The skincare
According to Dr. Michelle Henry, dermatologist and founder of the Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, opting for ‘lighter, oil-free and non-comedogenic products’ is the key to avoiding summer skincare concerns like clogged pores, excessive oil production and increased breakouts. But your routine — which at a minimum should consist of a gentle resurfacing cleanser, skin-cushioning lotion or gel cream and protective SPF — isn’t complete without an antioxidant-rich serum in the mix. Crystal Greene, facialist and founder of the eponymous New York aesthetics salon, explains, ‘with increased exposure to harmful UV rays, antioxidant serums are essential. Ingredients like vitamin A, C and E help to reduce, repair and prevent cell damage.’
The makeup
Whether you’re at home or away, international makeup artist Georgina Graham advises taking a less-is-more approach to your summer beauty bag, recommending multipurpose products with ‘varied uses like a two-in-one cheek and lip color, or a dual-ended eye pencil with different shades or textures on either end.’ She advises ‘easy-to-use balms and creams that you can apply and blend out with your fingers.’ For a new summer lip staple, try a tinted gloss that adds a light wash of color to the lips but still feels fresh and modern.
The scents
Choosing a new fragrance for the summer can ease you into feeling more in tune with the invigorating energy of the season. Yasmin Sewell, founder of wellness fragrance brand Vyrao, says that, ‘scent has the power to shift your mood and emotions — it can transport you like time travel.’ For her, Vyrao Free 00’s blend of ‘soothing jasmine vanilla, effervescent Sicilian lemon and bright mandarin sounds like the perfect summer combination.’ As for the most obvious place to begin your olfactory search, Sewell advises opting for the naturally light and summery notes found in ‘fresh and floral’ scent families. These include zingy citruses, uplifting herbaceous aromas, freeing briny sea notes, soft crushed florals and outdoorsy greens.
The haircare
Fun in the sun, sea or pool can lead to ‘faded color, dry, brittle strands prone to breakage or split ends, and unwanted fluff and frizz’, says veteran hairstylist and brand founder Sam McKnight. His advice begins with wash day: ‘Cleanse your hair more regularly using products that wash away dirt and buildup but are still gentle on your scalp’s delicate microbiome. Add a moisturizing treatment as well as a reparative treatment to your routine’ — the former will revive tired strands while the latter will prevent damage and reduce breakage. When it comes to styling, he recommends replacing heavy-duty products with ‘lightweight balms, leave-in conditioners and texturizing sprays,’ which prep the hair perfectly for heatless styling without weighing it down.