My friend requested the perfect summer beauty starter kit—12 items that I included in her cart.

      (Image credit: Sephora; Rhode; Blu & Green; Bluemercury)

      A friend texted me yesterday afternoon, "I need your assistance in carefully curating my beauty routine." She's preparing for a summer vacation and wants to look her most radiant with minimal effort—which is exactly the challenge I love. Honestly, I could write an entire book on the best multitasking beauty products, from slick-back solutions that somehow make your hair feel softer to plumping face mists that enhance your features and dewy balms that warm up your skin without the appearance of makeup. Add an alluring musky perfume to the mix, and you have an amazing summer beauty starter kit. Interested in the specific products I selected for her? Below are all the items I personally use and recommend.

      Laneige

      Lip Sleeping Mask in Pink Lemonade

      Soft, pillow-like lips are always a great look, no matter the time of year. If you, like me, deal with cracks and dryness all year long, I highly recommend applying a lip mask (it's not a balm—there is a distinction!) before bed. Laneige is one of the most popular choices available, and I can confirm that its thick, deeply moisturizing formula is worth the investment. I consistently go through my small jars, and I can’t stop thinking about the limited-edition Pink Lemonade mask. It’s the perfect juicy lip product for summer.

      Kosas

      Impressionist Multistick in Nuance

      In terms of multitasking beauty products, let me introduce you to my new favorite: Kosas's Impressionist Multistick. The rose-beige shade here serves as my ideal "blonzer" hue, which is all I need for a glowy, sun-kissed look. I could easily swipe it across my entire face (cheeks, nose, lips, lids) and head out the door looking as if I just returned from a beach holiday—basically my go-to summer makeup.

      Oribe

      Supershine Smoothing Wax Stick

      Instead of battling frizz due to summer humidity, I often embrace the flyaways (frizz can be chic!) or, more commonly, pull my hair back into a bun or ponytail. For this, Oribe's Supershine Wax Stick is invaluable. Honestly, I can't recall how I managed without it. It provides excellent hold without any flakes and, true to its name, gives my hair a stunning, mirror-like gloss. I suggest you grab it while it's on sale for 20% off during Oribe's Obsession Week, which ends on May 18.

      Victoria Beckham Beauty

      Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint

      I might dare to say this is my favorite Victoria Beckham Beauty item! Similar to the Colour Wash Blush Water Tint from the brand, this liquid bronzer adds a gentle haze of bronzy color that resembles watercolor paint. Essential for minimalistic summer makeup, it creates a naturally sun-kissed and glowy appearance rather than a chiseled look. A little goes a long way; just two drops are enough to warm up my cheekbones and hairline.

      Sarah Creal Beauty

      Coming in Hot Blurring Pressed-Mousse Blush in Love Bites

      I can confirm that a "mousse blush" is as dreamy as it sounds. This lightweight, cushiony pigment melts into my skin on application, drying to a natural, soft-matte finish—the ideal balance for those who want to embrace the blurry makeup trend but aren’t keen on powder products. While I usually favor dewy formulas during warmer months to avoid pilling, with this creamy formula in my collection, I might just keep using matte!

      Versed

      Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

      With more sweating comes the risk of clogged pores, which means I need a daily exfoliator to keep my skin clear without damaging my barrier. That's where Versed's Pore Clearing Serum comes in, utilizing mandelic and salicylic acids to clear pores at the source and encourage cell turnover. I've been applying it every morning before my sunscreen, and my skin has never been better.

      sheglam

      Marshmallow Puff Lip Blur Pen in High Key

      Yes, I'm also a fan of the blurred-lip trend, but many matte color options leave my lips feeling dry in no time. Then I found this SheGlam product, which is infused with seed oils and shea butter for a comfortable, plush finish. I’ve been wearing the shade High Key nonstop since I discovered it during a brand preview!

      BULGARI

      Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Eau de Toilette

      I've already dedicated ample space to this Bulgari fragrance, but if you’re still on the fence about adding it to your collection, let me share that the citrus-musk combination smells even better as the day progresses. I can't quite explain it, but as my skin warms up, the notes become incredibly intoxicating. Trust me—it's a