I’m a Makeup-Obsessed Editor—12 Products I’m Discontinuing This Summer and 12 I’m Replacing Them With.

      (Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Sarah Creal, Fenty Beauty, Sephora)

      A career in beauty journalism comes with numerous advantages. I commonly receive boxes filled with luxurious new perfumes at my doorstep before they're available to the public, and I often enjoy blowouts and haircuts from top stylists of my favorite celebrities. But the highlight of my job? Coming home nearly every day of the work week with bags overflowing with new makeup products. As a dedicated makeup enthusiast, this is pretty much a dream come true. While I don’t mean to sound boastful (it can come across as quite pretentious to rattle off the benefits of this job), I truly appreciate the product haven my apartment has become. However, it's important to note that it’s a small New York City apartment shared with three roommates, crammed with makeup, skincare products, hair tools, and more. It's essential to conduct seasonal cleanouts of this ever-expanding collection, and I approach my go-to makeup collection and "try someday soon" pile with careful consideration. If a product seems more appropriate for winter and is worth the wait, I'll add it to the "someday" stash. This system is constantly changing, as I discover summer products that were packed away during winter while also exploring the latest beauty launches.

      This brings me to how meticulous I am about seasonal beauty swaps, particularly when it comes to summer makeup. My products need to protect my skin from the sun, feel lightweight, simplify my routine for quick outings, and resist sweat as much as possible. My expectations are high, especially since my collection could easily stock a small Sephora. Fortunately, I've identified 12 products that are meeting the challenge this summer. Below are the skin-perfecting, sweat-resistant, and sun-blocking makeup items I've incorporated for summer 2026.

      **Summer Makeup Essentials**

      **Fenty Beauty—Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder**

      There's nothing I dislike more than my makeup slipping off in the summer heat. While it's unavoidable, I've made some intentional swaps to prolong the wear of my makeup, and replacing regular finishing powder with Fenty's Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder has been the most effective. This translucent powder sets makeup and absorbs oil without leaving any white residue.

      **ONE/SIZE—On 'til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray**

      While I love my Invisimatte, my quest for sweat-proof glam doesn't stop there. After testing many setting sprays, none compare to this waterproof option's transfer-resistant, long-lasting hold. Packaged like hairspray for good reason, it provides an ultra-strong, 16-hour hold and is the only spray I trust for hot summer days.

      **Sarah Creal—Brilliant Repair Shield Illuminating Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 50**

      I adore full glam, but I know that no amount of foundation can withstand the intense heat of New York City. To avoid sweat making me look like a mess while waiting for the subway, I've switched from my regular foundation (M.Ph's Le Skin, still great for lightweight glam) to a tinted sunscreen. This product provides sheer coverage and lets my skin breathe while also offering essential SPF protection.

      **L’Oréal Paris—True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer**

      Nothing can make me give up my L’Oréal Lumi Glotion. This creamy, hydrating skin tint beautifully adds a sun-kissed color and a luminous finish, serving as my go-to evening makeup base for the past two years (used in the evening since we use SPF during the day). It pairs well with concealers, bronzers, blushes, or powders without any issues.

      **Sarah Creal—Back of the Cab Volumizing & Tubing Mascara**

      If you can catch my drift, I'm a bit of a fan of Sarah Creal right now, and this tubing mascara has rapidly become a favorite as summer heats up. While I typically rely on my Prada Beauty Pradascope Mascara, I needed a tubing mascara to handle the humid conditions. This formula not only holds my curl perfectly but also lasts up to 12 hours, removing effortlessly with a cleanser—no need for painful tugging to remove waterproof mascara.

      **Rhode—Pocket Bronze Long-Wearing Cream Bronzer**

      I’m new to the Rhode fanbase, but Hailey Bieber's latest makeup creation has quickly earned my favor. Every summer brings new bronzer options, and this particular formula has quickly risen to the top of my list. It's warm, buttery, and smooth, blending easily with a brush, sponge, or even fingers, and the ergonomic packaging helps with precision.

      **Armani Beauty—Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow**

      Summer means a packed social calendar, so I need makeup that saves time yet still looks put-together. My go-to? Cream or liquid eye shadows, specifically Armani's Eye Tints.