22 Summer Beauty Habits to Make You Glow
Summer is the season of sunshine, sunkissed skin, and spontaneous adventures—but it can also bring extra challenges for your beauty routine. From humidity and UV exposure to sweat and saltwater, your skin and hair need a little extra love to stay fresh and radiant. That’s where a few intentional habits can make all the difference.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading to weekend festivals, or just soaking up that feel-good summer energy, these beauty habits will help you look and feel your best all season long. From skincare essentials to healthy hair tips and wellness rituals, here are essential summer beauty habits to keep you glowing from head to toe.
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The Ultimate Summer Beauty Habits
1. Daily SPF Application
Sunscreen is the most important step in your summer skincare routine. Even on cloudy days or when you’re mostly indoors, harmful UV rays can still reach your skin. Make SPF 30 or higher a daily essential for both your face and body to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and long-term damage. Look for formulas that are non-comedogenic and lightweight to avoid clogging pores in the summer heat.
- For Face: Naked Sundays Cabana Clear Water Gel Serum SPF 50
- For Over Makeup: Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist
- For Body: BLUE LIZARD Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (good for swimming)
2. Lightweight Makeup
In the warmer months, heavy foundations can feel suffocating and melt off quickly. Switch to a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream that evens out your skin tone while letting your skin breathe. Many of these options also include SPF for added protection, making them a great multi-tasker for easy, everyday summer glam.
My recommendation is the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen, however they only have 3 shades.
3. Thoroughly Cleanse Your Face at Night
Between sweat, sunscreen, and outdoor activities, your skin can collect a lot of buildup during the day. Make it a habit to thoroughly cleanse your face each night to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Double cleansing—starting with an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming wash—can be especially effective for removing sunscreen and impurities.
I’ve been using this Electric Facial Cleansing Brush for over a year to make sure I get everything off, I only have to charge it every 3 months.
4. Lip Protection
Your lips are often overlooked when it comes to sun protection, but they can easily become dry, chapped, or even sunburned. A nourishing lip balm with SPF will shield this delicate area from UV rays and keep your lips soft and hydrated. Reapply throughout the day, especially after eating or swimming.
I like the Revlon Kiss Tinted Lip Balm with SPF 20, it’s very affordable and comes in multiple colors as well as clear.
5. Ice Rolling in the Morning
Kickstart your morning with a refreshing ice roller or chilled jade roller. This cooling ritual helps reduce puffiness, wake up tired skin, and even soothe inflammation from the sun. Keep your roller in the fridge and use it in gentle upward motions for a dewy, refreshed look.
6. Cooling Face Mist
On hot summer days, a cooling face mist can be your secret weapon. Not only does it instantly refresh your skin, but it also provides a boost of hydration without disturbing your makeup. Look for mists with calming ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or cucumber extract to soothe sun-exposed skin, or try a Hypochlorous Acid Spray to kill bacteria that causes breakouts.
I use the Honeydew Hypochlorous Acid Spray daily. When I have a cold and my skin hurts from blowing my nose, Evian Facial Spray feels so soothing. You can also try an electric Nano Facial Mister and take it with you to cool down during summer activities.
7. Hydrate Your Skin
We all want soft glowing skin in summer when we’ve got more skin showing. Use hydrating skincare products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and prevent dryness or irritation from sun and sweat.
I’ve been loving the medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum.
8. Exfoliate Weekly
A weekly exfoliation session helps slough off dead skin cells, keeping your complexion smooth and radiant. In the summer, this step is key for maintaining an even skin tone and ensuring your products absorb effectively. Choose a gentle physical scrub or a mild chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid to avoid over-stripping your skin.
9. Wear a Hat to Protect Your Face
A hat isn’t just a stylish summer accessory—it’s also a smart beauty move. Wearing a hat offers physical protection from the sun, shading your face, scalp, and even your neck from direct UV exposure. This simple habit can help prevent sun spots, premature aging, and heat-related skin flare-ups.
10. Go for a Safe Sun-Kissed Glow
Skip the tanning beds and harsh sun rays and achieve a summer glow the safe way with gradual self-tanners or bronzing drops. These products build color over time and give you that golden, just-back-from-the-beach look without the damage. For best results, exfoliate before application and moisturize dry areas like knees and elbows.
The Hot Girl Summer Activation Audio Series will make you feel absolutely amazing and radiate confidence, along with programming your mind for physical transformation.
