Summer Skin Survival Guide: My Must-Have Products for Thriving in the Heat **

Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient for achieving a brighter, more even skin tone. While I love The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, my current go-to is the NIACINAMIDE 10%+TXA 4% Serum. The reason? Speed. I saw noticeable results within just three weeks of using this serum, which is incredibly fast in my experience. While The Ordinary's version is effective, it requires more patience and consistent use to see the same level of improvement. This Korean skincare gem, on the other hand, delivers quick and impressive brightening results.

Next up is toner, and again, brightening is key. My absolute favorite is the Pixi Skin Treats Vitamin C Toner. This product is a regular feature on my channel for a reason: it's amazing for promoting an even skin tone. Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient for brightening, so it's always a good sign when you see it in a skincare product. This toner gently exfoliates, effectively removing dead skin cells and smoothing out rough, bumpy texture, while the vitamin C works its magic to brighten the complexion. It's a fantastic two-in-one product that delivers both exfoliation and brightening benefits. As a bonus, it doesn't leave a sticky residue, which is a huge plus in the summer. Sticky skincare is a major no-no for me, especially in the heat.

Want to wake up with glowing, radiant skin without much effort? Facial oil is the answer. Specifically, The Ordinary's Rosehip Seed Oil. I love applying this oil at night because I consistently wake up with a noticeably brighter complexion. Rosehip oil is known for its ability to lighten blemishes, making it a great choice for blemish-prone skin. For me, summer is all about achieving that healthy, glowy skin, and this oil delivers exactly that.

To ditch the concealer and embrace a natural look, invest in a good eye cream and use it consistently. Eye cream is essential for managing under-eye bags and dark circles. While I used to swear by The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream (which is a great budget-friendly option), I've recently upgraded to the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Cream. Yes, it's more expensive, but honestly, the results are worth it. This eye cream has completely replaced my previous one, effectively reducing the appearance of dark circles and making my under-eye area look brighter and more refreshed.

In the summer, heavy moisturizers are a no-go for me. They can feel clogging and uncomfortable, especially when I'm sweating. I prefer something lightweight that absorbs quickly and keeps my skin hydrated without feeling heavy. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua Gel is my perfect summer moisturizer. It has this amazing jiggly, bouncy texture that melts into the skin upon application, providing instant hydration without any greasy residue. I honestly don't see myself using any other moisturizer this summer. Plus, Neutrogena is a readily available and affordable brand, which is always a bonus.

Sunscreen is absolutely crucial, no matter your skin tone. I get comments saying, "You're Black, you don't need sunscreen," and it always makes me laugh. Everyone needs sunscreen, especially when using active ingredients in their skincare routine. Without sunscreen, you risk burning your skin and damaging its natural barrier. My current favorite is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen. It's super lightweight, which is essential for me, as heavy sunscreens can feel irritating on my face. Other sunscreens have caused breakouts and rashes for me, but this one doesn't. It's my holy grail summer sunscreen.

Glycolic acid is a multi-tasking wonder ingredient. One of my favorite uses for it is as an underarm treatment. Simply apply it to your underarms with a cotton pad, and it effectively eliminates odor. It acts like a deodorant, keeping your underarms fresh and odor-free throughout the day. As an exfoliant, glycolic acid also helps to brighten dark underarms, which is a bonus. I have tons of videos dedicated to the versatility of this product, but for summer, it's a must-have for underarm care.

For body lotion, I'm currently obsessed with the Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Brightening Cream. During the summer, I'm constantly wearing shorts and crop tops, so I want to ensure any blemishes or dark spots on my exposed skin are brightened and evened out. Vitamin C is the perfect ingredient for this. While I'm not usually the most patient person when it comes to seeing skincare results, this cream delivered noticeable brightening within three weeks, which is impressive. I use it everywhere from my neck down, including my underarms.

To take your summer glow to the next level, combine your body moisturizer with a body oil. I've tried body oils that can make my skin itchy in the sun, but this one doesn't. It creates a beautiful, radiant sheen without any irritation. Pairing a body oil with your moisturizer is a game-changer for achieving that enviable summer glow.

For an extra touch of shimmer and radiance, I love using a body mist. The Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Mist is my current favorite. It smells amazing and adds a beautiful, subtle shimmer to the skin. I like to layer it over my perfume for an extra boost of fragrance and glow. This step is optional, but it definitely elevates your summer glow to the next level.