From smudge-proof staples to sun-proof glow boosters, these 17 beauty must-haves are made for peak pretty—and obviously hot girl summer.
Related: A Gen Z’s Guide To A Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup Routine
Hot girl summer is a state of mind. Taking a cue from the wise words of Megan Thee Stallion, it’s about main character-ing your way through every moment. Whether you’re rebranding or simply living life before the season ends, what matters most is feeling good (and looking even better) while doing it. The funny thing is, though, with the way this heat is heating, hot girl summer feels real, maybe a little too real.
Between beach trips and weekends spent hopping from café to café, you’ll need more than good energy to survive the chaos of sweat, smudges, and sun. So, in the spirit of looking hotter than the weather without trying too hard, we curated a lineup of beauty must-haves designed to go head-to-head with this 38°C heat from AM to PM. We’re talking tried-and-tested essentials like life-proof setting sprays, lightweight concealers, and long-wearing tinted sunscreens. Extra points if it comes with SPF, of course.
If your summer mood board says glow and go, here’s what’s should be going in your makeup bag this summer.
Barbie x Lovely Cosmetics Soft Glow Cream Blush
The first-ever collaboration between Mattel and a local beauty brand is here—and it’s everything you need for a fresh glow. The Barbie x Lovely Causemetics cream blush is super pigmented and blendable, giving you a natural flush of color that lasts all day. What’s even better? You can use it on your lips and eyelids too, making it perfect for beach day touch-ups.
With six shades to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite summer hue in this collection. Whether you’re going for a subtle glow or a bold pop of color, this versatile blush has you covered.
Barenbliss Roll To Volume Mascara
This mascara doesn’t only lift your lashes; it lifts your whole mood. The Barenbliss Roll To Volume Mascara delivers instant drama with its chunky brush, catching every lash from root to tip for that wide-eyed, full-volume effect. Even better, it holds up through sweat, swims, and surprise tears (we’ve tested it so you don’t have to). Basically, it’s the one tube you’ll want in your beach bag and your everyday kikay kit.
BLK Cosmetics Face Stacks
Is there anything more satisfying than your whole face in one stack? The new BLK Cosmetics Face Stacks are that girl—perfect for beach touch-ups or full-glam moments without bringing your entire makeup bag.
With blush, bronzer, and highlighter (or even eye shades) all in one, it’s a summer must-have for anyone constantly on the move. The formula blends like a dream, and with ten new shades, you’ve basically got a whole mood board in the palm of your hand.
Dazzle Me Get a Grip! Setting Spray
Who hasn’t tried this setting spray by now? If you want your makeup to stay in place through rain, humidity, or an impromptu sweat sesh, the Dazzle Me Get a Grip! Setting Spray is a must-try, must-have, or even must-repurchase.
Since it dropped, it’s still one of those TikTok-favorite products that are actually worth the hype. It now comes in three formulas—Dewy Fix, Matte Fix, and the latest Acne Soothing—so there’s a perfect match for every skin type. Oh, and it’s so affordable, you can grab it without throwing your summer plans off-budget.
DAZZLE ME X SmileyWorld Over Glow pH Lip Oil SPF25 PA++
No Hot Girl Summer is complete without a go-to gloss, and this one does the most. With berry, brown, and ruby shades to choose from, the DAZZLE ME X SmileyWorld Over Glow pH Lip Oil SPF25 PA++ lets you pick your perfect match for that effortless pout.
The SmileyWorld collaboration brings a playful twist with its poppy packaging. The cap even doubles as a chain accessory for all the anik-anik girlies.
FRESH Hairlab Hya + Keratin Super Volume Texturizing Hair Sea Salt Spray
Forget the styling tools—it’s already way too hot for that. The FRESH Hairlab Sea Salt Spray is all you need for those tousled, volume-packed waves that look like you spent all morning at the shore. It gives your hair that soft, textured lift while keeping it healthy with keratin and hyaluronic acid. Consider this beach bag essential your shortcut to looking sun-kissed (without the actual sun).
GRWM Cosmetics Life – Proof Ultra Matte Fixing Spray
If you’ve ever relied on the OG GRWM Cosmetics Life-Proof Fixing Spray, you know it’s a must-have for makeup that won’t budge. But with summer in full swing, their new Ultra Matte Fixing Spray takes things to the next level.
With ingredients that help hydrate your skin, it’s basically skincare and setting spray in one. At this point, we can only wish it came in a bigger bottle—because honestly, we could go through this like water during the hotter months.
