Prices and other information in this story were accurate at press time, but are subject to change. Please confirm details with individual designers and vendors.
A silky blend of aloe vera extract and vitamins C and E, this primer not only creates a smooth canvas for makeup by filling in fine lines and pores, it also keeps excess oils from destroying the effects of makeup, meaning foundation will stay fresh longer.
Mehron Velvet Finish primer serum, $20, mehron.com
Avoid foundation meltdown with a small amount of this shine controlling, oil-free liquid foundation. It doesn't contain SPF, which is actually a good thing on your wedding day—SPF interferes with camera flash and makes you look washed-out in photos. (If you're having an outdoor wedding and need to wear SPF, just apply a moisturizer with SPF 15 an hour before putting on makeup.)
Make Up For Ever Professional Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation, $34, makeupforever.com
Though it seems counter-intuitive, resist the urge to pile on the powder during the in sweaty summer months. An overly matte look will absorb light and highlight fine lines in photos. Instead, apply a light layer of sheer, translucent powder without pigment, like this one, to set your foundation without applying more color or coverage than you need.
Paul & Joe Summer Finishing Powder, $35, paul-joe-beaute.com
Touch up with these handmade blotting papers, a staff favorite, made with abaca leaves and gold flakes—that remove excess oil without ruining your makeup.
Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese blotting papers, $12, tatcha.com
When its crazy hot out, skip cream and powder blushes (too sticky and/or heavy) in favor of this clear gel blush—it has intuitive color particles that react with your skin's chemistry to turn your cheeks the shade you blush naturally (sounds weird, but it works).
Smashbox O-GLOW cheek color, $26, smashbox.com
The ultimate summer mascara: a new waterproof formula negates the need to worry about humidity, sweat, tears, or rain, while the specially designed brush (a blend of two different bristle fibers) separates and volumizes for lush, non-clumpy lashes.
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume waterproof mascara, $20, esteelauder.com
We're still debating whether it's the warm, beachy smell of this perfume, which has notes of mandarin, Tahitian gardenia, coconut, and sandalwood, or the fact that it comes in a shiny golden orb that makes this gift perfect for bridesmaids. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess solid perfume pendant, $75
Humidity plus the constant use of sunscreen can lead to breakouts. Degunk your pores with this gentle gel-based exfoliator—the blend of sea minerals and oil-absorbing marine botanicals will leave your skin feeling smooth and shine-free.
H20+ Sea Clear Refining Facial, $22, h2oplus.com
Wearing a short dress? This cooling, non-drying gel's tea tree oil-infused formula reduces nicks and razor burn.
Queen of... Ta-da! Shaving gel, $3, available at Target and CVS
A must-have if you're wearing sandals or strappy heels, this cute foot-shaped scrubber is packed with pumice and fine sea salt to slough off any roughage, while the cocoa butter and jojoba oil soften and moisturize.
Lush Stepping Stone foot scrub, $4, lush.com
Speaking of feet, give your toenails a splash of color with this flirty, summery tropical aqua shade. (Use a classic neutral color on your fingernails, though, to avoid taking attention away from your face and dress in photos.)
Essie Turquoise & Caicos polish, $8, essie.com
We love how this leave-in treatment delivers the same frizz-free, full-of-body results as in-salon hair-smoothing treatments, but for significantly less dough.
Keratin Complex Intense Rx, from $41 for 1 oz., keratincomplex.com
These non-greasy moist towelettes are kind of like blotting papers for your hair—use them to smooth any frizzies that pop up.
Ted Gibson hair sheets, $15, available at Target
