The Top 10 Beauty Things to Buy This Summer, According to a Product-Obsessed Fashion Editor
Shop all the new-in glowy items for the sunny season.
Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, beauty edition! I'm taking my monthly curated shopping list to the world of beauty products, starting with the top 10 things to buy for summer 2026. Each month, I share my top 10 fashion picks to shop with Who What Wear readers, and since I'm also somewhat of a self-professed beauty shopping connoisseur, I've taken it upon myself to share my seasonal beauty picks as well.
If you follow beauty product launches even somewhat closely, you've probably noticed that there are a ton of new releases in all the categories—makeup, skincare, fragrance, nails, and beauty tools included. Given the season, beauty brands are prioritizing sun-kissed, glowy products, beachy fragrances, and of course, UV protection. I've been placing my fair share of orders as of late and can speak firsthand to most of my 10 selections. All in all, I feel confident about recommending the 10 beauty things to follow. Read on to shop them all (and thank me later).
Nars Insatiable Longwearing Liquid Blush
I've been very excited to get my hands on the new Nars liquid blushes from the moment I caught wind of them. My verdict is in: The color selection is exceptional, the finish is nice and glowy yet magically long-lasting, and they layer incredibly well. I wouldn't object to purchasing them all, but if you're going to be strategic, the following colors get my vote.
Yves Saint Laurent Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation
This one's hot off the press, folks. Yves Saint Laurent just launched its innovative cushion foundation, and to say that I'm intrigued is an understatement. The description of the foundation states that it's lightweight and breathable yet long-lasting, with medium coverage. Sounds like the perfect summer foundation. Oh, and it comes in a whopping 31 shades.
Victoria Beckham Posh Gloss in Cabana
Victoria Beckham just reformulated its Posh Gloss to be even soother and more plumping, which is news in and of itself, but I want to highlight the new shade they just added to the lineup because it's basically perfect. Cabana is the prettiest rosy pink with excellent pigment. I find that it leans just a tad cool, but the mid-tone shade is universally flattering. I, for one, will be reaching for it on a very regular basis this summer.
Lore Sublimity Eau de Parfum With Coconut Water
Disclaimer: Lore's Sublimity isn't brand new, but it's buzzier than ever. The refreshing summer scent has notes of coconut, musk, and sea salt, which is exactly how I'd like to smell this time of year.
Ilia Sun Serum
I've been using this SPF almost exclusively since I got my hands on it a few weeks ago. It comes in two very sheer tones and provides the perfect soft-focus base for makeup. I personally can't stand face SPF that feels and smells like sunscreen, and this is anything but. Bonus: It combats shine throughout the day.
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Baigneuse
I always feel nostalgic about Chanel's seasonal nail colors, as I've been tracking them since I was a teenager. This summer's ocean blue Baigneuse shade is particularly special, and it's already sold out on Chanel's e-commerce site. It's still available via Nordstrom, but I wouldn't sleep on this one. If you happen to spot me in sandals this summer, this is the color you'll see on my toes—guaranteed.
Augustinus Bader The Overnight Restorative Cream
Trust me—I'm only going to recommend something at this price point if I really think it's worth it, and Augustinus Bader The Overnight Restorative Cream absolutely is. It feels super lightweight going on (perfect for summer!), and sinks right in, so you don't have that dreaded heavy night cream feeling in the slightest. Even after just five hours of sleep, I wake up with glowy skin, less puffiness, and an even tone. The sample I've been testing is running low, and you can bet that I'll be splurging on a full-size bottle.
JVN Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray
Two things I want in the summer are not to have to touch a hair dryer and to have beachy waves every single day. I appreciate that the new JVN Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray is salt-free and therefore devoid of the crunchy, matte look that comes along with them. Instead, this will leave you with shiny, soft, tousled waves.
Hourglass Phantom Smoothing Blur Lip Balm
It's always exciting news when Hourglass introduces a new product, and this is a good one. Phantom Smoothing Blur Lip Balm is a lip-perfecting balm designed to deliver feathery, blurred color and to enhance your natural lip tone. The shade Whisper 45 is arriving at my door today, and I already know it's going to be a new favorite.
Sarah Creal Eyes Up 24H Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner in Rose Bronze
One of the newest shades of Sarah Creal's cult-favorite eyeliner is the prettiest rose-gold shade with subtle (not glittery) shimmer. It's the perfect finishing touch to a bronzy makeup look.
