34 Editor-Approved Beauty Products For Summer 2021

Here at AEDIT, our motto is simple: Change of season, change of skincare — and hair care, and personal care, and makeup, and any other part of your beauty regimen that could use an update. With spring showers in the rearview mirror and summer’s steamier temps upon us, it’s time to consider what products are going to set you up for success from Fourth of July to Labor Day and beyond.

Whether you are trying to mattify against sweat-induced shine, illuminate your limbs, revive your mane, or strategically simplify your makeup routine, the market is bursting with innovative new serums, masks, moisturizers, mascaras, mists, and more to help you navigate the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Keep reading for our editor-approved summer beauty picks, and, before you hit the beach, be sure to also check out our guide to the most innovative sunscreens of 2021!

The Box By Dr Ava

The latest edition of the quarterly subscription box curated by Beverly Hills board certified dermatologist (and AEDIT Advisory Board member!) Ava Shamban, MD, is packed with everything you’ll need to atone for any summer skin and hair sins — from at-home microneedling and dermaplaning kits to multitasking sunscreen and strand-saving shampoo. from $250, theboxbydrava.com

111 Skin The Y Theorem Concentrate

You just got a skin resurfacing procedure and your complexion is glowing (yay!). So, what comes next? This seven-day, antioxidant-rich at-home regimen was developed by plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides, MD, specifically to be used after in-office treatments like facials, chemical peels, and IPL to soothe skin and accelerate healing for even the most sensitive skin types. $175, 111skin.com

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

Whether you use it as a traditional concealer, for all-over coverage, or to sculpt the face (think: highlight and contour), the medium- to full-coverage complexion-perfector is the definition of a multitasker. The ultra-lightweight formula features skin-friendly ingredients like moringa seed, rose, and water lily extract, while the cushiony tapered brush makes any type of application a breeze. $29, ulta.com

Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair Body Balm

Whether you are looking to smooth stretch marks or ensure your limbs are luminous for summer, this non-greasy body balm is a below-the-neck take on the cult-favorite Royal Tulip Nectar. The balm-to-oil formula features 24 botanical ingredients, including tiger grass, echinacea, calendula, chamomile, and, of course, the brand’s proprietary Dutch tulip complex, for soft, supple skin. $47, credobeauty.com

Beia Daily Hydrating & Setting Mist

There is no wrong way to use this nourishing face mist that is packed with soothing aloe vera, hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-softening squalane, antioxidant-rich green tea, and anti-inflammatory caffeine. Spritz it as a toner, employ it as a makeup setting spray, or mist throughout the day for a refresh — your complexion will thank you. $48, beiabeauty.com

Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener

Available in 16 buildable shades, this blurring and brightening fluid goes on like a serum but wears like a crease-, humidity-, and sweat-resistant concealer. Sodium hyaluronate attracts moisture, jojoba oil conditions, and elastomers and micro-powders smooth the delicate under-eye skin for a flawless finish. $25, fentybeauty.com

IntelliWHITE Smile Saver Toothpaste

The latest smile-booster from celebrity dentist Jennifer Jablow, DDS, is this fluoride-free toothpaste that aims to rebuild and strengthen the teeth with an innovative nano hydroxyapatite (HAP) and vitamin D technology. Oh, and your mouth will also enjoy less plaque, cavities, stains, and bad breath thanks to xylitol, calcium glycerophosphate (CGP), and zinc chloride. $20, shopintelliwhite.com

Soon Skincare Clear Day Broad Spectrum SPF 50

What irks many about applying (and reapplying) sunscreen is the white cast that many leave behind – we’re as over it as you are. Soon Skincare’s clear, broad spectrum SPF 50 stick is oil-free and easy to use on the go for transparent protection from those pesky UVA and UVB rays. Did we mention it also has vitamin E, vitamin C, and chamomile to give you an antioxidant boost? $32, soonskincare.com

Twenty/Twenty Beauty Easy on the Eyes Daily Hygiene Facial Spray

Created by board certified ophthalmologist, Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, Twenty/Twenty Beauty is an eye makeup brand that keeps eye health in mind. At its core is this soothing spray that can be spritzed directly onto the eye area twice a day. Hypochlorous acid calms inflammation and keeps lashes, lids, and skin clean. $42, trytwentytwenty.com

Meaningful Beauty Age-Proof Hair Care Core System

You are now one step closer to Cindy Crawford's envious locks thanks to her new hair care system. The Restorative Scalp Treatment, Strengthening Shampoo, and Smooth & Shiny Conditioner all feature a melon-sourced antioxidant extract (the same one found in her skincare line) and a plant-based alternative to keratin that adds shine, fullness, and strength to strands. $30, meaningfulbeauty.com

