Fashion and Beauty Products for the July Heat

We’ve officially reached the dog days of summer: The heat is unrelenting, and we all find ourselves in need of a low-effort refresh. Thus, it makes sense that team Byrdie has been gravitating towards lightweight hydrators, breezy sundresses, and an array of delectable warm-weather scents. The season’s most exciting launches are making humid days a bit more bearable—and a lot more chic. Read on for our July editors’ picks, full of simple upgrades that bring vacation energy to every situation.

Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Courtesy of Olivia Hancock / Byrdie

Maui Moisture Scalp Care Soothe & Strengthen Serum

Maui Moisture

Whenever I have braids, I double down on scalp care. To reduce dryness and itchiness, I introduced Maui Moisture’s Soothe & Strengthen Serum into my routine last month. The pointed nozzle makes it easy to apply, and as soon as it touches my scalp, I feel a cooling sensation of relief. The serum, infused with aloe vera, coconut water, and rosemary oil, helps hydrate, boost shine, and strengthen my hair.

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Vitalizing Body Oil

Vaseline

I’ve had this body gel oil in my collection for some time, and I finally put it to the test this month. Now, I’m obsessed with it. Made with pure cocoa butter and micro-droplets of Vaseline, this formula leaves my dry skin wrapped in moisture, with a visible glow. Although this is a body oil, the finish is neither sticky, wet, nor greasy, making it perfect for summer.

Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist

Topicals

I’ve been dealing with pimples and irritation more than usual this summer. Among the products in my breakout-banishing toolkit is Topicals’ Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist. The facial spray is packed with salicylic, hypochlorous, and glycolic acids to banish acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, and refresh dull skin. Throughout the day, I’ll mist this all over my face as needed, and it definitely helps to calm my skin.

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara in Espresso

Hourglass

I’m usually a basic black mascara girl, but Hourglass just launched an espresso version of its Unlocked tubing mascara, and it piqued my interest. The color is rich and pigmented, leaving me with bold brown lashes. Additionally, the formula delivers a high-impact transformation, enhancing length and adding lift. It’s a total game-changer for my lashes.

Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Courtesy of Bella Cacciatore / Byrdie

Fara Homidi Essential Bronzer Refillable Compact

Fara Homidi

I am not really a bronzer girl, but I can never resist the siren’s call of a new Fara Homidi launch—there’s nothing chicer than her weighty, refillable compacts. As soon as I swept this bronzer over my cheeks and nose, I was obsessed. The putty-like formula has some bounce but applies like a silky powder, and it has the prettiest radiant—not glittery—finish. I wear the shade Lumen, which adds a natural-looking warmth to my fair skin with no weird orange tones. I’m officially a bronzer convert.

By Rosie Jane Beach Baby Body + Hair Perfume Mist

By Rosie Jane

I consider myself a beach baby through and through, so obviously I was drawn to this fragrance mist. As soon as I sprayed it, I couldn’t stop: It just keeps me coming back for more. It really smells like a day at the beach—sunshine, sunscreen, beach towels straight from the laundry, jasmine in the distance. I hate when beach scents are pure coconut, and while the note is definitely a key player in this one, it’s so subtle and layered. I love wearing it now on sunny days, but it will also be perfect to transport me to the beach in colder weather to come.

Star Donaldson, social media director

Courtesy of Star Donaldson / Byrdie

Prada Beauty Reset Rebalancing Refillable Setting Powder

Prada Beauty

Prada’s Reset Rebalancing pressed powder really blew me away. It was at my vanity for a few months, untouched until recently, when this heat wave prompted me to give it a try. I applied it to my T-zone and realized that throughout the day, I was not only less shiny in the area, but my makeup looked like I had freshly applied it. I’ve trusted this powder in my sweatiest situations, from being on camera to riding the subway, and it stands up. It’s my new go-to, and I only wish I had tried it sooner.

Saltair Pink Beach Serum Body Wash

Saltair

I’m usually partial to woody and earthy scents, but this Pink Beach body wash from Saltair has converted me. I’ve been a fan of Saltair’s serum body wash for a while because the formulas are so hydrating and lather up beautifully for that squeaky clean feeling (not to mention the price point). This one smells like a day at the beach with its notes of coconut, almond blossom, and vanilla. It’s bright and fresh but still has a sun-kissed vibe. I love that my bathroom is enveloped in this scent after the shower, and my skin is silky, hydrated, and ready for body lotion.

Kat the Label Hanna Slip

Kat the Label

Chic sleepwear is my current fixation, and this Hannah Ivory Slip from Kat The Label is my new fave. Not only is it stunning, it’s also surprisingly comfortable. The fabric is light and airy, which is perfect for balmy summer nights. And the built-in bra is the unexpected element I didn’t know I needed; everything stays in place and makes me feel secure throughout the night.

