I have a love-hate relationship with the summer beauty. On the one hand, it’s time for bright colors, understated looks, and it gives me an excuse to preach about the importance of sunscreen. Seriously, lather. Then, there is the not so good part. The frizz, the pimples caused by sweat, the melting mascara. Oh, what a joy heat and humidity can be. Thankfully, beauty brands are around when it comes to the pros and cons of summer beauty.
The new launches hitting the shelves this month have ranged in range – from bold eyeshadow palettes and indulgent hair scents to acne-fighting LED devices and groundbreaking blurring powders. And let me just say: these new products are good. For example, my entire makeup routine has undergone a makeover, fine. I’m not even the only one. All of Marie Claire publishers have managed to find new summer staples in recent weeks.
Here, the entire team has taken a hit to obsess over their favorite new beauty launches, offer application tips, and help streamline your summer beauty purchases. So without further ado, keep scrolling to check out which skincare, makeup, haircare and fragrance products are taking up space on our shelves.
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Solawave: Bye Acne 3-minute spot treatment
“This portable LED device appeared on my desk last week at the same time as a nice juicy pimple popped up on my cheek. The pimple was far from ideal, but it was perfect for product testing. Red and blue light has been shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and killing acne-causing bacteria, but I’m naturally skeptical of quick fixes at home. That said, I think this mini light therapy tool has shortened the life of my pimple. He didn’t disappear overnight, but he was definitely much calmer the morning after the treatment and completely flat after a second dose. ” – Samantha Holender, beauty editor
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Susanne Kaufmann Powerful liquid mask
“I’ve been a fan of phytonutrient-rich products for a while now – they’re especially effective when my skin feels dry and dull. I was thrilled to know that Susanne Kaufmann’s latest product is chock-full of these antioxidants (and designed to protect against the first signs of aging). Now I’m in the 1920s club and I suspect the Boosting Liquid Mask will be my new secret weapon. “- Lucia Tonelli, Social Media Editor
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Diptych Paris Ilio Hair Mist
“The summer season always puts me in maximum fragrance mode. I want every inch of my body to smell amazing and having a lightly scented veil of perfume on my hair is both refreshing and necessary. The smell of prickly pear, bergamot and jasmine in this hair mist takes me straight to the heart of the Mediterranean, which is the only atmosphere I strive for. “- Deena Campbell, beauty director
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Kosas Hotliner Contouring lip pencil with hyaluronic acid
“Lip liner is a new obsession of mine and this long-wearing formula is * perfect * for my shaking hands and beginner level skills. Trust me, you don’t have to be a pro to fall in love with this product. It has the perfect amount of grip, smoothness and pigment, so coating the cupid’s bow is beyond easy. It’s also retractable, so I don’t have to worry about the mess or hassle of sharpening the tip. Even though I like all shades, the Max color is definitely my favorite for a natural everyday look. ” – SH
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Supergoo! Glowscreen Body SPF 40
“I don’t know anyone who it is not obsessed with Supergoop! sunscreen, and my favorite at the moment is primer-like Unseen Sunscreen, the perfect makeup base. So I’m excited to try Glowscreen sunscreen – it has all the SPF and primer benefits of the original, but with an extra bronze twist. All the glow, no damage! – Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
Lights Lacquer x Care Bears collection
“When it comes to hair and face, I tend to stick to neutral and natural tones. But when it comes to nails, I’m crazy with color. I was impressed with the rise of clean, quality nail care, with brands like Lights Lacquer. Just in time for summer, the vegan and cruelty free company has launched a limited edition Lights Lacquer x Care Bears collection. The iconic teddy bears are printed on a wide range of products including a collection of nail polishes in eight shades, adhesive nail art stickers, snap nails and more. The complete set comes in an adorable and giftable collector’s box that I bought for my niece’s summer birthday. But with shades like Friend Bear (creamy orange) and Wish Bear (mint aqua), I myself will indulge in the nostalgia of 80s nail art “. – Ask Klich, Editor in Chief
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Westman Atelier Powder Vital Pressed Skincare
