PC Top Summer Beauty Picks Under $40

Now that it’s officially summer, here are some of my new favorite products to help keep you refreshed and hydrated throughout the season and well into fall.

beauty products

Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator ($40) – Stress has terrible effects on our bodies, including our skin! From blotchiness to premature aging (to irritation, acne, dehydration, skin fatigue and redness), this product is lightweight and packed with efficacious ingredients (like Rosa Gallica Botanical Extract, Mannose, Camomile Extract, Shea Butter, and Glycerin) to help counteract these negative effects. Plus it’s fragrance and oil-free! I’ve been using it for about a month and see a noticeable difference in my skins health and complexion.

BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector ($36) – I’m not big on silicone based primers, especially in the summer. Instead opt for a water-based one like BECCA’s oil-control primer which feels so good on (it’s like giving your skin a drink of water). It smooths out pores and lasts all day. It’s great alone or used before or after your foundation application.

Olay Ultra Moisture With Shea Butter Body Wash ($3.99/12oz, $5.99/23.6oz) – In the last three weeks I’ve changed to this body wash and my skin is noticeably softer and more hydrated. It packs some serious lather but rinses off light, and offers a pleasant scent that isn’t heavy or overpowering. If you’re skin is on the dryer side, it’s a must try; especially in the summer time if you’re hoping to switch to a lighter post-shower moisturizer (or tend to forget/skip that process all together).

Murad Clarifying Wipes ($18) –  Perfect for acne-prone skin, these wet wipes contain an oil-fighting formula that reduces shine, balances and tones skin by removing dirt, oil and bacteria that can clog pores. While it’s great for the face, I pack these in my gym bag use these them compulsively around my sports bra area where I’m prone to breakout and they keep my skin clear and fresh.

NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray ($7.99) – When your makeup is ready to melt off, you’ll be so glad you have this in your makeup case. Not only does it set your makeup in to make each application last longer, it’s so refreshing to spritz on and offers this dewy finish making it all just seem effortless. (Which in fact, it is!)

Supergoop! SPF 35 Save Face A.M. Moisturizer ($28) – b-glowing is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to beauty websites (it’s very well curated) and they turned me on to this product and it’s been a lifesaver (ahem, skin-saver?). SPF’s are a must year-round but especially in the summer and with the temperature rising it’s time to opt out of those heavier moisturizers we so desperately needed during the dry winter months and transition to something lighter. This lotion is oil-free and almost mattifies my skin so I’m protected from the sun without being shiny or greasy.

Schick Quattro For Women Trim Style Razor & Bikini Trimmer ($11.99) – It’s shorts and bikini season so time to show off them legs (and stop skipping those shave sessions). This dual sided razor + bikini trimmer will last you all summer as the trimmer is battery operated and the razor blade is refillable. The trimmer adjusts to 3 lengths for easy, even trimming based on your preference. While the razor packs a 4 ultra-thin blades, aloe & duo complex for a close and comfortable shave without any stubble or irritation. (Although I have to note that I only use the razor portion for my lets and underarm area.)

Secret Clinical Strength Stress Sweat Protection ($7.99) – Stress stinks (literally), which is why opting for an antiperspirant and deodorant combo that’s complete with prescription-strength sweat protection covers you whether you’re a stress mess at the office or exercising. And besides being an odor blocker, it keeps me dry. I’m not usually one for cream-like formulas but his one quickly absorbs into skin (I usually wait about 30 seconds before putting on a top) and it has yet to stain my clothes.

Lorac TANtalizer Body Bronzing Spray ($32) – Words can not describe my love for this product. It’s a tan in a bottle and reminds me why I was so sun-happy in my (oh so naive) salad days. It’s streak-free, has incredible coverage and looks so natural (and to clarify I mean natural for being in the sun all day). It’s meant for your body but I’ve used it on occasion on my face and it doesn’t give me enlarge tan pores or anything short of bronzed perfection. (I’m hoping they formulate one specific for face next.) Also I want more of the applicator puff that comes with it — it delivers such a perfect and easy application and tops those mitts most brands usually use.

Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh Toothpaste ($3.35/4oz, $3.75/5.8oz, $4.25/7.6oz)- White teeth is season-less but brushed up against that bright red lipstick or that glowing faux-tan, it’s no time like the present to have those pearly whites shine. And with cavity protection and enamel safe whitening, and claims of removing up to 80% of surface stains with enamel, I trust in Crest to get the job done. However, what attracts me to this toothpaste is how clean and fresh my mouth feel after use. I’m also a fan of the corresponding Oral-B 3D White Vivid Toothbrush ($4.49). It contains soft bristles (which my dentist told me you should always buy) and offers a longer head then most toothbrushes that really gets in there for a comfortable and thorough scrub. The handle also has a comfortable grip.

Clark’s Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint ($19) – A great range of paraben-free tinted lip balms that are ultra hydrating. Packed with the moisturizing benefits of Shea Butter, Aloe Leaf Extract, Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil, they are carry a beautiful shine and make my lips so smooth.

What’s on your summer must have list? Leave a comment below or tweet me @prettyconnected!

{Disclaimer: All products above we’re sent to me by a company representative (or given to me in a gift bag). The portion including Olay is part of a sponsored, paid post series where I was asked to create an honest, unbiased review of their body wash. All thoughts, opinions are my own and not representative of the brands I picked for this post.}