The Summer Edit: The Best of Summer Skincare, Beauty and Everything In-Between

Beating the heat, striking gold and getting personal.

Welcome to the latest installment of The Monthly Edit The Summer Edit, a gluttonous feast of my favorite things each month — well, it’s been a few months. I’ll get to that below along with three months worth of endlessly alluring delights that you’ll undoubtedly wish I had told you about months ago. From the new-to-me finds I’m triple texting my friends about to the treasure trove of rediscoveries I’m in love with, the products keeping me up at night (among other things), *the* shirt of the summer, my latest hyperfixation, the new launches actually worth your time, some personal updates and much more. My favorites aren’t always what I used most but rather what I cherished most. Every month is different, there’s the newcomers and the holdovers, the unexpected and the obvious, the crowd-pleasers and the brow raisers. You can find every installment of The Monthly Edit here. Let’s dive in.

Don’t forget to click the 🤍 button before you go (it helps other readers find this newsletter)!

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A Quick Note

But before we begin, allow me a brief preamble here. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been particularly quiet here and on Instagram this summer. The last year has been riddled with wholly unforeseen turbulence and grief. In some ways, the wreckage has been a prerequisite for new beginnings but even as other things return to normal, I’m still bracing for impact. In your own way, you may know what I’m describing all too well. It’s been difficult for me to do much of anything for a while, let alone create content or write a complete sentence that you may actually want to read. And so I’ve been on a somewhat accidental, unplanned and unannounced blue sabbatical — at least from oversharing on the internet. Plus, my wedding is like A WEEK away (which is an absolutely insane sentence to write) so it’s safe to say that I’ve been busy and we have a lot to discuss. Thank you for being here. On with the show.

The Summer Edit

It’s the summer of the never-ending heat wave. In the swamp, the relentless heat and humidity has been nothing short of excruciating. At this point, I’m a swollen puddle of sweat and melted sunscreen. The feverish heat besieged the city on an unassuming Tuesday in May and is expected to stick around well into mid-October. Which is all to say, I cannot wait for autumn.

Latest In

• One of the best parts about oversharing on the internet is that I get to try products before they launch. And while that may seem mundane, remember that I care far too much about skincare. Anyways, a few of my most favorite products throughout the summer season are ones I can’t talk about yet. Though that will change come September… stay tuned!!!

• After nearly three decades and plenty of kicking and screaming, I’ve finally come around and while it still feels weird to say aloud: I like blush. I know, I know — I’m just as confused as you are. Honestly, it all started with the baby pink shade of the blush the internet won’t shut up about. And while I don’t think that formula is unique or that you should run to buy it, that specific blush made me realize that I can wear blush without emphasizing the naturally occurring redness in complexion that I diligently try to conceal. There’s been plenty of blush discoveries over the last few months including this nearly perfect blush (in Totally Synced), one that I’ve always loved (save w/ myskinterest20) and this one that I swear by in every shade because the formula is *so* uniquely great (save w/ myskinterest15).

• Let me start off by saying that I’ve never understood the appeal of sheet masks or wash off masks, and it’s not for lack of trying. Sheet masks always feel messy and frankly, they sort of stress me out because they slide and slip and never fit my face perfectly. I simply do not have the time or the patience to commit to marinating in something for fifteen minutes and then have to wash it off. However, for over a month I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the best face mask I’ve ever tried. It’s become part of my weekly ritual and I’m planning to use it every few days leading up to my wedding (cue all-consuming panic) and on the morning of. It’s not at all an exaggeration to say that my skin has never looked or felt this hydrated, smooth, plump and healthy. If you trust my recommendations at all and you are prepping for an event, love face masks or just want a little treat — you will love these.

  • Nat Note: On sale through September 3 (no code needed)! Thanks for using this link above if you choose to purchase!

• I’m about as far as one can get from being a fashion icon. However, I tend to find pieces that just fit really well. Some of my more recent discoveries include my new favorite pair of jeans, which I wore whenever I could (read: whenever the temperature dipped below ninety-five); my most worn dress, which comes back into stock if you refresh the page a thousand times a day; and these ridiculously good linen pants (they’re on sale!).

