Spend two seconds outdoors and one thing is clear- summer is here. It’s time to swap out and switch up our beauty stash for the essentials that can handle the sizzlin’ Middle Eastern heat. Think lightweight, hydrating products that protect our skin from the sun while keepin’ our glow game melt-free.
Here are the products you need for the swelter season.
Hampton Sun Age Defying SPF50 Mineral Crème For Face
Price: Dhs245, beautysolutions-me.com.
Why it’s 🔥: Our to-do list this summer includes a few new stamps in our passport, a new beau (or two), and a whole lotta memories with the girls. One thing that’s not on our agenda? Sun damage. That’s why we’re applying this mineral air-whipped sunblock every single day to our face and body. We love that its formula includes anti-aging pomegranate extract and nourishing argan oil. The best part? It doesn’t leave a white residue.
Benefit Cosmetics Cookie Highlighter Powder
Price: Dhs180, benefitcosmetics.com.
Why it’s 🔥: As far as highlighters go, Benefit’s Cookie forever remains one of our faves. The superfine pressed powder is the ideal summer highlighter, giving our cheekbones an ethereal glow thanks to its soft gold shimmer. Just a few sweeps on our face and body and we’ve entered goddess territory.
Kara Kare Face Cleanser
Price: Dhs143, karakarebeauty.com.
Why it’s 🔥: For girlies whose skin gets a lil’ extra sensitive from the summer sun, this cleanser *needs* to be in your skincare routine. It helps to strengthen irritated skin while giving it a major dose of hydration. We love how gentle it is on our stressed-out skin and the fact that it’s cruelty-free.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Price: Dhs115, watsons.ae.
Why it’s 🔥: We take our nighttime routine ~very~ seriously. One can’t-miss step is spritzin’ our pillow with this anxiety-reducing lavender and chamomile blend. It helps us fall asleep quicker, feel cooler, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Parfums de Marly Delina Limited Edition Eau De Parfum
Price: Dhs1,371.43, galerieslafayette.ae.
Why it’s 🔥: We’re suckers for anything limited edition, and that’s why we had to get our hands on the reinterpretation of Delina. This floral-oriental contains notes of lychee, rhubarb, vanilla, peony, and burnt oud. It’s the perfect floral to balance out the muggy nights. It doesn’t hurt that the bottle’s rose motif also looks gorgeous on our vanity.
Rodial Blush Drops in Apricot Sorbet
Price: Dhs229, beautysolutions-me.com.
Why it’s 🔥: For a golden, peachy glow to enhance the complexion, look no further than Rodial’s latest shade in their Blush Drops collection. The lightweight formula contains vitamin E to smooth and nourish skin. It’s silky-like texture makes this liquid blush easy to use. Apply to cheeks, lips, eyelids, and the bridge of nose for a summery honey-apricot radiance.
pHformula Mela Serum
Price: Dhs680, Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery.
Why it’s 🔥: We don’t like dark spots on our bananas, and we certainly aren’t fans of them on our complexions. For the former, we recommend blending your ageing fruit into a smoothie. For the latter, pHformula’s concentrated corrective serum will do the trick. Use both morning and night to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, and prevent further sun damage.
Dries Van Noten Mystic Moss
Price: Dhs1,075, Bloomingdale’s.
Why it’s 🔥: Inspired by ‘impossible combinations,’ Mystic Moss defies expectations. It blends earthy patchouli, mineral oak moss, and vibrant mandarin into a rustic fragrance experience. Crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients, the scent is not just luxurious but socially responsible.
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly
Price: Dhs41, beautysolutions-me.com.
Why it’s 🔥: For waves, curls, and coils that need definition, this de-frizzing, silicone-free jelly is our go-to for a crunch-free scrunch. Its lightweight formula gives a medium hold and is safe for coloured and chemically-treated hair. Humidity doesn’t stand a chance.
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush
Price: Dhs105, hudabeauty.com.
Why it’s 🔥: The beauty queen of Dubai has bestowed another gem upon us. Enter the Blush Filter- a lightweight, buildable liquid blush with micro-pearls for a soft-focus, pigmented glow that’s perfect for summer. The wand has a peanut-shaped doe foot for easy application and each blush is scented like its name. Cotton Candy, we’re looking at you.
Thameen London Bold as Love
Price: Dhs1,060, Bloomingdale’s.
Why it’s 🔥: We found that scent that’ll have your friends asking, “what are you wearing?”. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Bold as Love is like a playlist of your favourite summer songs in a bottle. Its notes of ginger, smoky leather, and patchouli are bursting with spicy beats.
BTW, you *need* these Oud fragrances for summer.