Happy Skin Smart Shade Match Foundation SPF 50 PA+++
The Happy Skin Smart Shade Match Foundation is the real deal. Initially, it might seem a little surprising—coming out of the tube as a white cream—but the Tone-Adaptive Technology activates, and it transforms into a perfect match for your skin.
The medium coverage feels lightweight, and the non-comedogenic formula makes it ideal for all skin types, especially during the summer when you want a base that won’t weigh you down.
ISSY Solar Balm Glow SPF 30 PA+++
Your lips deserve SPF too, and the ISSY Solar Balm Glow SPF 30 PA+++ gets it right. This sleek balm protects with SPF 30 while adding a sheer, natural tint that hugs your lips without slipping around. Think of it as your no-fuss, sun-proof lip essential—subtle, soft matte, and ready for reapplication.
Lucky Beauty Fairytale Eye & Face Wardrobe Palette
All the shades you need for a dreamy look? Say less. The Lucky Beauty Fairytale Eye and Face Wardrobe Palette has everything—eyeshadows, blush, bronzer, and contour—all in one compact that’s perfect for your beach bag or carry-on. With a beautiful blend of soft neutrals and playful pops of color (hi, baby blues and cotton candy pinks), it’s made to match whatever summer story you’re living—whether that’s island girl soft glam or sunset-colored chaos. Basically, it’s your whole aesthetic in one palette.
Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist
Too much sun? Your next beauty buy should be the Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist—a cool-down in a bottle. Made with 92% aloe vera, it calms and hydrates your skin instantly, whether you’re fresh off a hike or just trying to survive a sticky commute. It’s lightweight, gentle, and free from the irritating stuff, so it works even for sensitive skin. A few spritzes and you’ll feel like you hit reset.
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
If you need a lip product that can handle your summer schedule, look no further than the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint. The upgraded formula now goes on smoother and hydrates better, but what really sets it apart is its staying power—it doesn’t budge, even through sweat, heat, or hours of wear. After all, nothing says hot girl summer like a pout that’s juicy, no matter how many mimosas or beach selfies you take.
With 23 shades to choose from (including new ones that complement warmer undertones), it’s the perfect way to get that long-lasting color without worrying about touch-ups. Basically, it’s the one thing you can rely on in a sea of melting makeup.
SOLA Glow Guard Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+/PA++++
Sunscreen but make it aesthetic. The SOLA Glow Guard Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+/PA++++ is non-greasy, lightweight, and blurs your pores like a primer—basically, it’s sunscreen you’ll want to reapply. It works perfectly with makeup or on its own for that smooth, soft-focus finish. Whether you’re headed to the beach or hopping between errands, this is the SPF stick that makes sense in your hot girl routine.
Strokes Brow Fixer in Clear
If you love a good brow day, this clear gel will make sure it stays that way. The Strokes Brow Fixer in Clear delivers a strong hold without the crunch, locking each hair into place for that lifted, laminated look. It plays well with pencils or can fly solo for a more natural finish. Either way, once it’s on, your brows are set—literally and figuratively.
Teviant Starbalm Body Balm
If there’s one product that delivers pretty girl energy in a single swipe, it’s the Teviant Starbalm Body Balm. This glowy balm is made for sunlit skin and golden hour selfies, giving your body that radiant sheen that catches the light in all the right ways.
The best part? It smells so good and comes with a puff applicator for mess-free touch-ups. With three flattering shades—Champagne, Cristal, and Rose—it’s basically body highlighter for the spotlight you already live in.
Vice Cosmetics Endlezz Hyper Wear Powder Foundation
This is the foundation you grab when you’ve got zero time and a full day ahead. The Endlezz Hyper Wear Powder Foundation does exactly what the name says—wears endlessly. It’s a game-changer for oily or sweaty skin, giving enough coverage to even things out without ever feeling cakey. Add in its smooth finish and long wear, and you’ve got a touch-up-free base that can survive anything from commutes to concerts.
Vice Cosmetics One & Done Brontour Stick
Contour sticks may come and go, but this one sticks—literally. A reimagining of the cult-favorite Multi Ganda Sticks, Vice’s One & Done Brontour Stick makes adding warmth and definition to your face feel effortless.
The formula’s creamy enough to blend with your fingers but strong enough to survive a full day out in the heat. Whether you’re sculpting for photos or faking that sun-kissed glow, this multitasker does the most with the least.
Continue Reading: Sunscreen 101: A Quick Guide To Avoiding Sunburns And Getting The Most Out Of Your Sun Protection
