Summer brings the promise of sunny beach days, pool parties and requisite Sunday barbecues. To brave this entirely new set of elements — heat, humidity, yikes! — we turned to the editors at RealBeauty.com to select their must-have products to get them bright and gorgeous all summer long.
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Bronze Goddess
Lauren Levinson, 27
Summer means…
Stashing my blow dryer for a few months and letting my naturally curly hair have the chance to shine. It’s also a time to escape the sweaty city and spend time with my friends and family on the beach, by a pool or any other outdoor destination.
Favorite summer activities…
Recently, I went kayaking on a vacation to San Diego. I loved it and hope to do more boating this summer. Also, nothing beats an afternoon spent lounging on a deck, eating tasty barbeque food!
I love a bronzed look for summer…
While I’m fair during the winter, I can also get pretty dark when I spend time in the sun. And since I’m a beach bum, layering on SPF (at least every hour!) is a must. Wearing sunscreen also helps me get a deeper, longer lasting tan, because burned skin peels off quicker.
Lauren’s Summer Beauty Must-Haves:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in Miss Coquet
Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum Spray
Fair Lady
Lizzie Dunlap, 29
Summer vacation spot…
I like to float around. This year, I’ll be spending time with family and friends everywhere from Pemaquid Point, Maine to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In general, I prefer more laidback places than scene-y spots, but I’m happiest wherever my girlfriends or family members are.
SPF is a must…
I have sensitive skin and usually search out products that are more natural and/or gentle. That said, in a pinch SPF is SPF, so I use everything from my nieces’ kiddie SPF sticks at the pool to heavy-duty physical sunblock lotions for daily wear.
I used to like to look bronzed…
But as I get closer to 30, I’m learning to love my real features more and more. Accepting — and taking care of! — my fair skin is a big part of that.
Lizzie’s Summer Beauty Must-Haves:
La Prairie Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo
Sisley Sun Glow Pressed Powder
Bright and Shining
Leah Melby, 26
Favorite summer activity…
Not that I can do much of it in Manhattan, but I love nothing more than being out on a boat. Going slow, going fast – it’s all fun to me. I’m a summer birthday baby, too, and last year my friends and I all did a big harbor cruise around NYC. It was amazing to be doing something so different in the city.
My summer beauty mantra…
Easy and breezy, with a big focus on hydration. I’m a huge water sipper throughout the day, which effects my skin and hair, and I try to be good about putting lotion on everywhere. I want to look like I’m not trying too hard and am constantly fresh off a relaxing island vacation.
Color in the summertime…
I don’t feel like summer has officially arrived until I’ve got a neon pedicure. I’m not trying to brag, but my friends and I were buying fluorescent polishes at the beauty supply store six years ago (way before it was a thing). The colors only work when I have a little bit of color on my skin, so it’s always exciting when it’s time.
Leah’s Summer Beauty Must-Haves:
Shiseido Urban Environment Protection
Burberry lipstick in ‘Nude Cashmere’
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick
What summertime beauty products are you obsessed with? Pin your favorite items from Saks.com and Tweet @Saks with a link to your board!