My Favorite Cruelty-Free Summer Beauty Essentials

When it comes to hot summer days, less is more. I'm not talking about clothing; I'm talking about our beauty regimen.

These days, it's likely we are feeling a little sticky and sweaty, especially if you live in areas where the humidity is a permanent resident. Even though we can't run away from summer or the hot days that come with it, we do have the power to look and feel our best through this estival.

If you've ever uttered the words "I hate summer", you're not alone. Many people dislike the heat. I'm not sure I've ever said I hate summer, but I have said I hate winter because I cannot stand the frigid cold. But with that said, I want to invite you to give the season’s grace and consider these three points:

• Each season has its charm and purpose (Proverbs 12:10). Instead of saying I hate summer/winter, let's choose kinder words and just say it's our least favorite season.

• True beauty comes from within (1 Peter 3:3–4).

• When we choose cruelty-free, we are advocating for animals (Genesis 8:22).

Now, let me share with you my go-to summer products and break down why I keep them on rotation apart from the fact that they are *currently cruelty-free. When it comes to hot summer prep, the key words are lightweight, fresh, and glow.

Let's begin with the most important, which is SPF. Summer days tend to call for outdoor activities and we're going to need both a hat and sun protection. When it comes to facial SPF, Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Fluid Mineral Tinted Sunscreen is the most lightweight SPF I have ever applied on my face. There are some SPF's that you must really massage it into your skin, but not this one. This product spreads easily, doesn't leave any white cast, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin with a healthy glow. For days when you need a little extra tinted coverage, skip the foundation and try Kosas Tinted Dream Beam SPF. I keep the Kosas SPF in my makeup bag, which is also easy to spread and is a pitch thicker than Babo Botanicals to help even out your skin.

What about hot summer nights? If makeup is needed for a fun night out, then we need a foundation that isn't going to cover our sun-kissed complexion. We need something lightweight with light to medium coverage. Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint for Dewy Sheer Coverage is my favorite. It is ultra lightweight and buildable if you need more coverage and gives the perfect "no makeup" dewy finish.

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Speaking of sun-kissed, let's make sure to keep our kissable lips hydrated, soft, and glossy but not sticky. I have tried a lot of hydrating lip care products because I'm constantly fighting chapped lips- all year long. So far, to this date, I have two lip balms that I find to be instantly hydrating, smoothing, and delicately colored. COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15 and Rare Beauty Find Comfort Lip Butter Balm are both equally so beautiful in texture, color, and finish. My lips feel silky smooth after application without the sticky gloss aftermath.

Aside from the usual skincare products that I use daily, such as a facial essence, serums, and a lightweight moisturizer there are two products I have been really loving for the past year. I discovered these products during my wax appointments at the European Wax Center. The first product is from their SLOW collection called Face & Body Bi-Phase Moisturizer. For facial routines, you can use this product and then, if desired, add your usual moisturizer. Next, use the Bi-Phase Moisturizer all over your body. It is super quick to absorb, super lightweight, and has a gentle aroma. Being that I am not a fan of traditional body creams, this Bi-Phase Moisturizer is perfect for me. When I want to add a little bit of glitz and glam to my look, I add the SLOW Travel Summer Oasis Shimmer Body Oil. It has a perfect summer tropical sent to it that leaves your skin smelling "vacation ready" and glowing with a beautiful golden shimmer. And no, it is not sticky or heavy.

Though I am sure I can go on recommending more beautiful products, these are definitely my summer-lovin' repeats. The common denominator between each of these summer products is that they are all cruelty-free, vegan, and lightweight. Let me know in the comments if you have tried either of these or if you are intrigued to try them.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, my kind ladybug!

Sending you kind hugs,

Mrs. Ladybug

(*) Currently Cruelty-Free: most of the brands I use and recommend maintain their cruelty-free certification year after year. They are committed to the cruelty-free movement and are unwavering in their mission. However, a brand can lose their certification one year to the next, or at any point if animal testing is discovered (ex: MAC in 2012). This is why checking if a brand is [still] cruelty-free is important.