide face serum for all the folks with sensitive and/or oily skin (which only seems to be made worse by those strong sun rays). 🫠 Not only does this fade blemish scars and help minimize the appearance of pores, but it also provides redness relief and reduces excess oil. Can I get a "heck yeah"? Cosrx is a Korean cosmetics brand founded in 2013 by Jun Sang Hun.
The brand's philosophy is to use "minimum ingredients, maximum effectiveness," and its products are often described as having a gentle composition, minimal ingredients, and no dyes or fragrances. All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Promising review: "Having lived in Texas my whole life, I have struggled with oily skin, especially during the summer/fall months.
I have always been a big fan of CORSRX, so I figured I would try this product to see if it could help control my oil production, and I am happy I did! This product is not sticky or oily feeling as many other products I have tried felt, it leaves a smooth/sheer finish that absorbs into the skin within about five to ten minutes depending on how much you use. I applied an extra layer to the areas of my face that tend to be excessively oily and noticed a huge difference in my 'shine' level after a day of running errands." — Morgan C.
Get it from Amazon for $18.72 . 9.
A fast-drying matte finishing spray to freeze your glam in place and help you maintain that gloriously matte look from your early-morning coffee run to your late-night drinks with the girls. Promising review: "I love this spray! I was looking for a cost-effective product that worked for my breakouts and oily skin, and this is definitely it. Instantly mattifying and helps my makeup hold up for the entire day.
I also love the smell and it's not heavy. Doesn't feel like I sprayed my face with hairspray at all! It does take a moment to dry but I wouldn't count that as a con. Good product, and I just ordered my second bottle.
" — SnowKatt09 Get a two-pack from Amazon for $28.40 . 10.
A splurge-worthy Stila waterproof eyeliner that'll banish the pesky smudges on the outer corner of your eye that always seem to happen as soon as you step out into the sun. Reviewers say it really earns its "Stay All Day" name! Promising review: "Many eyeliner brands boast that they are waterproof but end up smearing (making you look like a football player or going to war). This eyeliner looks the same after work as it did when you first put it on! It doesn’t feel heavy and it's super smooth going on.
I definitely recommend that you try it." — MotherGuz Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in 18 colors). 11.
A gluten- and cruelty-free lengthening mascara to help you instantly look more awake even though you woke up 10 minutes before you rushed out of the house. It separates your lashes and gives you allll the length and volume WITHOUT the clumps and globs. It's a fan fave that stands out from the rest — or at least according to the 250,000+ 5-star ratings! Promising review: "Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara has quickly become my go-to for achieving luscious, voluminous lashes that rival the look of false lashes.
The formula is nothing short of magical. It provides incredible volume without clumping, giving my lashes a dramatic lift and curl. The mascara creates a full and fluttery effect that lasts throughout the day without smudging or flaking.
I appreciate that it doesn't feel heavy on the lashes, providing a comfortable wear from morning to night. The mascara is also incredibly easy to remove at the end of the day, which is a big plus for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of time and effort on their nighttime skincare routine. A gentle makeup remover or micellar water is all it takes to wipe away the day's glam.
" — L. West For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review ! Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black and brown).
12. A wonderfully potent Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum infused with hyaluronic and ferulic acid, vitamin E, citrus stem cells, and centella asiatica to help (*takes a deep breath*) reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well as help fade dark spots, shrink pores, prevent breakouts, and brighten your overall complexion. Those bare-faced beach pics are about to look extra *gorgeous*.
Seoul Ceuticals is a Korean skincare brand that uses key ingredients sourced from Korea and was developed in collaboration with Ella Cho, an expert in the K-Beauty industry. All Seoul Ceuticals products are cruelty-free and vegan. Promising review: "This stuff saved my skin.
I had acne, acne marks, and dark patches on my face. I think it's called discoloration melasma, but omg this saved my skin. But I use African black soap, then I use this on my face at night and morn.
