Kimberly Yang

Summer skin doesn't need more; it needs smarter. Heat and humidity throw off skin's natural moisture balance, sweat clogs pores faster, and UV exposure exacerbates visible signs of aging—like texture, dark spots, and lines. The result is a seasonal paradox: your face feels exponentially oilier, yet somehow looks duller, more reactive, and less luminous than it did in April. The fix isn't about piling on additional steps but rather about adopting a less-is-more, lighter-is-better philosophy.

Of the hundred or so fragrances that have landed on my desk this year, few have garnered more chatter than Sunlit Vanilla. Even the niche-only aficionados were curious—a sweeping intrigue that piqued mine, and sparked this very Summer Fridays perfume review. It’s particularly interesting given the rise of gourmands. A sharp uptick in demand has made vanilla scents pervasive, with new launches often iterating on existing profiles.

Countless products flood our feeds to the point of excess, but dutifully vetting the myriad has its rewards. In my year-long search for the best new products for 2026, I’ve tested hundreds of new moisturizers, sunscreens, hair treatments, and makeup—and uncovered noteworthy finds that have changed my regimen for the better.