Summer Makeup Capsule: The Only 9 Products You’ll Need All Season

Written by

Katie Holdefehr
Katie Holdefehr
Katie is a fan of all things handmade and nature-made.
updated May 3, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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(Image credit: Katie Holdefehr)

It’s time to clear out our makeup bags and declutter our cosmetics drawers—as a summer challenge, I dare you to pare down your morning routine to ten products or less. For au natural beauties out there, this is easy, but for product junkies, it may be difficult to part with all the options. Either way, less products will mean less time spent getting ready, a lighter bag, and a cleaner cabinet. To help start your collection, we asked beauty blogger Eileen Dautruche of Miss Whoever You Are for her summer picks. Start with these 9 must-haves, swap in an old standby or two, and enjoy all the extra time you’ll save in the morning.

Inspired by the concept of the capsule wardrobe—which Apartment Therapy contributor Eleanor Büsing tested out and our Design Editor Arlyn Hernandez curated some beautiful shoppable collections for—the makeup capsule is an edited roundup of products intended to meet all of your beauty needs for the season. These beauty blogger-approved picks from Miss Whoever You Are cover all the summer beauty bases: sun protection, frizz control, moisturization. Plus, it will get you glowing with a dewey finish and sun-kissed color.

(Image credit: Estee Lauder)

Cocobalm, $22, from The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder

After years of liquid lipstick, Eileen says that this coconut oil-infused lip gloss is causing her to rethink her routine. “These are lightweight, have a great wash of color, and are super cute to carry around. The coconut oil really nourishes my lips. Bonus: it isn’t sticky!”

(Image credit: L’Oreal)

“Although I have oily skin, I still want a glowy, dewy summer look,” says Eileen (and we whole-heartedly agree!). “This foundation provides coverage, is super lightweight, and doesn’t leave me looking greasy. I wear the shade Cocoa, although I do wish they had more shades for deeper skin tones.”

(Image credit: Glossier)

“I love a good mist during the summer! This one has rosewater and aloe, so it’s calming and refreshing throughout the day. I carry it around so I can mist my face midday as a pick-me-up.”

(Image credit: Moroccan Oil )

“Most sunscreens feel heavy on the skin – not this one! It’s lightweight and melts into skin, making the application process fuss-free and easy. Plus, I love the Monoï fragrance. It’s like summer in a bottle.”

(Image credit: ColourPop)

“This may seem silly, but I want a brow that won’t slide off my face midday.” (Doesn’t sound silly to us!) “I love how easily the ColourPop pencil applies without tugging on my brow hairs. Seal it with a clear brow gel, and you’re good to go! I wear the shade Black N’ Brown.”

(Image credit: Bumble and bumble)

“I have naturally curly hair, and during the summer, I don’t want to be bothered with styling it. It’s going to frizz up no matter what, so I’d rather embrace my natural texture instead of fighting it. Apply this gel to your hair when it’s damp and watch your curls pop. It defines curls without leaving them crunchy. It also contains UV inhibitors to help protect against the drying effects of the sun.”

(Image credit: Estee Lauder)

Beam Team Bronze Hydrate + Glow, $42, from The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder

“This is a hydrating moisturizer that leaves a bit of glow. It has hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes skin, but it also has a bronze tint to it, so I can wear it on days I don’t want to wear foundation and still look sun-kissed.”

(Image credit: Neutrogena)

“I love this as an all-over face moisturizer because it’s lightweight and sinks into skin. It doesn’t feel heavy or leave any greasy residue.”

(Image credit: Maybelline)

“I swear these make my lashes look SUPER long. The waterproof formula stays in place until you wash it off—and even then, you have to use a really good eye makeup remover to get it off.” Eileen’s beauty blogger pro-tip: “Have a lash comb handy, as the formula can clump. I like that look, but I understand it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.”

Thank you, Eileen! Check out more of her tried-and-tested product picks on Miss Whoever You Are.