Is your beauty routine ready for summer?
The seasons are changing once again, which means time for a new, fresh beauty routine that’s perfectly tuned to sunny afternoons and sultry nights.
Or so I like to dream. To be honest, I don’t overhaul my beauty routine every time the seasons change. For those of us who are looking to avoid waste and save money, adjusting our makeup palette to the season may simply mean trading out a wine-colored lip stain for a bright pink lipstick. Or perhaps you just replace your heavy night cream with a light moisturizer.
In that vein, my Seven Vegan Summer Beauty Picks include several staples that I use year round (plus a few fun things for the season!). As you’ll notice, the emphasis here is on healthy, protected skin–which is always in style.
Healthy skin is always in.
1. Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. This is one of my favorite toners, and I’ve been relying on it since November. The crisp floral scent of ylang ylang and rose make me feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven (if heaven is a high-end florist’s shop). Aloe, rosehip, and grapeseed oil help soothe and protect skin. Spray on after cleansing to re-balance skin’s natural pH or mist on your face if you’re feeling fatigued (or if your AC stopped working).
2. Dessert Essence Blemish Touch Stick. Do your blemishes get worse or better over the summer? For some of us, all of that sweating under sunscreen spells trouble for our complexions–but please don’t skip SPF! With tea tree oil and witch hazel, this all-natural blemish treatment is much gentler than the chemical-laden anti-acne concoctions you’re likely to find in the drug store. And it works–The seasons are changing once again, which means time for a new, fresh beauty routine, perfectly tuned to sunny afternoons and sultry nights. Or so I like to dream. To honest, I don’t overhaul my beauty routine every time the seasons change. For those of us who are looking to avoid waste and save money, adjusting our makeup palette to the season may simply mean trading out a wine-colored lip stain for a bright pink lipstick. Or perhaps you replace your heavy night cream with a light moisturizer. In that vein, my Seven Summer Beauty Picks include several staples that I use year round (plus a few fun things for the season!). As you’ll notice, the emphasis here is on healthy, protected skin–which is always in style. 1. Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. This is one of my favorite toners, and I’ve been relying on it since November. The crisp floral scent of ylang ylang and rose make me feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven (if heaven is a florist’s shop). Aloe, rosehip, and grapeseed oil help soothe and protect skin. Spray on after cleansing to re-balance skin’s natural pH or mist on your face if you’re feeling fatigued (or if your AC won’t work). 2. Dessert Essence Blemish Touch Stick. Do you blemishes get worse or better over the summer? For some of us, all of that sweating under sunscreen spells trouble for our complexions–but please don’t skip SPF! With tea tree oil and witch hazel, this all-natural blemish treatment is much gentler than the chemical-laden anti-acne concoctions you’re likely to find in the drug store. And it works–tea tree oil can be just as effective as that nasty b”>tea tree oil can be just as effective as that nasty benzoyl peroxide. I actually don’t roll the stick directly on my face, however. This seems like a good way to spread bacteria. Rather, I dab a little on a clean finger then pat on the affected area.
3. B Natural Organics Gentle Face Lotion. I was pleasantly surprised by this (rose) water-based lotion. As the days get warmer, I find myself moving away from drenching my face in straight up oils. This breathable, calming lotion doesn’t smoother my face. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, it doesn’t skimp on nourishment, either. If I’m feeling a little drier than usual, I’ll mix a few drops of argan oil.
B Natural Organics Gentle Face Lotion
4. 100% Pure Super Fruits Healthy Foundation. I’ve found it. The best vegan, natural, full-coverage foundation. This SPF20 wonder is packed with skin-loving nutrients from peach, apricot, cocoa bean, goji berry, white tea, elderberry, coffee cherry, grapefruit, and honeysuckle. Doesn’t that sound positively edible? What I really love, however, is that it’s high-coverage without looking like a pancake. It’s not greasy. Yet, it’s not drying or annoyingly flaky. Cue the choir of angels.
5. Pacifica California Star Jasmine Perfume. This phthalate- and paraben-free vegan perfume is ideal for those wanting to transition from a sweet, charming spring floral to something more summery–and quite sexy. A bit heady at first, California Star Jasmine softens to magnetic bouquet that might just linger on your boyfriend’s collar.
6. Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick in Fuchsia Frolic. I was first introduced to Argan Love Your Lips when I jumped on board the orange lip train this spring. Undeniably youthful, fuchsia and orange have a magic way of brightening the entire face. A cross between a lipstick and a gloss, Argan Love Your Lips is build-able–meaning you can start with a light tint if you’re feeling tentative (or skeptical like I was!) and work your way up to a hot pink pout.
Spiff up your makeup routine for summer with a fun lip color or a sexy eyeshadow palette.
7. Lily Lolo Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow Quad in Molten Bronze. Don’t forget to smolder this summer! These all-natural shadows are build-able and long-wearing–and the packaging is très luxe. I like to line my eyes with the shimmering black, press the dark brown on my lids, and highlight my brow bone with the light pink. The copper shade works well when blended on the inner corner of the eyelid.
Tell us about your favorite beauty goodies for summer!
Also in Summer Beauty: Vegan Makeup Primer and Tips for Flawless Skin
Simple Food Swaps for a Gentle Summer Detox
Photos: Mary Hood
