16 Makeup and Skincare Products I’m Loving This Summer
It’s July 8th as I type out this very overdue post, and I just spent my morning thinking, what exactly should I write about? After some mulling around, writing up a freelance story for work, and sitting out in the sun with my morning coffee, it hit me. I need to take an inventory of what makeup products I’m currently loving right now.
Sure, this isn’t exactly a revolutionary concept for a piece. But given how I live with hormonal acne (Maybe it’s stress? Maybe it’s my PCOS? Who knows?), combo-to-dry skin, and just can’t be bothered with a load of product living on my face, I felt like this might be a fun one to try! And besides—I’ve sorta definitely developed a love for drugstore makeup as of late. Because really, who wants to spend a ton of coin when in fear of everything just melting off?
Well, I definitely have some recommendations for you, and I don’t want to be the only one who enjoys them. Hopefully whoever reads this will get the beautiful complexion they want, all without truly breaking their bank!
Eucerin Daily Hydration Cream, SPF 30
Maybe it’s due to the pandemic, but I’ve really taken a liking to skincare over the last year. This product is my perfect moisturizer (thanks TikTok for the rec!), because it not only helps hydrate all the dry and patchy parts of my face, but I get the added SPF protection that’s oh-so-important every day.
Fair warning though: it can feel a little bit greasy upon application, but it goes away after a few minutes.
Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser
Sometimes old-school products are the best, and this one is no exception. I’ve been using this product for years, and it’s honestly one of the best things on the market for removing makeup! It’s even gotten three coats of mascara off, and that’s a feat in and of itself!
FYI, I don’t actually wear three coats of mascara—I was just testing one out! But if this product can do that with ease, then maybe it’s worth a try!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
With my combo-to-dry skin, this product is a MUST for me all year around. But with the heat really doing a number on my skin as of late, this truly has saved me from being completely dry when I don’t want it!
The Ordinary Niacinamide
As anyone with acne knows, for every breakout, there’s a scar left behind. This product might have a small price tag, but MAN, it’s doing wonders to my skin! I personally love using this only at night, and even using it once a day, I absolutely see it making a difference in my skincare routine.
CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer in Light Ivory
Over the years, I personally became a concealer girl over wearing loads of foundation on my skin. After seeing this on Amazon and randomly placing it in my online cart, I’ve come to LOVE this product! The shade is perfect for my fair skin, and it truly does cover all the spots I need it to cover. That’s a big deal for me, considering the never-ending redness and acne marks all over my cheeks.
E.L.F. Hydrating Camo Concealer in Light Ivory
See the above product for my thoughts on this product. The only issue? This shade is slightly too orange on me. But when mixed with the CoverGirl concealer, it’s perfect.
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso OR Dolce Pink
Tons of pigment? A slight glow? A cruelty-free brand? It’s my perfect formula of blush and I love it!
E.L.F. Bite Size Eyeshadows in Cream and Sugar
For only $3, who knew these would be so good? I use this as a one-and-done look, with a little mascara, and I’m good to go!
Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil
Now THESE…I have no words. These eye pencils are so good, they’ve held up through a sweaty workout sesh (don’t be like me and wear makeup to the gym, BTW). They also last all day, with no smudging whatsoever! And for $2.49? You will honestly be so pleased with this product.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect in Waterproof
Every beauty YouTuber has been talking up this mascara, and for a $5 price point…it’s pretty legit. I personally only use waterproof ones, and this even lasted through a long shower (yeah, I’m known to shower with eye makeup on—oops?). It is a wetter formula, though, so be careful of smudging once in a while.
NYX Lingerie XXL Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in Flaunt It
Since when did liquid lipsticks become comfortable to wear? I keep this one in my bag at all times, and the shade “Flaunt It” is my perfect shade. I’m actually in love with this.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss in Heat OR Silk
Want a dupe for the Fenty Gloss Bombs or the KKW lip glosses? Well, Maybelline is your girl for it. From the scent to the hydrating feel on the lips, I can’t see myself not using these forever.
E.L.F. Ride or Die Tinted Lip Balm in Just Peachy
For the days I want a small wash of color without it being too drying, I reach for this. Plus, it’s small enough to throw in a purse or your back pocket—why not reach for this when you can?
Blistex Lip Protectant, SPF 15 in Raspberry Lemonade Blast
I swear by Blistex, since I find it’s hydrating and super comfortable for a lip balm. Coupled with the flavor and it having SPF in it? Well, it’s no surprise why I have three of these thrown into my purse at any given time.
Milani Make It Last Fruit Fetish Setting Spray in Mango Coconut
This setting spray has been a cult-favorite for years, and I agree—it definitely lives up to the hype. I love just how long it makes makeup last, and it doesn’t make me break out, which is always a plus!
Essie Nail Polish in Topless and Barefoot
I have to thank my college roommate for turning me on to this nail color, because I’ve been wearing it religiously since I was about nineteen-years-old. It’s just the right mix of nude and pink, and it’s a color which never looks out of place with whatever you’re wearing. And maybe it’s just me, but it might also give your fingers the illusion of looking longer than they are? I don’t think that’s necessarily true, but it’s definitely a pretty color to wear throughout the summer!
