Editor’s Picks: Tried-and-Tested Favorites for Surviving Summer with Relative Composure
You know it’s full-on summer in the Philippines when you’re already getting scorched by the sun at 7 AM. I usually play tennis outdoors at 6 AM, but next time, I’ll be switching to an indoor court—at least during the height of summer. It’s just so much kinder to the skin and hair, and honestly, I’d rather not start my day feeling like I’ve been roasted to a crisp.
That said, I wanted to share a few products I’ve been absolutely loving this season. They’ve been helping me feel pretty and put-together even when the weather’s doing the most.
Glowy blushes in the summer? Basically non-negotiable. There’s just something magical about the way light hits cheeks that are flushed with a hint of shimmer as it gives that soft, sunlit glow that’s perfect for the season.
Lately, I’ve been rotating three blushes that I keep reaching for, not just because of the colors (which are gorgeous), but also because they actually hold up in this heat. Bonus: they’re all desaturated tones, so they feel super current and wearable even with bolder summer looks.
First up is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion (P3,460 / 4.2 g)—a bronzy pink nude that gives your skin that lit-from-within glow without looking too shiny. Then there’s NARS Blush in Cherish ($34 / 4.8 g), a peachy nude with a golden finish that flatters so many skin tones. And if you want something a little cooler, Ever Bilena’s Pillow Pop Multi Pot in Dreamy Dahlia (P295 / 4 g) is a silvery nude pink that gives this fresh, effortless flush.
All so pretty, all so long-wearing. Yes, even in this humidity.
One product I've been reaching for is the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist SPF50 PA++++ (P698 / 60 mL). It's a game-changer for quick and easy reapplication throughout the day. The mist is lightweight, doesn't leave a sticky residue, and sits well over light makeup. Plus, it's versatile enough to use on both face and body, and even on hair for added protection. However, a heads-up: it does have a noticeable alcohol scent upon application, and the 60mL bottle might require frequent repurchasing if you're using it generously (as you should with sunscreen). For a more in-depth review, you can check out my thoughts here.
I honestly wouldn’t have paid much attention to Tropicana products if it weren’t for Kai Javier. She’s a big fan of sweet coconut scents, and after seeing her rave about these, I got curious and picked up the Tropicana Coconut Body Lotion (P595 / 180 mL, currently on sale for P297.50) and Natural Coconut Soap Bar (P240 / 100 g, currently on sale for P120).
And wow—she was right. Both smell exactly like you’d expect: creamy, sweet coconut that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s comforting and nostalgic, but still fresh enough for everyday use. The lotion’s my favorite of the two. It’s deeply moisturizing and leaves a soft glow on the skin, which I love especially after a shower. It’s not sticky at all, and the scent lingers just enough. The soap bar’s nice too as it lathers well and doesn’t dry me out.
If you're into coconut scents or just want something that feels like a mini escape, this duo’s worth checking out.
I didn’t like the Careline Lash Spike Volumizer (P325 / 6 g) at first. It didn’t do much for my lashes, but I forgot the cardinal rule when it comes to trying new mascara: let air in, let it dry out a bit before deciding if it’s any good.
The first few uses didn’t impress me—I didn’t get much volume or length, and it didn’t keep the curl of my lashes. But! Once it had been “broken in,” it performed so much better. I really like the comb on this because it separates the lashes and prevents clumping, so I get that nice wispy effect. I eventually got the length, volume, and curl I look for in a mascara. And on me, it doesn’t smudge. It’s a winner!
Summer beauty can feel like a bit of a challenge with the heat and humidity, but with the right products, it becomes something to enjoy rather than just endure. Whether it’s a glow-giving blush, a coconut-scented body lotion, or a mascara that holds its own after a little patience, these little finds make getting ready every day feel like a treat. I hope you find something new to love from this list—and if you have your own summer staples, I’d love to hear about them too!