It’s lightweight, not heavy at all, doesn't stink, and I’m just in love, and I have seen amazing results. These reviewers on here are not lying — best thing in my life to have. It’s going to take a couple of weeks to see results but it’s so worth it and make sure your face is damp when applying it.
" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in two sizes). 13.
A budget-friendly putty primer enriched with squalane for hydration, and has a velvety texture that glides easily over the skin for a poreless effect while providing the ultimate grip on your makeup. This might just have you looking like Barbie herself. Promising review: "Hidden gem.
I was not expecting to love this product so much. I have tried other primers that I just don’t love or don’t work well. This one easily blurs pores without feeling heavy or dry.
I have dry, sensitive skin, and I love it!!" — Justyn Fitzgerald Get it from Amazon for $10 . 14. A cream-to-powder E.
l.f. multistick , which is three steps of your makeup routine rolled up into one.
Its vibrant pigment takes on the roles of eyeshadow, blush, *and* lipstick. Plus, its non-greasy formula adds that gorgeous pop of color while feeling like nothing on your skin. I think we just found a new "what's in my bag" staple.
Promising review: "Love this versatile cream stick. The color is beautiful going on and stays on well. Like it says, can be used for eyes, lips, or cheeks.
I primarily use it for my cheeks as blush and occasionally for my lips. It feels good and isn’t heavy. I plan on purchasing this again and would recommend!" — Ravan Rogers Get it from Amazon for $5 (available in two sizes and seven shades).
15. A hydrating snail mucin repairing essence that will soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively, it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 72,000 5-star ratings! Promising review: "I didn't know whether to be excited or horrified at smoothing this stuff on my face.
I tried it on unwashed skin so that I could immediately wash it off in the shower if it was gross. First of all, it was not as icky as my imagination convinced me it would be. Second, it goes on light without a heavy or sticky residue.
Third, look at how it blurred my pores even though I didn't follow the directions by applying it to a freshly washed face!!! I was so impressed with the results after reapplying that I went through the day without makeup, confidently and beautifully. If you're on the fence about making this purchase, don't be..
.Just buy it!" — MykRnz Get it from Amazon for $13.99 .
16. A L'Oreal temporary root cover-up spray because when stray grays aren't your thing, they seem to insist on growing back faster than your next salon appointment. Just spray on the fast-drying formula for quick, seamless coverage that'll last until your next hair wash day.
Look at you — so sneaky! Promising review: "I am really impressed with this product. I am stunned by how natural it looks. I have light auburn tinted hair and even though this is just named 'red' it gave the most natural color that you would never know it wasn't the natural color or, at the very least, fresh hair color.
It also doesn't feel heavy, sticky, or powdery. Great stuff, wish I had tried it out earlier — I could put off coloring for much longer." — Boutique Lover Get it from Amazon for $9.
99 (available in 11 shades). 17. A cruelty-free extreme hold eyebrow gel for those days when your brows have a mind of their own and refuse to cooperate.
Its precise applicator makes it easy for you to brush across your brows, and it claims to hold them in place for 16 hours with no flakiness or that icky white residue! NYX is a cruelty-free brand. If you want something that focuses a little more on pigment, this is one of my personal faves too! Promising review: "My eyebrows are very hard to keep in place, and I’ve found it hard to come across products that’ll work well with my eyebrows. I’ve heard good reviews on this product and had to try it.
I fell in love! This eyebrow gel keeps my eyebrows intact for hours, and it’s easy to get off with just water or cleanser. They also don’t feel too heavy with this product on. " — kara Get it from Amazon for $9.
69 (available in five shades). 18. Mixsoon Bean Essence because the summer heat is already annoying enough without having to wear foundation — this'll help you not even need it! This essence is infused with fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to help get rid of dead skin cells, all while hydrating your skin and evening out its tone.
The best part? No sticky residue!! Mixsoon is a Korean skincare brand that uses a minimalist approach to beauty. The brand's products are made with sustainably sourced ingredients, short ingredient lists, and pure, organic essences. Mixsoon also grows some of its key ingredients, like centella asiatica and heartleaf, in-house in South Korea! Promising reviews: " I love this essence! My skin feels so soft and smooth instantly and stays so hydrated.