• As you may or may not recall, I’m in My Haircare Era. But while I will happily go the extra mile to care for my hair, I truly cannot be bothered to actually do anything to it. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you the last time I willingly used a blow dryer. But one day in the last month or so I decided enough was enough: I need to become one of those people who can style their hair. And so began seemingly endless trial and error to achieve the perfect blowout (still working on it). Along the way, I came to the grave realization: it was time to finally buy a hair curler. Anyways, to make what could be an even longer story somewhat shorter, I finally bought my first hair curler — though apparently it’s called a Styler Wand. And I really like it! While it took me a bit longer than the average person to figure out how to use it, I’m so impressed by how effective it is at giving me the perfect, blown out waves I’ve always wanted.

• I’m largely convinced that most swimwear brands aren’t trying hard enough to make bathing suits that are even remotely flattering. However, I recently tried a few suits from Left on Friday and frankly, I’ve never been so excited about swimwear — particularly the Peak Suit, Sunday Suit and Streamline Suit. While most one pieces look like a true crime story, Left on Friday makes suits that offer support and coverage in all the right places, move with you effortlessly and are actually comfortable to wear. Their suits are made out of a special compression fabric that is perfectly smoothing (when wet and dry) without feeling restrictive at all. Truly, they deserve a lifetime achievement award. I’m bringing all three of my Left on Friday suits with me on my honeymoon and I really can’t recommend them enough. I absolutely triple texted more than a few people about these when I first wore them. I take a size small regular (but I maybe could have been a tall?).

(Somewhat) Exciting Programming Notes

• The tragic reformulation of the beloved Prisme Libre Setting & Finishing Loose Powder is the true crime story of our time. Not only did Givenchy remove talc and silicones from the new formula but they also added ingredients that essentially make it a highlighter. The whole situation baffles the mind. Anyways, I’m determined to find an alternative to the original Prisme Libre Powder and I need (and love) your input. If there are any powders you’d like me to test or think should be included, please let me know below! Spoiler alert: I don’t love this one.

• I’m sending out another box of reader mail this month! To enter, like and comment on this post with some of your favorites from June and July. This month will include more sunscreen (duh), some of my favorite skincare products and more. U.S.-based paid subscribers only! Congrats to the last lucky reader, Stephanie!

Now, Let’s Get to the Feast…

The Summer Highlight Reel

While I can’t possibly speak to or feature each product or item included each month in a graphic or post, I always link the full list of the scrumptious treats I’ve cherished most that month for you to nibble on. If you have questions about the products featured in this month’s edit below or in the longer list, please leave me a comment! I’d love to hear from you.

• SOFIE PAVITT FACE | The Reset Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Mask (save w/ myskinterest10): To know me is to know that I simply adore Sofie Pavitt and her brand Sofie Pavitt Face. While I don’t have Sofie on speed dial, I imagine she is one of those people I could call out of no where, crying and panicked, and she would solve all of my problems. Or at least, listen and tell me what I needed to hear. And much like Sofie, her products are problem solvers. Like I said, it’s been a long, hard summer and in June, a combination of hormones, travel, astronomic levels of stress, lack of sleep and countless other factors led to what was easily the worst breakout I’ve ever had in my entire life. Though I’m no stranger to immense stress and little to no sleep, I had never dealt with acne like that before and was convinced I was going through puberty at the ripe age of too old to be dealing with this. Thankfully, Sofie had recently launched The Reset Mask and I figured if anyone could help, it was probably her. Made with five percent benzoyl peroxide to help clear and prevent future breakouts, The Reset Mask is a must have for anyone with acne-prone skin. And because it’s a mask and not a serum or other topical treatment, I found that I was able to apply the product exactly where I needed it and didn’t have to worry about exasperating my already dry skin. Anyways, to make a much longer story at least a bit shorter, my breakout had practically disappeared after two weeks of using The Reset Mask consistently. And while my skin has been pretty clear all summer thanks to Sofie’s other hero product that I’ve gushed about at length, I continue to reach for The Reset Mask whenever I notice something forming on my face or body. Even if you’re like me and rarely experience breakouts, I highly recommend having The Reset Mask on hand (just in case). — save w/ myskinterest10