Algenist Algae Niacinamide Moisture Veil

Perfect for counteracting summer’s hot, humid temps, this mattifying serum acts as a liquid moisturizer that optimizes skin hydration (thanks to alguronic acid), minimizes shine (hi, algae concentrate), and helps to preserve the skin barrier (here’s looking at you, niacinamide). $65, algenist.com

Bella Skin Beauty Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner

Armpits are often left out of the skincare conversation, but Bella Skin Beauty’s newest offering will keep your underarms feeling just as clean and fresh as the rest of your body. Antibacterial, plant-based ingredients — like pure watermelon extract, ylang ylang, lemon balm, calendula, and rose water — moisturize and eliminate odor-causing bacteria. And while the product is meant to be used prior to applying deodorant, it can also be used on its own or at any time you need to freshen up. $25, bellaskinbeauty.com

True Botanicals CBD 500 Anti-Inflammaging Treatment Oil

More than just a beauty buzzword, ‘inflammaging’ refers to inflammation (caused by hormones, stress, pollution, lack of sleep, etc.) that weakens skin function and leads to premature signs of aging. This lightweight face oil is formulated to combat it with 500 milligrams of soothing, full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) and skin barrier-supporting jojoba seed, hemp seed, rosehip seed, and sea buckthorn oils. $120, truebotanicals.com

Clover by Clove + Hallow Skin Is In Serum Foundation

If you are looking to embrace the ‘skinimalism’ trend without sacrificing a bit of dewy coverage, this serum-foundation hybrid from Clove + Hallow's new sister brand is for you. Available in 14 shades, it offers sheer to medium coverage and weightless, oil-free moisture thanks to squalane and sunflower seed wax. $22, cloverbyclove.com

Irene Forte Age-Defying Pistachio Face Mask

In search of an under-the-radar age-defier? Enter pistachio. Pistachio oil has a high concentration of vitamin E, which means it fights free radical damage to preserve skin elasticity and improve tone and texture. In this vegan formula, it's combined with barrier-fortifying pumpkin seed and avocado oils and antioxidant-rich olive oil and rice fractions to hydrate and plump the skin. $140, net-a-porter.com

Glytone Enhance Brightening Cleansing Powder

For a summer glow that doesn’t involve the sun, give this non-abrasive daily exfoliator a try. The powder features a 10 percent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) complex to brighten, niacinamide to improve the appearance of pores, and glutathione to ward-off premature signs of aging. The best part? The waterless formula is perfect for stashing in your carry-on bag. $50, glytone-usa.com

Babe Lash Volumizing Mascara

We're all about beauty products that pull double duty, and this multitasking mascara offers both immediate and long-term volume. It's uniquely tapered wand yields full, fluttery fringe, while the biotin- and peptide-infused formula nourishes the natural hairs. $25, babelash.com

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Evening Mist

An end-of-day complement to the brand's beloved Queen of Hungary Mist, this fine facial spray is all about enhancing your beauty sleep. Mineral-rich Hungarian thermal water is paired with melatonin, CBD, and magnesium salts to boost the skin's natural repair cycle for a smoother, more refreshed complexion by morning. $84, omorovicza.com

Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads

Created by dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD, these 100 percent biodegradable cleansing pads are perfect for traveling — especially when your friend forgets their deodorant and needs a quick fix. The pads employ glycolic acid and antimicrobial peptides to prevent odor-causing bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and reduce excess oil production (without aluminum and other pore-clogging ingredients). And if that’s not convenient enough for you, the brand also offers a spray version of the product. $20 for 30 pads, surfacedeep.com

eos The Guardian 100% Natural Sunscreen Lip Balm

You put sunscreen on your face, arms, legs, face, and back (great job!), but you’re likely forgetting one key area: your lips. The easiest way to protect your pout is to use a lip balm with SPF, and this one features SPF 30 and smells of coconut and pineapple — no icky sunscreen taste here. $3, evolutionofsmooth.com

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover

This makeup remover will make your nighttime routine that much easier. The formula uses salicylic acid and mandelic acid to gently exfoliate and help reduce the look of uneven skin texture and pores, and it’s combined with avocado, soybean, and yuzu to moisturize and nourish skin during the cleansing process. $30, ulta.com

Flamingo x Ashley Graham Body Wax Kit

Leave it to Ashley Graham to simplify summer grooming. The model teamed up with personal care powerhouse Flamingo on this at-home body wax set that includes 20 large wax strips, eight medium wax strips, six post-wax cloths, and an instruction manual that has tips for beginners and pros alike. $10, shopflamingo.com

