The Only 12 Beauty Products You Need to Shop This Summer, According to Our Experts
Our take
## Our Take: Navigating the Noise – Why Expert-Led Beauty Recommendations Still Matter
The beauty landscape has become an overwhelming expanse of fleeting trends and influencer endorsements. Sifting through the constant barrage of "must-haves" can feel exhausting, and discerning genuine quality from carefully curated marketing is a skill honed through experience. That’s why the recent piece from Who What Wear UK, "The Only 12 Beauty Products You Need to Shop This Summer, According to Our Experts," resonates so strongly. It's a welcome return to a more considered approach, prioritizing the wisdom of seasoned industry professionals over the ephemeral allure of viral sensations. The article's strength lies not just in the product selections themselves, but in the implicit trust it establishes—a trust built on the foundation of expertise and a commitment to thoughtful curation. We’ve seen a similar exploration of cultural influence and perception in articles like [The Lorelai Gilmorification of Millennial Moms], which highlights the way media shapes our understanding of identity, and the increasing complexity of navigating those portrayals. Similarly, the vibrant and evolving world of beauty trends, as showcased in [The Best Nail Looks of the Week Take a Walk on the Wild Side], underscores the constant churn of styles and the need for a discerning eye to identify lasting value.
The shift towards expert-led recommendations is particularly significant given the current state of the beauty industry. The rise of social media has democratized access to information, but it has also created a breeding ground for misinformation and unsustainable consumerism. While user-generated content can be valuable, it often lacks the critical analysis and historical context that comes from years of professional experience. These experts, as referenced in the article, possess a deep understanding of formulation, ingredient science, and the nuances of different skin types and concerns. Their recommendations aren’t driven by brand partnerships or fleeting trends, but by a genuine desire to guide consumers toward products that deliver tangible results. This approach aligns perfectly with the growing consumer desire for authenticity and transparency – a desire for a more mindful and intentional approach to consumption, moving away from the impulse buys fueled by algorithmic feeds. It's about investing in quality over quantity, and trusting the judgment of those who have dedicated their careers to understanding the science and artistry of beauty.
Moreover, the article’s framing – a curated list of *only* 12 products – reinforces the idea of intentionality and mindful consumption. It’s a subtle but powerful message: you don’t need an overflowing vanity to achieve a polished and effective beauty routine. This aligns with a broader cultural trend towards minimalism and conscious living, where less is often more. The emphasis on fewer, higher-quality products also speaks to a shift in consumer values. People are increasingly willing to invest in products that are ethically sourced, sustainably produced, and formulated with clean ingredients. The experts at Who What Wear UK likely factored these considerations into their selections, further solidifying the article's appeal to a discerning audience. This echoes the desire for a more refined and considered lifestyle, a theme that resonates deeply with an audience seeking elevated experiences and a sense of quiet luxury, as explored in related content, such as [Prince William and Kids Were Left Waiting for Princess Kate Because of Habit Royal Family “Teases” Her About].
Ultimately, the resurgence of expert-led beauty recommendations represents a crucial recalibration in a space often dominated by noise. It’s a signal that consumers are craving clarity and guidance, and that the voices of seasoned professionals still hold significant weight. The question now becomes: how can the beauty industry leverage this renewed appreciation for expertise to foster more meaningful connections with consumers and promote a more sustainable and responsible approach to beauty? Will we see a wider adoption of this model, prioritizing curated selections and informed recommendations over the relentless pursuit of viral trends, or will the allure of fleeting popularity continue to overshadow the value of lasting quality and genuine expertise?
I could count on one hand the number of people I'd take beauty recommendations from. As someone who has worked in the industry for many years, I've learnt to become sceptical of any viral trend, brand or product, and prefer to test things out myself before giving my opinion. However, at Who What Wear UK, we have the most in-the-know network of contributing editors, and honestly? Anything they recommend goes to the top of my must-try list.
With summer in full swing and my beauty routine in need of a refresh, I wanted to find out which products our editors-in-residence swear by for the warmer weather, from SPF to multi-use makeup and holiday perfumes that transport you with just one spritz. It's not often you get to peek inside the makeup bags of some of your favourite brand founders and creators, so it's safe to say I was pretty excited about writing this piece.
I reached out to some of the biggest voices shaping today's beauty industry and asked them to share their ride-or-die summer beauty products for 2026. Below, you'll find a curated edit of summer beauty buys that look just as exquisite as they are efficacious. I highly recommend you keep scrolling, but be warned: you might find yourself wanting to add every single thing to your basket…
The Best Summer Beauty Products of 2026, Recommended by Experts
Victoria Magrath, Makeup Brand Founder and Content Creator
Founder of byfrow Beauty, Victoria Magrath is no stranger to what makes a sought-after beauty product. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Dyson to Medik8 and Armani Beauty, I trust her implicitly for makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance recommendations. It should come as no surprise that her summer beauty favourites have already made their way into my makeup bag.
1. Clé De Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF50
"I have mentioned this product many times before, but it's still my non-negotiable product," says Magrath. "This silky, creamy SPF50 gives a beautiful glow to the skin without makeup, but it sits beautifully underneath makeup too. I have never found an SPF I love more than this."
2. byfrow Hue Glazing Balm SPF50
"I might be biased, but our new byfrow Hue Glazing Balms are the ultimate one-and-done summer product. They give lips and cheeks a glazed, watercolour wash of colour whilst delivering SPF50 protection. Plus, they come in three super-summery shades that suit everyone. [They are] the easiest way to add colour whilst protecting your skin this summer."