• SUPEREGG | ∞(Infinite) Layers Lip Care (save w/ myskinterest): With a truly enormous buffet of buzzy new product launches popping up each and every day, it’s truly impossible to keep track of them all — particularly the deluge of new lip products. However, I would argue that ∞(Infinite) Layers is absolutely worth your time and attention (and maybe even a lifetime achievement award). Let me put it this way: If you told me I had to pick just one clear lip balm to use for the rest of my life, I would make the case for why I should be allowed to choose seven — obviously. However, if that didn’t work, I would happily use this one for the rest of my days — and that’s really saying something. Infinite Layers almost feels like a safety blanket of luxurious hydration for your lips and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find anything in my collection that’s similar. Unlike so many other lip products, this one has absolutely no fragrance, taste or plumping and, this is really important, it’s not sticky at all. And while I wouldn’t blame you if you rolled your eyes because so many people love to say that about a lot of lip balms that are actually quite sticky. But trust me, this is not your average lip product. — save w/ myskinterest

• NATURIUM | The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash: I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that body care has never been something I pay much attention to. And as someone who prefers to get in and out of the shower as quickly as possible (read: I’m not an “everything shower” person) and really hates being wet and/or sticky — it takes a lot for me to talk up a body product. Particularly a body wash. But here’s the thing: I’ve survived nearly two summers in a literal swamp where the remarkably persistent heat and humidity is a recipe for body acne, rashes and all the smells. And despite spending long days walking from one Sephora to another and even a few halfhearted attempts at getting back into shape, The Perfector has helped me ward off all body acne. Formulated with glycerin and encapsulated, time released salicylic acid, it helps to gently exfoliate my skin without causing or contributing to existing irritation (and if you know, you know that my body is usually covered in rashes). Unlike most body washes, The Perfector is a bit thicker and doesn’t run away from you so it’s easier to control the placement. While there are other body products that have helped mitigate body acne, this one is certainly one of the best and you really can’t beat the price.

• AYR | The Deep End: I’ll be the first to admit that I’m snob about most things and white button down shirts are certainly no exception. However, I’m somewhat of a connoisseur of white button downs — after all, I’m the product of New England boarding school — and I can confidently say that this is the best white button down of all time. And trust me, it’s worth the splurge. It’s the kind of elevated wardrobe essential that you’ll wish you had in your closet years ago and one you’ll have until you wear some holes into it — and even then you’ll never let it go. This shirt was made to be lived in and after a while, you’ll look back through your camera roll and realize you wore this shirt to go to brunch with your friends, to meet your niece for the first time, to the beach, on that incredibly ridiculously hot summer day you dragged your friend to some ridiculously out of the way place, to sip rosé on the deck with your parents, on the longest road trip you’ve been on in years and everything in-between. The Deep End is perfectly tailored for a polished yet boxy fit, well made, effortlessly elevates any look and has just the right amount of weight to it. Inevitably, someone will stop you in the frozen food aisle to ask you where you got it, your mom will tell all of her friends about “the shirt of the summer” she just had to have after she saw you in it and all the while, you’ll say Oh this old thing? I’ve had it forever. The shirt is easily one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe and I wear it so much that I decided to buy another earlier this year. I also picked up The Deep End in linen at the start of summer and it is *truly* the best linen shirt I own. I take a size small in both.

Tell Me More

• What were some of the products you discovered and fell in love with this summer?

• Are you prepping your skin for autumn or facing another month of feverish weather?

• Have you been reapplying your sunscreen?

• Do you want me to cover any specific topics in my upcoming posts?

Until next time, follow along on Instagram and browse all of my favorite things. myMusings is a labor of love but it is labor. Don’t forget to click the 🤍 button before you go! Thank you for being here. Talk soon.

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