It is light on the skin, doesn’t feel heavy. This product has been amazing; it moisturizes and brightens my skin. Just a couple drops go a long way so it seems like it will last for a while.
I will definitely repurchase." — J D "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble; it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up.
My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff.
🩷" — Losa Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in two sizes). 19.
A waterproof crème-to-powder eyeshadow stick , which is perfect for those days when you're running late (...
again) and want to add a quick pop of glow to your eyes. Just swipe this across your lids — no brush required — and you're good to go. Plus, they're enriched with vitamins C and E, and you can choose from a variety of gorgeous shimmery, matte, and metallic shades.
Promising review: "This was such a surprise excellent purchase. I usually don’t like buying makeup without trying it. The shade can be wrong, or I don’t like the texture, coverage, etc.
But this has become my favorite eyeshadow to use, and I like it better than the Bobbi Brown sticks I used to use . It’s creamy and goes on easily, not too heavy or thick, and just enough coverage. I can move it if needed right away; after that, it dries and stays all day.
I have not found it creasing or migrating anywhere. Love, love, love it!" — Rebecca Padulo Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 34 colors). 20.
An air-dry leave-in cream to banish frizz and transform your curls into silky, irresistible locks. The best part? You don't even need a blow-dryer (or any heat styling tools for that matter)! This cream works its magic as your hair air dries. This cream helps define your natural texture, and works best on those with wavy, curly, or coily hair!! Promising review: "I love the product.
Takes care of frizz, but doesn't feel heavy in my hair. I love the smell! It is not over the top but pleasant. I have been using this for almost two years and my hairdresser even loves how the product works in my hair.
" — Dawn Harris Get it from Amazon for $7.97 . 21.
Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops if you want this sunny season to be all about the ~glow.~ This will brighten both your skin and your day. It's infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, and moringa oil to help even out your skin tone and give you a dewy finish that's perfect for summer.
It also has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types so you can glow from the inside out. Check out this TikTok of these drops being used for a natural makeup look! Glow Recipe is an Asian-owned business that aims to create fruit-forward, clean beauty formulas to incorporate into your skincare routine. Promising reviews: " I love this moisturizer and most of the products from Glow Recipe.
I have dry, red skin and this always helps hydrate, soothe and brighten my skin. It instantly absorbs into the skin and doesn't feel heavy. I always use this prior to makeup application, as well.
" — Cait Get it from Amazon for $34.20 . 22.
A budget-friendly Maybelline dark circles concealer with a cushion applicator that makes it easy for you to conceal any blemishes or dark circles before you head out for another day of making the world believe you totally did not stay up marathoning your latest Netflix obsession. Promising review: “If you're looking for an effective and affordable solution to conceal dark circles and under-eye puffiness, look no further than this concealer. It's quickly become a staple in many beauty routines, and for good reason! The sponge applicator allows for precise and even coverage, and the formula blends seamlessly into the skin.
It's also incredibly lightweight, so you don't have to worry about it feeling heavy or cakey on your skin. But the real magic of this concealer is in the formula itself. It's infused with goji berry and Haloxyl, which work together to visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles and improve the overall texture of the skin.
I highly recommend this concealer to anyone looking for a reliable and effective solution for under-eye circles and other blemishes. It's a great value for the price, and you're sure to love the results!" — Andrea Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in four pack sizes and 23 shades).
23. A basically magic anti-humidity spray , which is made with a super lightweight, nongreasy formula that doubles as a heat protectant and basically transforms your hair into silk, all while giving it waterproof powers. Simply apply it to damp hair, comb to distribute, and blow-dry to activate its magic! Promising review: "WOW! I usually need to use three products to get similar results! The amount you're supposed to use seems excessive given that most products, using this amount, tend to make your hair feel heavy and greasy, but not this one! I have healthy but frizzy hair, and living in FL doesn't help.
