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As soon as the first hint of warmer weather hits, there's an undeniable shift in the air. Suddenly, the collective mood lifts, iced coffee tastes even better, and there's this electric buzz about all things summer. And with that comes the annual, almost sacred, ritual of envisioning our summer glow up. It's not just about looking good (though, hey, that's a fun part of it); it’s about feeling good, radiating that easy confidence, and stepping into the season feeling like the best, most vibrant version of ourselves, ready for impromptu adventures and golden hour selfies.

But a "glow up" doesn't mean you need a team of stylists on speed dial or a trust fund to raid for a complete overhaul. Sometimes, it's about those clever little finds, those beauty game-changers, and those simple upgrades that make a surprisingly big impact with minimal effort. We've been playing beauty detective, meticulously scouring the virtual aisles for those exact items – the ones that will help you polish, pamper, and prime yourself for a season of sunshine, all without breaking a sweat (unless it's from dancing at an outdoor concert, of course). Get ready to meet 20 allies in your quest for peak summer fabulousness.

#1

When Your Summer Vacation Plans Are More 'Staycation' Than 'St. Tropez,' This Self Tanner Mousse Is Basically Your Express Ticket To Looking Like You Actually Saw Some Sun

Self tanner mousse on woven tray and applied on legs, promoting summer glow up skincare essentials.

Review: "My favorite self-tanner. So many things to love about it. 1) It has no smell! Most self tanners have that familiar tan odor. 2) It does not stain anything. I apply and it dries within minutes. No need to wash it off. I get dressed in any colored clothes and I’m good for the day. Does not make my skin sticky. 3) The color is so natural looking. No orange tints. Lasts for close to a week with daily showers and sweat. It wears off without odd splotches. (I use the medium)." - Ashley

amazon.com , lauralove , Tiffany Report

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    #2

    Get Ready For Your Daily Shower To Transform Into A Mini Brazilian Getaway That Leaves Your Skin Feeling Ridiculously Soft And Smelling Like A Tropical Dream, All Thanks To This Sol De Janeiro Delicia Drench Shower Oil

    Hand holding Sol de Janeiro shower oil bottle and close-up of glowing chest with body wash foam for summer glow up.

    Review: "I am obsessed with this shower oil. It starts as a medium thick oil that squeezes out easily but not too fast. As you massage it in, it lathers up into a wonderful light creaminess that feels nourishing and smells like heaven. It's sweet, woodsy, and intoxicating. I do wish it lingered a little bit longer. It's a generously sized container, and you really don't need to use that much. It's moisturizing, and smells terrific." - Marsha S.

    amazon.com , Marsha S. Report

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    #3

    If Your Summer Plans Involve Looking Less Like You've Been Mildly Electrocuted By Humidity And More Like You Have Actual Weather-Defying Strands, This Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Is Basically The Mystical Elixir Your Hair Has Been Dreaming Of

    Before and after images of a woman with a summer glow up showing smoother hair and radiant skin indoors.

    Review: "I love this stuff!! It takes me forever to style my thick naturally wavy hair so I don’t straighten it often. This is a game changer for me! I can style and wear for several days. Being in the PNW rain is inevitable and just a little rain will frizz my hair. Not with Color Wow!!" - Amazon Customer

    amazon.com , Jade S Report

    #4

    Your Nails Are About To Look Like Tiny, Wearable Pieces Of Art, Blooming With Color And Ready For All Those Summer Hand Selfies, Thanks To This Enchanting Blooming Nail Gel

    Hand with colorful and artistic nail designs featuring vibrant patterns perfect for a summer glow up look.

    Review: "So fun! This was my first time using blooming gel and it’s so easy to use to get a cool look. I feel like you can learn how to apply the blooming gel better to get better results but super good for first time, it’s very beginner friendly! Love this stuff." - MiFo

    amazon.com , MiFo Report

    Ladedah
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me or does it look like the cuticle around the index finger is actually bleeding? 🫤

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    #5

    Rock All Those Breezy, Barely-There Summer Tops With Total Confidence Because These Nippies Nipple Covers Are The Discreet Mvps Of Your Warm-Weather Wardrobe

    Before and after comparison showing enhanced summer glow up results with a fitted white crop top on a person.

    Review: "I was hesitant to buy these at first because I was worried the adhesive would wear off too fast to justify the price. I’ve now been wearing them almost every day for 9 months and they’re still going strong. They conceal completely, unlike the thinner disposable ones. I gently hand wash them with soap and water after each use. I also wear them under bralettes, so I can’t speak to their longevity as a complete bra replacement." - Simba

    amazon.com , Valerie R. Report

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    #6

    Your Scalp Is About To Get A Pep Talk From The Dream Team Of Rosemary And Biotin, Helping Your Hair Aim For 'Main Character Energy' This Summer With This Rosemary And Biotin Shampoo For Thinning Hair

    Before and after comparison of hair showing a summer glow up transformation with visibly darker, shinier, and healthier hair.

