Solstice Light: A Summer Favorites Edit

How I Glow Through the Peak of Summer

At the time of this writing, this upcoming weekend celebrates both Father's Day and the summer solstice on the same day, and I find that pairing quietly profound. The solstice marks the peak of the sun's yang energy, the great masculine force that has been building since winter, pouring itself into the world in the form of long golden evenings. The heat is rising off the earth, and flowers are at their most extravagant. After tomorrow, that energy will subtly begin to wane. The light will start its slow lean toward autumn, even as summer is just officially getting underway.

I like to reflect on that for a moment. The mingling of the sun's great masculine energy (heat, intensity) with the abundant, generative power of the earth (Mother, feminine) is what produces everything gorgeous and sweet about this season from the blackberries on the vine to the wildflowers on the hillside. The way everything right now seems to be saying: look at me, I am fully and completely here. May your solstice find you somewhere sunny and sweet, celebrating the fathers and father figures who shaped you.

As for me? I'm spending most days in the garden, out on hikes, or making up brides and their loved ones. As such, I want to keep my makeup light and to infuse both color and whimsy into my beauty rituals and attire. Here's how I'm doing that:

The Color of the Season: Yellow

If the solstice has a color, it's yellow: warm, optimistic, and unabashedly cheerful. I've been living in this yellow tank top, and this shift dress, both of which make me happy the moment I put them on.

Whimsy and Lightness

Summer is the season for not taking yourself too seriously. I have been wearing this Clare V sardine necklace with nearly everything. It's funny, it's sweet, and it starts conversations. What more could you ask of a piece of jewelry?

Makeup: Lightweight, Protective, and Summer Faded

Summer makeup is its own philosophy: enhance what the season is already doing for you, protect what you've got, and don't work too hard. The overall effect is intended to be natural, a little dewy, a little flushed, and low in contrast like late summer faded colors. I'm reaching for the Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer (my shade is Light) and the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 (my shade is Balos). Then, I'll spot conceal anything that needs a little extra love with Tower28 Swipe Serum Concealer in shade Cc. Clear skin that's also protected is the whole point, and these deliver a fresh, skin-like finish that works with summer heat rather than against it.

For cheeks, the Tower28 Bronzino has been my constant companion. A warm, shimmering bronze sweep across the cheekbones topped with a bit of the Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Blush in shade Closer feels fresh and light.

Lips are sheer and easy, like a swipe of Acariciame Solid Lip Serum by Aora. Nothing that requires precision. Perfectly imperfect is the brand. If it won't survive a slice of watermelon then it's not welcome.

For eyes, I've been layering first this and then this on top for a natural shimmering pinky/gold tone, and then using a brown mascara for softer, summer-coded look.

Perfectly imperfect summer vibes

Skin: Streamlined and Lighter

My skincare in summer gets simpler, lighter, and more focused on maintaining than correcting. Right now my routine is built around just four things:

1. I'm cleansing with the Facile Bare Necessity Gel Cleanser. It's gentle, effective, good for sensitive skin.

2. Following that with Jenette Be Happy Toner, which smells like sunshine in a bottle and is great for balancing normal to combination skin. (Jenette, if you're reading this — your products are on my face every single day.)

3. Then the Epicuren Noni Elixir, which is lightly hydrating and soothing.

4. Lastly I seal it all in with the Aunu Cream — you may have read my recent deep dive on the brand. Still obsessed.

Hair: Low-Effort, High-Reward

Summer hair, for me, is about working with what I've got and spending the least possible amount of time with hot tools. I've been using Roz shampoo and conditioner for almost two years now and I don't see that changing anytime soon. It smells divine and is nourishing but also light enough for my color-treated fine hair.

For styling, the Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm has been a revelation. It gives my 2b wavy type hair enough structure and polish to feel intentional without any heat, which in summer feels both practical and virtuous. On the second day I'll go in with a little dry shampoo and a curling iron on a few select pieces to refresh the whole 'do.

Body: The Glow and the Hydration

I've been using Beauty by Earth for several summers now for a subtle, natural-looking faux tan. It's clean, buildable, and doesn't smell like the self-tanners of our youth, which is genuinely miraculous. It takes a minute to get the application right, but it's also fairly foolproof - the key is to keep rubbing it in until all trace of it melts into your skin.

And I'm following up after that dries (and on days in between) with the Daydreamer body serum from Joonbyrd to keep skin hydrated and soft (use code TABITHA20 for 20% off!). Summer sun is glorious and also relentless, and your skin on your body deserves as much attention as the skin on your face.

Nails: Bare and Unbothered

I wash my hands between every makeup client. I'm constantly washing makeup brushes. I work in the garden. My hands are in and out of water constantly. A traditional manicure on me lasts approximately forty-eight hours before it looks like I've been living in the wilderness, which — in the Columbia River Gorge — is not entirely inaccurate. Instead of fighting it I'm leaning into it. The Bare Hands Dry Gloss Manicure Set gives my nails a polished, healthy look without any color to chip or maintain. Clean, groomed, done. Bare nails are having a moment anyway, and I am delighted to already be there.

If you've made it this far, thanks for being here! You should also know that if you choose to purchase any products that I recommend here then I will receive a small affiliate commission. It doesn't pay the mortgage, but it helps me keep my makeup kit updated and current. You can find everything linked here in one place.

Here's to a season of long evenings, solar energy, and being fully and completely present for all of it.