My toxic trait: I can justify any purchase. Designer shoes? Just calculate the cost per wear and it’s worth it. A new mattress? A good night’s sleep (and maybe some mouth tape) is the key to longevity. The entire Summer Fridays product lineup? I’ll have hydrated skin, glossy lips, and brighter under-eyes.
I've been a day-one fan, adding the Jet Lag mask to my beauty routine when the brand launched circa 2018. (It's amazing as a nighttime moisturizer, FYI.) In the past six years, I've assembled an impressive Lip Butter Balm collection (the limited-edition Hot Cocoa is my current favorite), started religiously using the CC Me Serum, and have put approximately 50 people onto the Light Aura Eye Cream, which is one of the only products out there to genuinely brighten my dark circles.
Samantha has tried every Summer Fridays product.
With dozens of skincare, makeup, and gift sets (!!) to choose from, figuring out what to add to the cart often ends in the question: OK, but do I really need this? Because I’ve tested virtually every single Summer Fridays launch, I'm clueing you into what products I actually can't live without—and I try a lot of products.
Here, shop my eight must-have Summer Friday products for a healthy, dewy glow. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
The Best Summer Fridays Products
As the self-appointed president of the Dark Under Eye Circles Club, I fully endorse this brightening eye cream. It's packed with vitamin C, caffeine, and allantoin to reduce dark shadows, de-puff, and hydrate—a true triple threat.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (brightening), caffeine (de-puffing), allantoin (soothing)
Texture: Rich cream
What I Love: Makes an instant difference; multi-benefit; amazing for morning application
What I Don't: It can irritate sensitive skin and eyes, so I don't recommend using it in the morning
Samantha wears Summer Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream.
The pièce de résistance of the Summer Fridays portfolio: Lip Butter Balm. I consider myself a collector—keeping one in every product, drawer, and even a surprise treat in my car door. The new hot cocoa flavor is quite literally delicious, but I'll always be loyal to Vanilla and Pink Sugar.
Flavors: Nine
Key Ingredients: Shea butter (hydrating), vegan waxes (boosts shine)
What I Love: Comes in amazing shades; looks great over lipstick; truly hydrating; comes in tinted and untinted versions, as well as flavored and unflavored
What I Don't: Need to re-apply frequently
Samantha wear Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
The OG Jet Lag Mask was the brand's only product when it launched six years ago and it remains a hero formula to this day. It's a game changer for long flights (hence the name), dry winter skin, and even cracked cuticles. I like using it as a nighttime moisturizer over a mask, but it's up to your preference.
Texture: Rich cream
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (evens tone and texture), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), glycerin (locks in moisture)
Who It's For: Dry, sensitive skin
What I Love: Can be used as a treatment or nightly moisturizer; very soothing and instantly plumping; works really well as a lip mask, too
What I Don't: If you overuse it or have oily skin, you may notice little bumps forming from clogged pores
Samantha wears Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask.
"Sunscreens are vital in your routine, but some can break you out or leave a white cast behind on darker skin tones. Not this one—it’s lightweight and didn’t lead to breakouts even when I wore it all summer long and leaves behind a subtle glow," says E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla. Marie Claire Beauty Director Hannah Baxter also swears by this formula for a sheer physical SPF to help prevent melasma patches.
SPF: 30
Type of Sunscreen: Mineral
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (protects against UVA/UVB rays), squalane (hydrating), antioxidant complex (protects against free radicals)
What I Love: Gives a glowy tint and offers products; can be worn alone or under makeup; great for beach days
What I Don't: Might pill with certain skincare; could be a slightly higher SPF
"This was the first vitamin C serum I’ve ever used consistently, and I loved it so much that I reviewed it for Marie Claire when I was halfway through my first bottle," says Marzovilla. "It leaves my skin glowing like never before and doesn’t break me out at all, as some vitamin C serums are prone to do. The smell is very citrusy and sweet (it’s almost like an orange soda scent), but it didn't give me a headache or lead to any irritation.”
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightening); 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (brightens dull skin and provides antioxidant protection)
Who It's For: All skin types, especially those with hyperpigmentation
What I Love: Very lightweight and non-irritating; visible results within four weeks; smells refreshing
What I Don't: The fragrance is not ideal for those with sensitive skin
I audibly gasped the first time I tried this lip oil—it's that good. Formulated with nine, moisturizing plant oils, vitamin E, and a powerful pigment, Pink Cloud has become my go-to tint. I'm constantly rubbing my lips together for the silky smooth sensation.
Texture: Combination of a gloss and oil
Shades: Four
What I Love: Incredible glossy finish; hydration lasts for hours; amazing color payoff
What I Don't: It's not a true lip oil, so don't expect that thick, hyper-glossy texture
If there's one skincare ingredient I swear by, it's retinol. The wrinkle-reducing, acne-fighting powerhouse keeps my skin looking smooth, clear, and radiant at all times. Not sure where to start? The Summer Fridays retinol serum is a gentle yet effective option that calms and soothes the skin as it gets to work.
Key Ingredients: Retinol (minimizes look of fine lines), tiger grass (reduces redness), avocado oil (hydrates)
Who It's For: Mature skin; those who want a gentler alternative to prescription retinol
What I Love: Gentle alternative to a prescription retinoid; improves fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark spots
What I Don't: Can still be a bit irritating on sensitive and dry skin
If you have dry skin, acne, or are sensitive, I highly recommend this gentle cleanser. Its refreshing formula gives a super-clean feel but still delivers a dose of vitamins, nutrients, and hydration. Plus, you'll get an intense foam texture that removes makeup.
Key Ingredients: Amino acids (replenishes skin hydration), vitamin E (attracts moisture)
Texture: Foaming gel
What I Love: Gives skin a super clean feeling; gentle and hydrating; good for all skin types
What I Don't: Not a travel friendly bottle
Why Trust Us
Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire with intimate knowledge and experience in the skincare space. She tests hundreds of skincare products a year, consistently consults with dermatologists, and has expert knowledge on ingredients and formulations.
Marie Claire has completed thorough reviews of other beauty brands, like Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty, and Makeup by Mario.
How We Tested
To select the best Summer Fridays products, Samantha Holender tested every single item in the range over the course of six years. She chose the best eight based on efficacy, texture, and ingredient profiles.
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