    Review: "This Biotin shampoo leaves me with a fresh smelling head of hair, also thicker looking, use along with a scalp massage scrub/brush to get the thicker look and feel." - Maxine

    amazon.com , KD Report

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    #7

    Your Summer Neckline Is About To Look Like It Just Stepped Off A Pinterest Board, Radiating Effortless Chic With This Perfectly Curated Layered Gold Necklaces Set

    Layered gold necklaces on a person wearing a black top and denim jacket, perfect for a summer glow up look.

    Review: "I bought this cute necklace set as a gift to myself, I love the layered look and the gold effect that this costume jewelry provides. If you're looking for something cute feminine and dainty This is the necklace set to buy. It's tarnish resistance and the calves on the necklace works well I'm very happy with this product. It's well worth the money it's very durable and what I really love about it it is tangle resistant." - Tammy R Stephens

    amazon.com , Tammy R Stephens Report

    Hold that thought, because the glow-up express hasn't reached its final destination yet. If the first wave of goodies has already sparked some serious 'need-that-now' vibes and visions of effortless chic, prepare to be further tempted by even more essentials designed to elevate your sunny season style and simplify your routine.

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    #8

    Your Skin Is About To Get A Triple-Threat Infusion Of Goodness, Basically Like Sending It To A Fancy Summer Bootcamp, With This Simplyvital Collagen, Retinol & Hyaluronic Acid Cream

    Simply Vital collagen retinol and hyaluronic acid cream held in hand for summer glow up skincare routine.

    Review: "This product is amazing! My face is so smooth. I love it because it's not sticky." - Melba Lynch

    amazon.com , Melba Lynch Report

    #9

    Get Ready For Your Skincare To Actually Sink In And Your Makeup To Glide On Like A Dream After Using This Schick Dermaplaning Tool To Gently Yeet Away Peach Fuzz And Dull Skin

    Close-up comparison of facial skin before and after treatment, highlighting a summer glow up transformation.

    Review: "This product works great, I’ve always been a hairy little monster and this made me feel more baby faced than I EVER have. While I wouldn’t say it exfoliates and shaves off those dead layers of skin like a real dermatologist could, it does it’s job as a cheap lil razor. My skin is soft and I’m finally not self conscious when natural light shines on my face." - Tracey T.

    amazon.com , Tracey T. Report

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    #10

    That Coveted 'Lit-From-Within' Glow That Somehow Survives A Summer Heatwave Is Totally Achievable With The Staying Power Of This Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation

    Side-by-side before and after photos showing a summer glow up with clearer, radiant skin transformation.

    Review: "This is the best foundation I’ve ever tried. Full coverage and does not take a lot of product to do so. The sponge works fantastic and I didn’t even have to use concealer. Love love love it!!! I will say that it takes a little work to find the right shade but I went 2 shades darker than what I thought I was based on other reviews and it worked for me. I hope they never stop making this foundation!!! The price is more than worth it." - Jamie Vega

    amazon.com , Rachel Report

    Close-up of a pink and white electric shaver being used for a summer glow up hair removal routine on legs.

    Review: "I love this thing so much! If you are in a rush or if you don’t want to shave your armpits/your hair on your armpits is too short to shave this thing is perfect, I wear tank tops to work every day so I always make sure that my under arms are shaved and this is saved me so much razor burn. You can also use it on your bikini line, legs, and your arms!" - Kasey

    amazon.com , Kasey , Meagan Report

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    #12

    Achieving That Effortless 'I Woke Up Glowing Like This' Summer Sheen Is Now As Easy As Swiping On This Buttery, Multi-Tasking Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Multiuse Stick

    Hand holding a Physicians Formula glow-up skincare product next to a smiling woman with radiant summer skin.

    Review: "Physicians Formula did it again!! This blush/contour duo stick is absolutely gorgeous! It's convenient & great for traveling! The colors are perfect for my skin tone! The formula is light & creamy while containing pigment & blends out beautifully! After applying, I set with a super light layer of powder bronzer & blush, and it lasts all day! Every girl needs this in her collection! I recommend 100%!!" - Brittany Crandall

    amazon.com , Brittany Crandall Report

    #13

    Your Summer Wardrobe Is About To Get An Instant Upgrade In Chic, No Matter What You're Wearing, Once You Pop On These Timelessly Stylish Retro Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

    Smiling woman wearing sunglasses outdoors on a sunny day, showcasing a natural summer glow up look.

