My friend requested the ultimate summer beauty starter pack—here are 12 products I added to her shopping cart.

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

      "Could you help me meticulously curate my beauty routine?" a friend messaged me yesterday afternoon. She is preparing for a summer trip and aspires to appear her most radiant with minimal effort—which aligns perfectly with my favorite task. I could easily write a whole book about the best multitasking beauty products, including sleek hair products that leave your locks feeling even softer, face mists that give your skin a luminous finish, and dewy balms that enhance your complexion without any visible makeup. Add a captivatingly musky fragrance, and voilà—you’ve got a fantastic summer beauty starter kit. Curious about the specific products I recommended for her cart? Below is a complete list of items that I personally use and endorse.

      Laneige

      Lip Sleeping Mask in Pink Lemonade

      Soft, pillow-like lips are always impressive, regardless of the season. If you experience cracks and flakes like I do throughout the year, I highly recommend applying a lip mask (it’s different from a balm!) before bedtime. Laneige is one of the most popular options available, and I can attest to the amazing thick, deeply hydrating formula being worth it. I regularly finish my small jars, and currently, 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

      Going back to multitasking beauty products, I’d like to introduce you to my latest favorite, Kosas's new Impressionist Multistick. The rose-beige shade shown here is my ideal "blonzer" color, which is all I need for a radiant, sun-kissed look. I could easily apply it all over my face (cheeks, nose, lips, lids) and step out looking like I just returned from a beach getaway—the essence of my summer makeup routine.

      Oribe

      Supershine Smoothing Wax Stick

      Instead of battling frizz during the summer humidity, I usually embrace the flyaways (frizz can be charming!) or often opt for a sleek bun or ponytail. For the latter, Oribe's Supershine Wax Stick is indispensable. Honestly, I can’t remember what I did before it entered my life. It provides exceptional hold without any flakes and, true to its name, gives my hair a beautiful mirror-like shine. I suggest grabbing it while it’s 20% off during Oribe's Obsession Week sale, running until May 18.

      Victoria Beckham Beauty

      Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint

      Could this be my favorite Victoria Beckham Beauty product? Similar to the brand's Colour Wash Blush Water Tint, this liquid bronzer delivers a subtle wash of bronzy color reminiscent of watercolor painting. It’s essential for minimalist summer makeup, making you look naturally sun-kissed and radiant rather than overly sculpted. A little goes a long way—just two drops warm up my cheekbones and hairline beautifully.

      Sarah Creal Beauty

      Coming in Hot Blurring Pressed-Mousse Blush in Love Bites

      I can confirm that a "mousse blush" is just as dreamy as it sounds. This airy, cushiony pigment blends seamlessly into my skin and dries to a natural, soft-matte finish—the perfect compromise for those who want to try the blurry-makeup trend but don’t prefer powder products. While I typically lean towards dewy formulas in warmer weather to avoid pilling, this creamy formula might just make me stick with matte!

      Versed

      Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

      With heat comes sweat and clogged pores, so I rely on an everyday exfoliator to keep my skin clear without damaging my barrier. Enter Versed's Pore Clearing Serum, featuring mandelic and salicylic acids to unclog pores at the source and encourage cell turnover. I’ve been using it each morning before applying sunscreen, and my skin has never felt better.

      sheglam

      Marshmallow Puff Lip Blur Pen in High Key

      I too am enamored with the blurred-lip trend, but many matte color options leave my lips feeling dry in minutes. However, when I tried this SheGlam version, infused with seed oils and shea butter, I found a comfortable, plush finish. Since I snagged it at a brand preview, I can’t stop wearing the shade High Key!

      BULGARI

      Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Eau de Toilette

      I’ve already spent plenty of time discussing this Bulgari scent, but if you’re still not convinced it belongs in your collection, let me share that the citrus-musk blend actually gets better as the day progresses. I can’t quite explain it, but the notes become incredibly alluring as my skin warms up. Trust me—this fragrance deserves to accompany you to your next outdoor event.

      The Who What Wear office can't stop raving about Rhode's Glazing Mist, and