Also I've tossed products that might work great, but the smell was such that I will never know, because I couldn't stand the thought of having to smell the scent all day! This one though, is so mild from the get-go. I have nothing bad to say about this product! It's going to be a staple, going forward!" — fidhertr Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes). 24.
A creamy Maybelline matte liquid lipstick that'll feel like ~nothing~ on your lips while adding a gorgeous pop of color to your face. Plus, you'll be surprised to look in the mirror after an extra long day and realize it's still as vibrant as when you applied it. Promising review: "I have three colors of this awesome lip line.
I love it so much. I used liquid lip liner and then set my lipstick and blend. It’s not heavy at all.
I let it dry once I have my desired coating for 5-15 mins and my husband can kiss me. :) I get lots of compliments and at restaurants people always ask what am I wearing. Eat, drink, and stay pretty.
Just be careful when pulling out the applier stick; do it slowly." — therese beya Check out our Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick review for more. Get it from Amazon for $8.
98 (available in 38 colors). 25. An affordable Coty setting powder , because if your makeup even *thinks* about fading or creating fine lines on your face, this miracle worker is here to stop it in its tracks.
It'll help you maintain a smooth, airbrushed complexion without looking (or feeling) cakey! Promising review: "This powder is a holy grail for setting makeup and achieving a flawless, airbrushed finish. The translucent shade is perfect for all skin tones as it blends seamlessly without altering the color of my foundation. One of the standout features of this powder is its lightweight and finely milled texture.
It feels incredibly soft on the skin and doesn't settle into fine lines or pores. It effortlessly mattifies the skin without leaving a heavy or cakey feeling. I also appreciate its long-lasting formula that keeps my makeup looking fresh and shine-free throughout the day.
I highly recommend this powder to anyone looking for a reliable, high-performing loose face powder." — Halli Hogan Get it from Amazon for $14.24 (available in four shades, including translucent and multipacks).
26. A micro-diffusion extra-strong hairspray if you're not about to let that extra hour of sleep you sacrificed in order to style your hair go to waste! This formula was designed specifically with humid climates in mind and locks styles in place without that icky crunchy feeling. Promising review: "This is by far the best hairspray I have ever worked with.
Being a hair stylist, I use many sprays and this one is perfect. Not heavy or sticky. If I need a little lift, I can tease the roots and spray a little and it holds without being sticky.
Oh, some people don't like the smell, it's fine for me. I also have the unscented." — Shannon Lee Get it from Amazon for $13.
99 . 27. A nongreasy hair wax stick , aka the quickest and easiest way to tame flyaways and smooth edges without weighing down your entire look with globs of gel or spraying on layers of crunchy hairspray.
Simply glide the stick directly along your hair for mess-free application and all-day staying power. BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they want to! Check out, " Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna ." I'm an avid spin and pilates enthusiast, meaning I have my hair in a slick pony almost 24/7.
But when you wake up just a *tad* past your alarm clock and are rushing to throw your hair up and head out the door for a class, let's just say my bedhead tended to come with me. 🫠 But then, I discovered this helpful little stick. The convenience of not even having to touch any product to get my flyaways nice and slicked back makes it the ultimate lifesaver for "always running late" girlies like me.
It keeps them in place all day (especially through a solid hour of heavy sweat!) and , since it's solid, it's also delightfully portable and travel-friendly! Promising review: "I recently tried this hair wax stick, and it has quickly become one of my go-to styling products. The stick format makes it so easy to apply just the right amount of product without any mess or fuss. It provides a strong hold that lasts throughout the day without making my hair feel greasy or heavy.
It's perfect for creating that textured and sculpted look that I love. What I particularly appreciate is that this wax stick doesn't leave any residue or build-up in my hair. It washes out easily and leaves my hair feeling fresh and clean.
It's become a staple in my daily routine, and I couldn't be happier with the results." — Jessica George Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in multipacks).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity..
