5 Must-Have Summer Beauty Products

Summer is my favorite season of the year but as a girl with combination skin, the heat and humidity can sometimes wreak havoc on my complexion. Luckily, I've found these 5 beauty products that have quickly reached "holy grail" status in my beauty bag.

At just $12 per tube, the Sephora Collection Rouge Lip Tint is perfect for summer. It gives just the right amount of color and lasts all day. When you're going for the no make-up look this lip tint instantly adds color to your face. My favorite shade is Magenta.

I'll make space for any product that multi-tasks in my make-up bag. Any product that protects my skin from the sun and preserves my make-up is a game changer, especially in the summer months. Coola's Make-up Setting Spray is SPF 30 and provides UV and broad-spectrum protection from the sun. It helps keep my makeup matte and the green tea and aloe feel refreshing when I re-apply during the day.

I love the ritual of taking off my make-up at the end of the day. When I complained of my oily skin to a friend, who also happens to be a make-up artist, she suggested I check out Supercleanse by GlamGlow. From the first time I tried it, I was instantly hooked on the clean feeling it provided post-cleanse. It's a mud to foam cleanser and it's perfect for blemished and oily skin, which makes it the perfect cleanser for me during the summer months. It's gentle, yet effective, and works differently than other cleansers because you apply it to dry skin and then add water to lather.

A few years ago my friend Natasha worked as a PR manager for Seattle brand Julep. Every now and again she would show up to our coffee dates armed with new beauty products for me to try.  I vividly remember the day she casually handed me a dual-ended eyeliner and promised it would rock my world. "Seriously, you can use the black to line your waterline and in a pinch use the brown side to do your brows," she said. She was right. The Julep Kajal eyeliner is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I panic every time I run out. Last time I placed an order I doubled it at check-out, just in case. This is the only eyeliner I've used that doesn't irritate my waterline and the rich pigment lasts all day. Note: This eyeliner isn't available at Julep nail parlors, you have to buy it online.

I strongly believe in using a good serum at night to treat and repair skin. Lately, I've been loving the isClinical Active Serum which helps smooth fine lines and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.  I've noticed a huge difference in the tone and texture of my cheeks since using it. isClinical makes several serums but the Active is my favorite because it has a slight cooling sensation that feels clean and refreshing, especially during the summer months. Available locally at Skin Spirit, University Village.

BONUS product!
During the summer months, I also like to exfoliate a few times a week to keep my pores clean and lately, I'm loving the Umbrian Clay FaceEexfoliant by Fresh. This product helps absorb excess oil and regulate sebum production, plus it's easy to use. After cleansing you rub a pea-sized amount all over your face for about 30 seconds and then rinse. It's super easy and works great for oily skin!
Sept. 2017 update- I'm STILL using this and love what it does for my skin. I ran out of the first tube and definitely noticed a difference in my skin when I wasn't using it. For maximum benefits, use this in tandem with a clay mask once a week. This is especially great for people with acne-prone skin.