    Review: "I have lost count of how many times I have worn these glasses since I got them! I think they really compliment my long, narrow face and my wide nose." - Melissa C

    amazon.com , Melissa C Report

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    #14

    The Color On Your Lips Will Outlast Your Phone Battery On A Long Summer Day, All Thanks To The Impressive Commitment Of This Maybelline Super Stay Lip Tint

    Close-up of a lip gloss applicator and lips wearing subtle peach shade, perfect for a summer glow up beauty routine.

    Review: "I ordered this Lip Tint in the shade "skinnydip". I am very impressed with it so far." - Sammy C.

    amazon.com , Sammy C. Report

    As we cruise into the final segment of our summer glow-up arsenal, remember this isn't just about acquiring things to fill your beach bag. It's about investing in those little moments of self-care and the easy confidence that these products can help unlock, making you feel put-together even when the humidity is trying its best to sabotage you. So, before you finalize that shopping list that's practically writing itself, let's illuminate a few more must-haves that are poised to make this your most luminous and low-maintenance summer yet.

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    #15

    Your Skin Is About To Feel As Hydrated And Bouncy As A Perfectly Inflated Basketball, Ready To Take On Summer's Dryness, With This Fun Bubble Slam Dunk Moisturizer

    Hydrating moisturizer held by a person, featuring skincare product as part of summer glow up finds and action plan.

    Review: "Definitely worth the price. It’s easily applied, makes your skin feel light. It’s small and can easily be put in to a makeup or skincare bag. The texture is nice and smooth. And there is no scent to it so if you are looking for something with scent then keep on looking." - carmen

    amazon.com , Tatyanashome , amazon customer Report

    #16

    That Stubborn Halo Of Baby Hairs And Rogue Wisps That Think They're Way Too Cool For Your Actual Hairstyle Is About To Get Gently, But Firmly, Put In Its Place By This Sleek Wax Stick For Flyaways , Achieving Instant Polished Vibes

    Woman showing her summer glow up transformation with before and after skincare results in a bathroom setting.

    Review: "I love this product! It keeps my hair looking shiny and neat! Keeps my hair by my ears in place. No more re-wetting my hairline with water or hairspray to keep my hair neat because with this wax it keeps everything exactly in place!!! I love it!!!" - Judy

    amazon.com , Krista Wnuk Report

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    #17

    Your Face Is About To Look Like It’s Auditioning For The Walking Dead For A Hot Minute, But The Ridiculously Smooth Skin You’ll Get From This Zombie Beauty Face Mask Is Pure Summer Glam

    Zombie Pack face mask packaging next to a woman with a drying face mask, perfect for a summer glow up skincare routine.

    Review: "This mask is weird, but in a good way! It tightens as it dries but isn't uncomfortable. Super easy to use and the included brush is great! My skin looked more hydrated after using. I've added it to my skin care routine and use one once a week." - Rebecca Vollmer

    amazon.com , Sarah , Irene Report

    Subaru645
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t go outside with that on your face, folks will get the wrong idea

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    #18

    Your Smile Is About To Get A Serious Brightness Boost, Making It The Perfect Accessory For All Those Summer Selfies, Thanks To The Quick And Easy Magic Of This Teeth Whitening Pen

    Close-up of teeth before and after whitening treatment showing a summer glow up transformation for a brighter smile.

    Review: "I'm a coffee drinker so am no stranger to whitening products - I've used them all and while they do work, these pens, I find are exceptional because you can take them and apply them literally anywhere. I find I use these more than the others because of the ease of use. The result is amazing! I'll be repurchasing." - Pixie Girl

    amazon.com , Jenny P Report

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    #19

    That Sleek, 'I Just Walked Out Of A Salon' Hair That Can Withstand Summer Humidity Is Surprisingly Achievable At Home With The L'ange Hair 1-Pass Flat Iron , Saving You Time And Frizz-Induced Frustration

    Woman with long straight hair holding a pink flat iron styling tool for a summer glow up hair routine.

    Review: "The pink is pretty and I like the soft texture on the outside of the iron. The temperature setting is helpful for fine hair, preventing frizzy ends. The best feature is that it doesn't pull my hair." - TammyM.

    amazon.com , Kayla Report

    #20

    When You Want That 'I Just Casually Tucked A Bloom Into My Hair' Look Without The Actual Wilting Tragedy, These Flower Claw Clips Are Your Summer Hair's New Best Friends

    Woman wearing sunglasses with flowers in hair, enjoying clear water and sun for the perfect summer glow up moment.

    Review: "These are very pretty and a lot more durable than I had expected. They don’t get that weird squeaking that cheap clips get and they look beautiful!" - Alexis Orsino

    amazon.com Report

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