Ali Webb, associate style editor

Courtesy of Ali Webb / Byrdie

Kayali Marrakesh in a Bottle

Kayali

Summer leaves me craving olfactory escapism wherever I can find it, and Kayali’s Vacay in a Bottle collection is exactly what I needed this season. Marrakesh in a Bottle offers a woody, spicy twist on bright orange blossoms, making for a seasonally appropriate scent that suits my taste. It features some of my favorite notes, including bergamot, pink pepper, and cedarwood. Yet, the overall fragrance is lighter than many I have—making it ideal for spritzing on in a heatwave.

Roller Rabbit Monkey Polo Pajamas

Roller Rabbit

While I’ve often been known to sleep in spandex shorts and a comfy tank, I’ve been embracing the elevated leisure energy of proper pajamas lately. These monkey pajamas from Roller Rabbit are different from what I usually gravitate towards, but I fell in love with their soft pima cotton and easygoing tailored silhouette. The pattern is whimsical yet would fit right into season three of The White Lotus, which is exactly the kind of playful resort luxe I’ve been aspiring towards this summer. I love the emerald green version I have, but they also come in five other colors.

Milk Makeup Balmade Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

Milk Makeup

I find electrolyte drinks to be crucial for staying in balance after sweltering days and/or high-energy nights out, so I was curious when I learned that Milk had launched a product offering the same enhanced hydration for your lips. Playfully named “Balmade,” this formula uses zinc, copper, and magnesium to bring moisture back to dry lips, plus banana juice to retain hydration and coconut and aloe extracts to smooth and condition. I’ve been loving Werk Out, a dusty rose tint with a melon punch flavor—and there are six other options full of summer bliss you’ll want to swipe on all day long.

Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Courtesy of Jasmine Phillips / Byrdie

Eos Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion in Crème de Pistachio

Eos

If Eos Vanilla Cashmere has one fan, it’s me. When the brand released its new pistachio scent, a.k.a. my new favorite ice cream flavor, I knew I had to give it a spin. Besides the fact that it smells like a bakery, the formula is packed with nourishing butter and oils to hydrate my skin all day long.

Phlur Peach Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Phlur

Fragrance mists are having a moment right now, and I’m on board. This was my first time trying Phlur—and wow, what a strong start. The peach scent is incredibly juicy with a subtle creaminess, making it perfect for summer. I’ve been gravitating towards lighter fragrances for the season, and this one is definitely at the top of my go-to list.

Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturizer

Tatcha

It’s a zillion degrees in NYC right now, and while I understand the importance of moisturizer, I need something that’s super light and gets the job done with as little product as possible. Enter: Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturizer. It blends into my skin beautifully and leaves me with a glow so dewy that I don’t even need any foundation on top. I have combo skin that leans a bit oilier in the summer, and this product helps control the shine while still keeping me hydrated.

Reformation Sara Linen Dress

Reformation

There’s truly no better duo than me and linen in the summertime, and Reformation’s collab with Sara Walker came at the perfect time for warm-weather weekend functions. This dress comes in three fun colors, and the Stampede print is definitely my vibe. The lightweight fabric helps me look chic while staying cool during the ongoing NYC heat waves.

Alyssa Kaplan, commerce editor

Courtesy of Alyssa Kaplan / Byrdie

Bur Bur The Mermaid Brush

Bur Bur

I’m not super picky when it comes to hairbrushes, but the moment I got my hands on this one from Bur Bur, I knew it was special. It’s made with boar and nylon bristles to gently detangle hair while distributing natural oils from root to tip. Brushing my hair with it feels like I’m getting the most satisfying scalp exfoliating treatment, and my strands always end up looking ultra-smooth. 

Sweed Glass Skin Foundation

Sweed

If you’re looking for a foundation that mimics the finish of real, healthy skin, I recommend this one from Sweed. The lightweight formula blends out with minimal effort, creating a natural-looking veil of coverage that gives your complexion an even finish with a hint of radiance. I also appreciate that it wears well; it doesn’t get too shiny throughout the day on my oily/combination skin.

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint in Dark Cherry

Benefit Cosmetics

Lip stains have become my favorite low-maintenance way to wear lip colors, and I can’t stop reaching for this new dark cherry shade of Benefit’s iconic Benetint. The buildable, watery formula feels comfortable and non-drying on the lips, and the gorgeous cherry hue is a nice contrast against my fair complexion. Although I’ve been wearing it all summer, I’m so excited to sport this rich color during the fall season.  

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil

Charlotte Tilbury

With so many lip glosses and oils launching all the time, it’s pretty rare that I keep reaching for one again and again. But after getting my hands on this one from Charlotte Tilbury, I’ve yet to put it down. The formula feels like the perfect marriage between a gloss and an oil—it’s super smooth, moisturizing, and ultra-shiny. It layers beautifully on top of lip stains and liners, and I love the fun scents, like watermelon and strawberry vanilla.