Hot Girl Summer starts in the Spring
Refresh your makeup, update your routines, shake the winter blues
It’s finally spring, and it’s time to show the world (a bit) of the progress we’ve made during our winter arc. While everyone else is still hibernating in their pilled sweaters, the truly elevated woman knows spring is when the real work happens. All of the “locking in” we’ve been doing with our productivity habits, beauty routines, and leveling up, let's talk about how to emerge from your winter cocoon like the butterfly you are, shall we?
Reset your Skincare Routine
Swap out that heavy moisturizer for something lighter. Right now I’m using the Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream from Lancôme. The Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré from Amazon is a staple as well.
Adding SPF to your morning routine is a must (if you haven’t been wearing it in the winter)! This protects the skin and prevents dark spots from getting darker by the sun. I LOVE THE La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 and ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk from Summer Fridays if you have sensitive skin.
Cut back on the retinol. The spring sun is sneaky! Maybe move that retinol to your nighttime routine only. I switched over to every other night to prevent too much sun exposure because I really want to get rid of my dark spots by summer.
Add a vitamin C serum to your routine in the morning like the Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative from Caudalie.
Less Makeup, More Glow
Put away the heavy foundation. Switch to a tinted moisturizer or skincare-based foundation. Your natural texture should come through (in a good way). The Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation from NARS is my go-to since it has color-correction ingredients as well.
Swap your contour for the FENTY BEAUTY Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer. Warm and glowy will always look best on any skin tone!
Add "sweat-proof" products to your routine. Start testing which products won't slide down your face at the first hint of humidity. I like the E.L.F Beauty Power Grip Primer and the One-Size Waterproof Setting Spray.
Invest in a cream blush that gives an extra dewy look (and can double as lip tint). Multitasking is chic, and so is looking effortless. Patrick Ta Beauty and Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Liquid Blush and Cheek Tint are staples in my makeup bag.
Upgrade your Body Routine
Dry brushing before showers. Circulation is coming back to town, and she's invited glow to join her.
Wrap up your hair removal appointments. With a typical 2-week sun exposure warning, we want to make sure we adjust our appointments to your upcoming vacations and time you spend outdoors. Do it now before beach panic sets in.
Actually use that body scrub that's been sitting in your everything shower routine since December. I’ve used the one from Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub for years.
Mindset adjustment
Hot Girl Summer is as much a mindset as it is an aesthetic. Prepare your psyche by decluttering your space. Clean out your inbox. Unfollow those who don’t inspire you.
Setting a flexible routine that makes you feel good. Consistency is attractive; rigidity is not.
Curating a spring playlist that makes you feel like the main character in your life movie. Here is my Feminine Frequency playlist I made on Apple Music I listen to it when I want to wind down and my 90s THAT GIRL playlist when I want to remember who TF I am!
The truly elevated woman isn't waiting for summer to become her best self. She knows the shift begins now. By the time everyone else is frantically preparing for "Hot Girl Summer," you'll already be ready! Hot Girl Summer isn't something that happens to you. It's something you create, starting now.
If you liked this read, then you would love What Elevated Women Actually Need in Their Closet This Spring/Summer and Be the Most Interesting Woman in the Room
This was so good, a lot of my favorites are on this list!
👍