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Summer is upon us, and you know what that means—it’s time to set your OOO and pack up your vacation beauty essentials in a chic carry-on. Whether you’re jetting off to the Amalfi Coast or mastering the art of the city staycation, the key to breezing through the heat lies in a well-curated beauty bag. Vogue editors are no strangers to a passport stamp (or a packed subway platform at 80 degrees), and they’ve fine-tuned their seasonal beauty arsenal accordingly.
Vogue Summer Beauty Essentials
- The Body Glow: Tom Ford Soleil Neige Shimmering Body Oil, $110
- The Skin Tint: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch, $70
- The Waterproof Lip Liner: Make Up for Ever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Lip Liner, $26
- The Tinted SPF: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen, $42
- The Blush Stick: Rhode Pocket Blush, $24
- The SPF Drops: Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops Face Sunscreen, $160
- The Tinted Gloss Stick: Yves Saint Laurent Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick, $142
- The Summer Fragrance: Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum, $155
From featherweight skin tints that won’t melt mid tour to cream blushes that mimic the flush of a sun-drenched afternoon in Ibiza, our favorites are all about low-lift radiance. Scroll for 25-plus summer beauty and vacation essentials, handpicked by Vogue staffers.
The Glow Getter
My vacation essentials are centered around glow, obviously! To wit, I stock my carry-on with a few illuminating solutions for the body. Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc lends a lightweight, non-glittery sheen, as does Kopari’s shimmering gel, which also offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. For face, I rely on a sunscreen fluid that is easily reapplied throughout the day. And what better way to round out the good vibes of a getaway than a sparkling fragrance? Tory Burch’s Sublime utilizes a blend of rose, Osmanthus flower, and mandarin that has garnered me too many compliments to count. —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
The Sun Drops
My summer essential is always SPF—because I burn at the mere suggestion of sunlight. I love these Sun Drops because I can mix them right into my moisturizer or foundation without disrupting the rest of my routine. —Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor
The Bold Lash and Low-Maintenance Glow
“The goal is low maintenance glow during the summer: I switch from dry brushing to this lymphatic roller to help body oil absorb while still keeping everything moving; this sheet mask instantly gives me brighter and plumper skin (stick it in the fridge for the best post-beach treat ever). Plus, I ve recently converted to brown mascara and this dark chocolate shade is perfect for brunettes—the formula is basically the greatest push up bra for my lazy lashes and it lasts all day long. Perfect for sweaty summer night”—Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty and wellness editor
The No-Makeup Makeup Staples
In keeping with my noncomedogenic routine, all my complexion products must be acne-safe, especially when beating in the seasonal heat. Chanel’s gel tint provides enough coverage without clogging pores or feeling heavy. Meanwhile, VB’s concealer pen is perfect for spot coverage. My olive skin tans immediately upon stepping in the sun, so Saltyface’s tanning water keeps my face matching the rest of my body with a natural glow. Last but certainly not least, there’s always a lip liner in my bag; this one stands the test of time through sweat, humidity, and drinking plenty of water. Best of all, my summer go-tos are great for every day or tossed in my carry-on. —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
The Barely-There Tinted Lip Balm
I swear by this lip color in the summer. It’s glossy—but not sticky—and provides the perfect hint of color for a great no-makeup makeup look. —Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director
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The Beachside-Beauty-Bag Picks
One thing that’s always in my summer bag is Rhode’s pocket blush. I love putting it on when I go to the beach. It adds that sunburned touch to my cheeks, even if I’m slathering myself in sunscreen every 30 minutes! Also, my hair hack after coming out of the ocean is not to wash it and instead use the Heavenly Hair Milk from Emi Jay so that my waves dry without frizz. —Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator
The Tinted SPF
When it comes to face sunscreen, I’m a La Roche-Posay loyalist. It’s a lightweight, mineral-based formula that won’t leave your skin feeling cakey or greasy—a must for my fellow rosacea and eczema sufferers. Not only does it not leave the cursed white cast, but the tint helps even out my complexion. I’ve all but replaced foundation with my sunscreen—and I even get compliments on how good my skin looks. —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
The Flushed Cheeks and Full Brows
Summer is the season of lightweight makeup and dewy skin, and, like many others, I like to keep things minimal. My essentials are a glowy base, flushed cheeks, sculpted brows, and a glossy lip— just enough to feel pretty and put together with little effort. Saie Glowy Super Gel is the perfect product for a glistening, hydrated base; I wear it alone or use it as a primer for extra dew. My go-to brow gel is from Half Magic because it gives me long-lasting definition without leaving any residue. For blush, Saie’s liquid formula is my favorite lately. Lastly, a berry lip balm from Laniege is truly never not in my summer bag for its high shine and perfect subtle pink tint. —Sam Ravin, community manager, Vogue app
The Radiant Sunscreen
I didn’t realize how much I relied on this sunscreen until I ran out. I kept thinking I could skip restocking —until every morning felt off without it. Now that it’s back, so is the glow everyone keeps asking about. Won’t make that mistake again! —Sache Taylor, special-events director
The Fail-Proof Eye Shadow and Blush
My summer makeup routines are all about ease! Eye-shadow sticks and liquid blushes always make it into my vacation beauty bag because of their easy application. These from Ilia and Nars swipe on effortlessly and last in the heat and ocean air. Tried and tested! —Alexandra Ditch, associate producer
The Subtle Nail Color
The new limited-edition Blanc Orage shade of Les Mains Hermès nail polish is exactly my summer beauty attitude! Easy, breezy, sheer, iridescent, and just one coat enhances my natural nail color but dries fast enough for me to move on to the next thing without debossing it in accidental fingerprints. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
The Minimalist Beauty Duo
I prefer a less-is-more approach to makeup. A beauty-editor friend recently gave me this Dior lip balm, and I’m so into it. It gives a dewy, natural flush with a hint of glow that is neither shiny nor sparkly. This will be going everywhere with me this summer and beyond. I also swap tinted moisturizer for EltaMD’s tinted SPF. It’s a great daytime alternative for excellent sun protection with a little bit of coverage. —Daisy Shaw-Ellis, jewelry director
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The Multipurpose Hair Oil
Whether I’m tackling unruly flyaways in a slicked-back bun or smoothing out fluffy curls for a summer wedding, Kérastase hair oil is my best friend. There is truly no weather condition too hot, humid, or sticky for this magical concoction. —Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
The DIY Freckles
I just got back from a trip to London and the English countryside; needless to say, these two summer beauty favorites of mine were in my carry-on luggage. For starters, I’m obsessed with Freck’s pen to emphasize the freckles I already have (and create new ones!). To hold my DIY beauty marks and makeup in place and amp up my summer glow, I’ve switched out my primer for Milk’s illuminating primer. —Molly Barstein, audience-development associate manager
