Every summer, right around the time my t-zone begins to shine and my makeup melts off my face before I've even left the apartment, Amazon Prime Day rolls in like a little gift from the beauty gods. And while, yes, it's technically a mega sale for everything from summer shoes to baby supplies, I treat it like my own little holiday. (One where I can restock on all the luxury products on the low.) Because some of the best beauty products I've ever used—like the only self-tanner that gives me a bronze glow, not an orange tint, and a body cream from Cyklar that is never sticky—just so happen to go on sale right now.
In case you missed the memo: Prime Day kicked off Tuesday, July 8, and this year, it's running longer than usual—through Friday, July 11. You do need a Prime membership to take advantage of the deals, but if you're a beauty enthusiast (or are shopping for one), it's worth signing up. Below, I rounded up the skincare, makeup, nail care, and hair MVPs I swear by in my sixth year as a beauty editor, below.
The Best Amazon Summer Beauty Picks
This cult-favorite balm protects your lips from burning on your next beach day.
It may not be the prettiest-looking bottle on your vanity, but it'll never disappoint. The vitamin E-rich formulation has soothing and protective properties that sensitive, irritated, or itchy skin will drink up.
There's nothing that wreaks havoc on my hair more than chlorine from a swimming pool, and UV damage from the sun's harsh rays. This cult favorite treatment is the only thing that works to strengthen my hair while preventing further damage.
It wouldn't be a must-have beauty essentials roundup without a top sunscreen pick, and this one from EltaMD continuously takes the cake. The SPF 40 formula has broad-spectrum protection, blends in wonderfully, and works beautifully under makeup.
During summer, between the humidity and heat waves, I only wear waterproof mascara formulations. While it's great for its long-lasting powers during the day, when it comes to nighttime, it can be a pain to remove. That's where this super gentle micellar water comes in—it removes stubborn makeup in an instant while being safe for my sensitive skin.
Sexy summer skin is all about looking glowing and healthy. This gel formula from Saie accomplishes both—use it on your face and even collarbones for an extra touch of radiance.
When I'm in a swimsuit, there's no worse feeling than a razor burn along my bikini line, especially when exposed to the sun and chlorine. Well, that was until I incorporated this at-home laser hair removal device into my routine, and let's just say ingrowns and irritation are a thing of the past.
For a sheer wash of color that is universally flattering on every skin tone (a phrase I rarely, if ever, say), pop the famous Almost Lipstick in Black Honey from Clinique in your bag to see what all the hype is about.
My skin is ultra-sensitive, and during the summer, exposure to the sun and humidity just makes it angrier. To combat that, I use this ultra-gentle cream that works as a makeup primer, moisturizer, and after-sun soother all in one.
Ask anyone from Team Beauty at MC, I'm the self-tan queen. The best product for a foolproof faux glow is this gradual tanner from Jergens. Build it up day by day to get to the darkness you want, without ever going overboard.
Dry, dehydrated hair will do well with a lightweight oil that packs a serious moisture punch without weighing hair down. This one from Kérastase is my absolute favorite, and it also works as a heat protectant for hot tools.
Haven't you heard? French hairpins are the It Girl accessory of summer 2025. Pop this one in your cart if you want the easiest, breeziest, and chicest hairstyle of the season.
Just like a cleansing oil for your face, a cleansing oil for your body washes away debris and product, all without stripping the skin. This one from L'Occitane has a delicious-smelling vanilla scent and leaves the skin glowing and soft.
When I walk outside in the humidity that comes with summer, in just five minutes, my sleek straight hair turns puffy and frizzy. The only solution? This humidity spray that keeps my hair on lock, so it's smooth and flyaway-free even in the toughest of conditions.
There's nothing quite like stocking up on your beauty favorites during the biggest savings event of the year, and there's nothing more classic than a neutral polish like Funny Bunny. Real ones know that it's two coats of Funny Bunny, and one coat of Bubble Bath—the latter of which, FYI, is also on sale.
A million and one bronzers have hit the market in the past few years, but this one will always have a place in my heart. The perfect shade balances warm tones with cool tones to create a shade that has both depth and color, all while gliding on—as the name suggests—like butter.
I'm pretty picky with my shampoo and conditioner formulations. And after trying pretty much every brand in the book, I can confidently say that Pureology reigns supreme in my book. The Hydrate Conditioner is a lifesaver for dry hair during the summer months.
Yes, you're seeing that right: the iconic Shark Flexstyle is on sale for Prime Day, and it's as good as everyone says it is. The power of this multi-styler is unmatched all while the heat damage stays to a minimum.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