“I’ve been using the same pharmacy powder since middle school. I will try new products, but nothing ever compares. That is until I tried this new launch from Westman Atelier. Translucent powder doesn’t dull skin (a pro in my book), but it blurs like nothing I’ve ever seen. My skin looks completely airbrushed after use. I only use it under the eyes, around the nose and on the chin, but applying it all over is a great option for oily skin types. “- SH
Anastasia New palette
“I’ll always be excited about a new Anastasia palette, but this one in particular offers everything I could ask for: a deceptively wide range of neutral colors, shimmering finishes and fun warm colors, perfect for blending and experimenting. This is the kind of palette I’d find myself using every single day, invariably, just because it holds all of my go-to’s. Surprise me rocking the Belle, Liberty and Lili shades at work all week, and the Metro and Muse shades when it’s time to have a well deserved night on the town. – Gabrielle Ulubay, e-commerce writer
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Starface Clear as Day SPF 46
“I’m a longtime fan of the brand’s pimple patches, so testing their first ever sunscreen was a breeze. And I can confirm that it did not disappoint. It has a gel texture (not creamy or white) that feels completely weightless on the skin. I’m obsessed with the velvety finish (not quite matte, but not quite dewy) and I love how well it works under makeup. It quickly became a staple for days on the beach. – SH
Veronique Gabai Aroma Body Eau de Parfum
“This newly launched trio combines extraordinary fragrances with the power of aromatherapy. The scent you choose (body, soul or earth) is designed to influence the way you feel, interact with others and face the day. My favorite is Body, which really makes me feel a happier and more sociable person. The citrus notes also act as a perfect summer scent. “- SH
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Bowe Glow Microbiome Nourishing Cream
“Rich creams are always my choice, but in the summer heat I want something that doesn’t choke my skin. This new launch from Dr. Whitney Bowe was a game changer. It feels super light, but goes tiptoe with my heavier moisturizers when it comes to hydration. My favorite part, though, is undoubtedly the subtle glow (it’s a bit like a little sparkle) that the formula leaves on my skin. “- SH
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Virtue Frizz Block Smoothing Spray
“This is the hottest commodity when I’m down the shore. It gives my ultra thin hair an extra layer of moisture protection and is my mom’s go-to for keeping frizz in check. It’s also a great primer overall, offering heat protection and a hydrating boost. “- SH
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Saint Jane luxury sun ritual
“Don’t get me wrong: I love an elaborate skincare routine. But on a busy summer day, simpler is always better. When I travel, this all-in-one is my favorite. It’s a moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup primer that halves my prep. Plus, the soothing jasmine and green tea help soothe any redness or irritation. – SH
Drunk elephant Silkamino Latte without rinsing
“I’ve been dealing with some hair health issues and this has been my secret weapon to keep my tips hydrated and strong. I will use a small amount as soon as I get out of the shower. While it’s not written on the instructions, I’ve found that adding a little to my dry hair on the second day makes it instantly look fresher. – SH
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Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
“I’ve been testing this product in secret for a few days now and I love it. I have dealt with persistent acne pigmentation from previous outbreaks and this made them look visibly less red after the first use. It includes both retinol and retinal, the latter of which provides anti-wrinkle action to smooth the skin. I use it twice a week to start and my skin looks a lot smoother overall. “- Julia Marzovilla, e-commerce writer
Beautyblender Bounce Magic Fit Creamy Bronzer & Highlighter Duo
“I’m * obsessed * with the texture of this highlighter. It is a creamy bouncy gel that gives a subtle yet sparkling shimmer. I keep it on the highest points of my face and on the bridge of my nose. So I’ll create the definition with the bronzer. Although it is a matte formula, it never feels flat or sticky on my skin. – SH
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Lancôme Absolute Serum
“If you’re a fan of Lancôme’s Absolue line (the revitalizing and illuminating rich cream is my favorite), don’t sleep on this new serum. With the brand’s exclusive blend of antioxidant-rich Grand Rose extract and the addition of exfoliating ingredients, this product makes skin softer, brighter and more supple. “- SH
NudeStix 4-Step Citrus Renew Makeup Set
“This travel friendly group has been a relish of life with all my summer travels back and forth. It is TSA compatible and contains the brand’s Citrus Clean conditioner and makeup foundation, 5% citrus and glycol tonic, C-citrus mask and daily moisturizer and my favorite: the Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel. I recently rediscovered the latter and use it twice a week – my skin loves it. “- SH