We’ve made it, friends! Summer is *basically* here, and we’re celebrating the rising temps with beauty products that make us feel like glowy beach goddesses, from a flirty, Bella Hadid-approved perfume to an elegant, skin-softening body wash to, of course, plenty of featherlight sunscreens. (We couldn’t help but highlight three in the list below; ’tis the season for extra sun protection, after all!)
If you, too, are compiling your summer beauty starter pack, you’ve come to the right place. Our beauty team tests mountains of products each month in order to relay the most up-to-date recommendations (no exaggeration—you should see our perpetually crowded desks), so I tasked each discerning editor with selecting their monthly favorites. Note: It’s nearly impossible to whittle down all the buzzy formulas we’ve tried and crown a top three, so you can trust that these 15 picks absolutely deserve a spot in your routine. Ahead, shop our May standouts.
Sabrina Talbert, Assistant Beauty Editor
Osea Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
OSEA
Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
“A lot of mineral sunscreens leave a very noticeable white cast, but this one doesn’t show up at all on my skin tone. There’s barely any scent, making it a win for people like myself who have sensitive skin. I like to apply it after moisturizing in the morning and it melts into my skin with minimal effort.”
Cora Heat Relief Patches
Cora
Heat Relief Patch (6 Patches)
“These Cora Heat Relief Patches have been an absolute lifesaver! I struggle with back pain (especially during that time of the month) and this makes pain management a breeze. They stay hot for well over four to five hours, which genuinely surprised me at first, but I’ve been recommending them to everyone I know.”
Chillhouse Chill Tips in Night Slip
Chillhouse
Chill Tips – Night Slip
“I’ve always been a fan of press-on nails, and I recently tried Chillhouse tips in the shade Night Slip from their new neutral bundle. It truly is the perfect nude manicure, and the almond shape is so elegant. They lasted me a whole two weeks—no chipping or popping off while I wore them.”
Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Hair Bandage Balm
Redken
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Hair Bandage Balm
“Thankfully we’re entering warm weather season when it’s easier to just let my hair do its thing and air dry, but coming out of winter (when I tend to over-abuse my hot tool collection) my ends were looking a bit ragged. This stuff has been a godsend and works miracles with just one use. I apply to my damp ends and I’d say 75% of my split ends are mended with one application.”
Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer
Ilia
Skin Blur Serum Concealer
“I’ve been using the same Kosas concealer for four years and only switched to this formula from Ilia because I happened to run out of my last tube. Turns out, this stuff is really, really good. I still need to pinpoint my best shade for summer but the formula itself is outstanding. It’s hydrating, self-setting, non-comedogenic, long-wearing, and pretty darn crease-proof. What more can you ask for in a concealer?”
Blvd & Co Sculpting Fiber Creme
BLVD & CO
Sculpting Fiber Creme
“Father’s Day is almost upon us, so here’s a rec for any man in your life who likes a little product in his hair. My fiancé is even pickier than I am when it comes to how something feels and works in his hair, and he’s been using this specific formula from Blvd & Co nonstop. It has medium hold and medium shine, providing enough control to shape and texturize his hair without it feeling too stiff or ‘done.’ I’ll also attest that it smells amazing—think bergamot, jasmine, and oakmoss.”
Alyssa Brascia, Associate Beauty Editor
Sarah Creal Eyes Up 24H Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner
Sarah Creal
Eyes Up 24H Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner
“It’s no secret that I love a glam makeup moment, and this new shimmery eyeliner from Sarah Creal is my latest obsession. This dirty quartz hue is the perfect way to inject a bit of sultry shimmer into your look without looking glittery, and I love blending it out into a smoky shadow or wearing it in a smudged-out line. It’s chic, a little flirty, and perfect for both day and night. This is officially my hack for quick summer glam.”
Orebella Jasmine Blues Parfum
Orebella
Jasmine Blues Parfum
“I feel like Orebella perfumes always define my springs and summers, and this latest drop is definitely my scent of the season. It’s angelic, fresh, and floral without feeling too head-swimmingly feminine. The wildflower jasmine notes are complemented by earthy eucalyptus, fresh aquatic notes, blue lotus, and skin musks, making it equal parts flirty, grounded, and serene. I can’t get enough.”
Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50
Tatcha
The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50
“SPF 50 is my favorite summer buzzword, and I’ve been absolutely loving this highly protective chemical sunscreen this month. As someone who loves shielding her face from the sun but hates chalky and/or thick SPF, this featherweight formula has been a suncare godsend. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients that not only moisturize the skin, but help correct previous UV damage and reduce the appearance of dark (ahem, sun!) spots, and it doubles as a fantastic makeup primer. I’m addicted!”
Kaitlyn McLintock, Beauty Editor
Cyklar Rose Bud Sensorial Body Wash
Cyklar
Rose Bud Sensorial Body Wash
“Now that summer is almost here, I’m stepping up my bodycare routine, and I’ve been on a total Cyklar kick. I already love the brand’s vitamin C-spiked body oils, but lately, I’ve been obsessed with this body wash. It lathers up into a silky foam, doesn’t strip my skin, and smells incredible. It captures the scent of a blooming rose bud (fresh, modern, and timeless, but not powdery). It leaves my skin feeling just as soft as one too.”
Cyklar Rose Bud Nutrient-Rich Body Cream
Cyklar
Rose Bud Nutrient-Rich Body Cream
“I love the matching body cream too. It has the same intoxicating scent, an incredibly velvety texture, and an ingredient list that’s packed with actives. There’s antioxidant-rich banana flower extract, skin tone-evening niacinamide, and moisturizing prickly pear water. I usually treat my body-moisturizing routine like a chore, but this is so indulgent, I actually look forward to it.”
Wildling Aura Platinum Body Gua Sha
Wildling
Aura Platinum Body Gua Sha
“I love facial massage and gua sha, but I’d be lying if I said I always bring the same focus and attention to my body. I’ve been using this tool in an attempt to change that. Crafted out of medical-grade stainless steel, it’s a hygienic way to sculpt, smooth, tone, and energize the skin, while helping support lymphatic drainage and fascia release. I use it after applying body lotion or oil (often, I apply the aforementioned Cyklar Body Cream or Wildling’s Aura Toning Body Oil). Then, I work in long strokes, gliding it up and out. It makes my skin look smooth and sculpted, and gets rid of the heavy, fatigued feeling I often get in my feet and legs. It’s the latest, luxurious addition to my P.M. self-care routine. “
Jamie Schneider, Senior Beauty Editor
Versed Everything Balm Complexion Color
Versed
Everything Balm Complexion Color
“Catch me wearing this multitasking balm—and only this multitasking balm—for the entire summer. The blush-bronzer hybrid warms up my complexion without making me look too ruddy (a big gripe I have with the “blonzer” category), and the payoff is super sheer, so I don’t have to worry about being too heavy-handed. Canyon has been my go-to shade for my cheeks, lids, hairline, and lips, but if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a touch of Rush near my temples for a tad more warmth. Just what I need for a dreamy summer flush!”
Armra Colostrum Soda
ARMRA
Colostrum Soda Variety 12-Pack
“One thing about me: I love a fun little drink. In fact, I need no less than three liquids on my desk at all times—water, coffee, and something fruity and/or fizzy—in order to take on a busy work day. This Armra Colostrum Soda has become my go-to sip these past few weeks, and—get this—it doesn’t make me feel bloated despite the carbonation. It actually eliminates any bloat I do have thanks to the 1 gram of colostrum in each can (equivalent to a scoop of Armra’s colostrum powder), which fortifies the gut lining, boots energy, and supports healthy hair growth.
“Health and beauty benefits aside, the drink just tastes fabulous. I’m partial to the Pear Ginger flavor for a bit of zing, but you can’t go wrong with any pick from the variety pack. I’ve been keeping them in the office (again, I need a fun drink to keep me going!), but I fully plan on bringing them to many park hangs this summer.”
Oak Essentials Daily Hydrating Mineral Body Sunscreen
Oak Essentials
Daily Hydrating Mineral Body Sunscreen
“To me, the best sunscreens don’t feel like sunscreen at all; rather, they comfort the skin like a velvety moisturizer. It’s a tall order, namely for body products (I find facial sunscreens to be way more sensorially appealing) and especially if it’s a mineral formula, but I was completely blown away by this Oak Essentials confection. It quenches the skin, layers like a dream (zero pilling), and boasts a clean, refreshing scent that makes me genuinely look forward to reapplying. If you told me this was a lightweight body lotion—not a sunscreen—I’d be fully convinced.”
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