Giorgio Armani Beauty Neo Nude Melting Color Balms

Use this multipurpose, your-skin-but-better balm on your cheeks and eyes to brighten, contour, and/or add a pop of color. Available in nine neutral shades, we're partial to #30 — a warm coral that is reminiscent of sun-kissed skin after a day at the beach (minus any of the UV damage, of course!). $38, giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Wander Beauty Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate

This six-in-one serum ups the ante on traditional vitamin C products by pairing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a sensitive skin-friendly form of the antioxidant) with squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and Kakadu plum extract. That active ingredient cocktail means the quick-absorbing formula stimulates collagen production, hydrates, plumps, balances oil production, and soothes the skin. $42, wanderbeauty.com

Playa Super Seed Curl Defining Crème

So rich and so creamy, this deeply nourishing product is great for those with curl patterns from 3A to 4C. Formulated with chia and flax seed to enhance the definition and hold and murumuru seed butter to nourish those curls essential fatty acids, it’s the luxe cream your locks have been thirsting for. $28, playabeauty.com

Goodhabit Catch Flights, Not Feelings Skin Shielding Serum

Just in time for travel to resume, this skin barrier-building formula guards against the irritants (think: dust, smoke, and, yes, airplane air) that cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Arnica, ginkgo biloba, evodia fruit, and hibiscus extract are just a few of the antioxidant-rich, glow-boosting botanicals in the creamy serum, which you can apply via the silicone-tip applicator for the ultimate hands-free, flight-friendly experience. $58, goodhabitskin.com

PSA Follow the Light Multi Acids & Vitamin C Peel

Uneven skin tone and texture are no match for this weekly treatment that combines the power of 10 percent alpha hydroxy acids (specifically, glycolic and lactic), 5 percent ethylated L-ascorbic acid (read: vitamin C), pomegranate enzymes, and licorice root to slough away dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion. PSA: be extra diligent with your sun protection when using chemical exfoliants, especially during sunny summer months. $39, revolve.com

OleHenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturizer

This refreshing cream moisturizes and mattifies combination and oily skin. The lightweight, oil-free formula employs salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid to loosen dead skin cells, alpine willowherb extract to condition, and a botanical blend to absorb excess oil. Pro tip: pop it in the fridge for an even cooler effect. $46, sephora.com

Whind Marrakech Light Illuminating Magic Oil

Inspired by golden hour in Morocco, this fast-absorbing formula features nine cold-pressed oils, including jojoba, olive, argan, sweet almond, apricot, meadowfoam, desert date, abyssinica seed, and prickly pear. The fatty acid- and antioxidant-rich blend leaves skin plumped, radiant, and silky smooth. $75, whind.com

Gleem RxFoliant Leave-On Mask + Soft Immersion Moisturizer

Formulated with skincare faves like aloe vera, glycolic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E, this leave-on mask will help to improve the texture, tone, and suppleness of the skin. It’s also perfect for all skin types, with slight modifications: those with sensitive skin can mix the mask with the moisturizer, while the hydrating aloe vera and jojoba oil in the mask will likely be enough for oily and acne-prone skin types. $160, gleembeauty.com

Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum

The skincare brand is considered to be the first to introduce a waterless vitamin C formula, which is believed to increase the antioxidant’s potency and eliminate potential oxidation. Made with ethylated L-ascorbic acid (one of the most stable forms of vitamin C), this serum brightens skin, fades dark spots, and forms a shield against pollutants. $88, revolve.com

Joaquina Botánica Calendula + Peptides Hydrating Essence

A multi-use product is great year-round, but it’s especially important in the summer. Calendula, rose water, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid calm inflammation; Amazonian superfruit sacha inchi offers plant peptides; and vitamin C-rich camu camu brightens. The mist can be used after cleansing, throughout the day, and/or before treatment masks to improve absorption. $54, joaquinabotanica.com

Mother Dirt Probiotic Deodorant

Just in time for the summer, a deodorant that neutralizes body odor and protects the skin’s microbiome. Created with natural starches to address odor and coconut and sunflower oils for a smooth application, Mother Dirt specializes in crafting products that are natural, effective, and microbiome-friendly for those looking to clean up their beauty routine. $16, motherdirt.com

Banish Banish Oil

Say ‘so long’ to acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) with this vitamin C oil. L-ascorbic acid is paired with a hydrating glycerin base and skin-smoothing and soothing extras like aloe, witch hazel, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and rosehip oil for improved tone and texture. $49, banish.com

All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.