3. Jo Malone London Sea Salt and Bergamot Fragrance
"I was invited on a trip to Cornwall for the launch of this Jo Malone London scent, and haven’t stopped wearing it since. It’s zesty, fruity, salty and fresh: the ideal summer fragrance. If you love the brand's iconic Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne, then you’ll adore this. I’m completely hooked."
Sharmadean Reid, Entrepreneur and Author
When Sharmadean Reid MBE recommends a beauty product, I listen. Author, innovator, entrepreneur and founder of the ultimate bathing brand 39BC, her summer beauty recommendations focus on taking it slow. "I’ve spent the last few weeks getting ready for Jamaica, which, if you know me, mostly means editing my packing list, Reid says. "I’m an unapologetic hand-luggage-only traveller. I love the challenge of seeing how little I can take and somehow still have everything I need.
"The only reason I’m checking a suitcase this year is that it’s full of books. I’ve been building a reading list for the research behind our next 39BC collection, and apparently anthropology books weigh more than bikinis. When you’re travelling with so little, every product has to earn its place. Everything I pack has been thoroughly road-tested and has a very specific job to do."
Apart from her go-to Eadem lip balm (which we are all patiently waiting to make its way to the UK), these are the three summer beauty products Reid can't live without.
1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50
"A few years ago I got really badly sunburnt in Crete. I’d sometimes worn sunscreen on holiday, but nowhere near consistently enough. Getting burnt sent me down a deep research rabbit hole into UV damage and melanin, and I realised the idea that Black people don’t need sunscreen is one of those myths that refuses to die. Now I don’t mess around, and I apply sunscreen multiple times a day. For my face, I switch between this Biore SPF and SunSolveMD, depending on the day. They’re both lightweight, disappear into the skin and don’t leave me looking ashy or greasy."
2. CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50
"For my body, I’ve been using this CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen or Alta Marea La Seta."
3. Rollr Vetiver on Green Aventurine Gemstone Deodorant
"In the summer, I don’t spray perfume directly onto my skin. Whether it’s scientifically founded or not, I’ve always been wary of alcohol on skin that’s sitting in strong sunshine, so instead I think about all the other ways I can scent myself. A beautiful deodorant is honestly one of the most underrated fragrance products you can own, and I’ve recently fallen for Rollr. I love objects that ask you to slow down. So much of modern beauty is designed to be faster, but Rollr does the opposite. You have this little ritual of opening the bottle, pouring the scent formula (I wear Vetiver), screwing on the green aventurine rollerball and then gliding it across your skin. The glass bottle has a reassuring weightiness, and the cool stone feels almost like a tiny self-massage first thing in the morning.
"It’s such a small detail, but it completely changes the experience. Instead of absent-mindedly swiping on deodorant whilst rushing out the door, I pause. I notice the coolness. I spend a little longer with it. Those extra few seconds probably don’t change my day in any measurable way, but they do remind me that rituals are made from moments exactly like this."
Harriet Westmoreland, Celebrity Manicurist and Nail Brand Founder
If you've found yourself admiring your favourite celeb's manicure this summer, chances are, Harriet Westmoreland created it. I often look to the top celebrity manicurist (and founder of Westmoreland Cosmetics) for beauty inspiration, and who can blame me? One look at Westmoreland's Instagram feed and you'll soon learn that her summer beauty must-haves are the chicest around.
This season, when she's not busy painting the hands of the rich and famous, you'll find her poolside, reading Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild, her current non-beauty summer essential.
1. Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Al Bacio
Those who follow Westmoreland on social media will know that she has impeccable taste in fragrances, and her seasonal perfume of choice is no exception. "This is my summer fragrance," she tells me. "It's fresh, light and clean."
With notes of bergamot, rosemary, orange flower water and musk, the crisp, dewy scent is bound to turn heads on your upcoming holiday.
2. Chanel Éclat Premier Bright Milky Essence
When it comes to her skin, one of Westmoreland's favourites is this milk-to-water essence from Chanel. "I use this for a little bit of glow when I want [my] skin bare", says Westmoreland. "It's super hydrating and makes my skin feel fresh."
3. Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist
Speaking of hydrated, glowy skin, this oil-in-essence facial spray is in every beauty lover's handbag this summer. "This keeps my skin hydrated in the sun and heat," Westmoreland says. "I even use it on my hands."
Jane McFarland, Editor-in-Chief, Who What Wear UK
Of course, I had to ask Who What Wear UK editor-in-chief, Jane McFarland, for her summer beauty must-haves. In true Who What Wear style, these products look as if they're straight out of a summer beauty shoot. But don't take their packaging alone as proof; the formulas are just as effective.
1. Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Crème
"I swear by the majority of Westman Atelier products, but the bronzing palette is one of my favourites. The duo of shades means you can build up a glow accordingly, and as I've never quite managed to nail the application of a liquid bronzer and find some powders don't look as natural, the cream-to-powder formula is a win-win for me."
2. Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Matte Sun Serum
"A good sunscreen is top of my packing list, and I love Mecca Cosmetica’s lightweight SPF50 face serum. It’s matte—so you don’t need to worry about extra shine—and contains gluconolactone, which helps smooth skin. The overall effect is like a really great primer, so I rarely bother with base makeup afterwards, but if I do, it’s best to let the serum fully absorb before applying."
3. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Faux Brow Tint Pen
"I rarely have the time for any pre-holiday beauty treatments, so when my brows are looking a little unruly or patchy, I swear by this Faux Brow Tint Pen, which, thanks to its 0.01mm double brush tip, gives me fuller, darker and more defined brows at home. Did I mention it's waterproof, sweatproof and heatproof?!"
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