It’s that time of year again, besties—the weather is heating up! Although we still haven’t hit those humid nights yet (#can’twait), it’s starting to reach those 38-degree days.
Like many girlies this time of year, I wake up, look out my window at the glorious blue skies, and think: What am I going to do today? It looks like a stunning day, but I know that sun is about to be toasty.
With that in mind, there’s one reprieve I can still rely on: the beautiful beckoning of the Persian Gulf. AKA a beach day! But thanks to an endless selection of beach clubs and resort pools, we don’t just hit the beach towel in hand—we hit the day in style.
As our days consist of rosé by the pool, plush beach chairs, Insta-worthy backdrops, and sunny days turning into spicy nights, we need our makeup to stay on point through it all.
Prep and Prime
Let’s start with the basics. To make your makeup last all day and night, you need a strong base layer. The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Prime has a cult following thanks to its unique hyaluronic acid-infused formula that hydrates while it holds. The consistency is great for locking in makeup and creating a tacky base that grips your foundation—no cake in sight. However, for that extra golden goddess glow, I recommend the Glow Primer version—it creates an ethereal golden sheen on the skin thanks to light-reflective pearls.
Why Tinted Moisturizers Win in the Heat
In the humid months, it’s better to reach for lightweight tinted moisturizers or BB creams over heavy, full-coverage foundations. Tinted moisturizers are more breathable and hydrating, leaving your skin radiant—plus many products include SPF. It’s better to create an overall sheer base and spot-correct, instead of opting for foundations that can clump or separate as you sweat.
The Case for Creams: Stay Hydrated, Stay Glowy
Cream products are key to a seamless, dewy base this summer. Luckily, the beauty universe seems to agree, with plenty of amazing options on the market. Whether it’s the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, a fan favorite on TikTok, or the Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer, filling everyone’s carts.
In fact, makeup artists often recommend cream formulas in the heat because they melt into skin more naturally and don’t sit on top like powders. And since Dubai air conditioning can be particularly drying during the summer months, the emollients in cream products help maintain moisture and lock in hydration.
Lock in the Hard Work
The beauty bag MVP of summer? Setting spray. Nothing locks in makeup and fights humidity like it. Two standout products getting major love right now are Patrick Starrr’s One Size Setting Spray and the trusty Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. Both are designed to keep your makeup in place for all-day durability, without fading or settling. Lightweight and breathable, setting sprays also help control excess oil throughout the day—perfect for beach club hopping!
Prepare for the Worst
Summer hair struggles are real—between sweat and humidity, frizz is basically guaranteed.
For those lucky girls with hair that naturally keeps in check, tossing a mini dry shampoo in your beach bag is enough for on-the-go touch-ups. The Amika Perk Up Mini Dry Shampoo is a classic, with its signature scent of warm vanilla, spicy sweet clover, and fresh citrus.
For the rest of us who are guaranteed frizz within 10 minutes of leaving the house, a slick stick is your new best friend this summer. After dancing the night away, just throw your hair up, slick down any flyaways with the Tigi Bed Head Stick, and rock an effortless yet totally intentional new look.