11. Frizz-Fighting Treatments
Humidity can wreak havoc on your hair in the summer, leading to frizz and flyaways. Incorporate frizz-control products like leave-in conditioners, smoothing serums, or hair oils to keep strands sleek and manageable. Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin to nourish your hair without weighing it down.
12. Heatless Hairstyles
Give your hair a break from hot tools by embracing heatless hairstyles. Think loose braids, buns, twists, and beachy waves created with overnight styling methods. These options not only reduce heat damage but also work great with your natural texture—perfect for a relaxed, effortless summer vibe.
I love robe-tie curls to wake up with perfect curls, and have recently discovered flat hair clips which allow you to lean your head back on your chair or bed without pain.
13. Bright Nail Colors
Summer is the perfect time to play with vibrant nail colors. Shades like coral, turquoise, neon pink, and lemon yellow pop against sun-kissed skin and add a fun, playful touch to your overall look. I highly recommend trying holographic nail polish which looks amazing in the sun! Whether you go DIY or book a mani-pedi, a bold nail color instantly boosts your mood.
To make your mani last, a good base coat is key. I swear by the Orly Bonder Base Coat to give me 5-7 days of wear.
14. Weekly Face Masks
Treat your skin to a little extra love each week with a face mask tailored to your summer skincare needs. Use a clarifying clay mask to detoxify pores, or opt for a hydrating sheet mask after sun exposure. Making this a weekly habit can help keep your skin balanced, refreshed, and glowing.
15. Healthy Sweat Routine
Sweating is natural and even healthy, but it can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts if not managed properly. After workouts or hot days, cleanse your skin as soon as possible to remove sweat, bacteria, and buildup. Keep the Honeydew Hypochlorous Acid Spray, facial wipes,, or a gentle cleanser on hand for quick refreshes when needed.
16. Minimal Fragrance
Heavy perfumes can feel overpowering in the summer heat. Instead, choose light, refreshing body mists or hair perfumes with citrus, floral, or aquatic notes. These are less likely to irritate your skin and will help you feel fresh without overwhelming your senses (or anyone else’s).
17. Shave or Exfoliate Smart
For silky smooth legs and fewer ingrown hairs, exfoliate before shaving. This removes dead skin and lifts hairs for a closer shave. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and always follow up with a hydrating lotion or body oil to soothe and nourish your skin post-shave.
18. Foot Care Focus
With sandals and bare feet being the norm, summer is the time to give your feet some extra TLC. Regularly exfoliate with a glass foot file (they’re life changing!) and moisturize with a thick, nourishing foot cream. Don’t forget to apply SPF if your feet will be exposed to the sun!
19. Eat Beauty-Boosting Foods
Your summer glow starts on your plate. Load up on antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like berries, watermelon, and leafy greens, and don’t forget healthy fats like avocados and omega-3s from salmon or chia seeds. These nutrients help nourish your skin, fight inflammation, and give you that lit-from-within look.
20. DIY Hair Masks
Sun, salt water, and chlorine can dry out your hair, so give it a moisture boost with a DIY hair mask. Simple ingredients like coconut oil, honey, avocado, or yogurt can work wonders. Apply once a week, leave it in for 20–30 minutes, and rinse well for soft, shiny, revived strands.
21. Create an Evening Wind-Down Routine
After a hot, active day, your skin and body deserve some pampering. A cool shower, followed by a light moisturizer or after-sun lotion, helps reset and soothe your skin. Finish with a calming skincare ritual—think gentle cleansing, a hydrating serum, and maybe a little gua sha massage to release tension and prep for beauty sleep.
22. Drink Your Water!
The best beauty tip for your skin and body is to drink enough water—especially in the heat. Drink 8oz first thing in the morning, and keep a full tumbler cup nearby.
If don’t like plain water and you’re looking to up your protein add the Oath Nutrition Icy Blue Razz to your water, it tastes very close to a blue raspberry Icee and all you need to mix it with is water and a milk frother!
I hope you found some helpful ideas for your summer beauty routine!
Looking to get healthy and fit? Here are 27 Summer Health and Fitness Habits. Want to affirm your way into a sexy summer? Here are 22 Hot Girl Affirmations.
Ready to step into your ultimate power and embody THAT Girl Energy? In 30 days you can achieve the ultimate glow up.
