Tips For A Healthy, Beautiful Summer

Experts weigh in on elegant nails, breezy hair and super sunscreen—everything you need to look and feel great.

School is out, July 4th weekend is approaching and the season of fun in the sun is upon us—and so is its pitfalls. It feels like, for almost every summer pleasure, there’s an equivalent challenge to work around. How do you keep your skin glowing, but not sunburnt? How do you wear your favorite sandals without limping on blisters for the rest of the week? How do you achieve that coveted beachy texture without overworking your hair with products?

We’ve got you covered. BERGEN talked to seven experts for the what’s-what on summer health and beauty woes, head to toe. Check out some of their tips and product recommendations here—and then flip through the July issue of BERGEN for the rest of their advice.

Skin you’re in. Sunscreen, of course, is a must. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and sun protection the gold standard for preventing it. But we’ve come a long way from the heavy, greasy sunscreens of yesteryear. Says Shanece Davis, a licensed aesthetician and the founder of Fond & Faye Medical & Wellness Spa in Rutherford: “For daily protection, I recommend SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair, a ‘superscreen’ that goes beyond traditional ultraviolet light (UV) blocks.”

Another trend? According to Davies, “We are officially ditching the slow-acting collagen powders and sugary gummies. Instead, peptide IVs and ‘skin boosters’ have become the new gold standard. A standout in this category is Skinvive, an injectable, internal-hydration system that works beneath the surface to increase cheek smoothness and provide a lasting, healthy glow.”

Hair with care. The vibe for summer ’26? “It’s all about taking it easy!” says Angela Alba, owner of The B Hive Salon in Hillsdale. “Softer, sun-kissed color, natural textures and air-dried looks will make your high style look effortless.” Jaclyn Dato, who owns Suite 101 in Wood-Ridge, agrees. “Low-maintenance, layered bobs and mid-length to long hair with soft, face-framing layers are on trend, as is natural wave and texture. As for color, I’m seeing rooted, sun-kissed blondes and coppery tones. Brunette shades mixed with caramel or honey tones are also beautiful for summer.”

To achieve these unfussy looks, Alba says, “My favorite summertime product is the Davines SU line, made specifically for dealing with the sun. It has shampoo/body wash combo for easy travel, a lightweight, multi-use, leave-in conditioner and a nourishing hair mask, which protect your hair from ultraviolet (UV) exposure and rejuvenate it after sun exposure.” For more protection, reach for Dato’s recommended product: Redken Quick Blow.

Summer glow. From weddings to graduation parties to great nights out, events aplenty in this season demand a full-face of makeup. Says Alexa Rae of Beauty by Alexa Rae in Ho-Ho-Kus: “This summer, trends are leaning toward a more natural and skin-focused look. Cream-based products are being utilized for a more natural look, rather than covering up imperfections.” The look is minimal and sun-kissed, focusing on creating a glow that looks like it comes from within. Less is more, and the star of the show is you, not the products.

To achieve it, Rae continues: “The brand Supergoop carries a variety of creams and primers that contain SPF [sun protection factor], to protect your skin from the sun this summer. IT Cosmetics has a tinted moisturizer I love, that will even out tone while also hydrating your skin. It’s available for all skin types! For blush, I recommend the Rhode Pocket Blush, which melts into your skin and gives the most beautiful, fun color.”

Nail it. Elegance is in when it comes to your manicure. Says Alisa Shadrina, owner and nail technician at Adelais Nails Studio in Norwood, “I expect elegant, healthy- looking nails to stay very popular. Sheer milky shades, glossy nude tones, soft chrome accents, aura nails and minimalist designs will continue dominating trends.” Aura nails feature a light ombre effect with an orb of one color in the center effortlessly defusing into another color. “In terms of shape,” Shadrina says, “natural oval, square and soft square-oval nails are most requested by my clients, because they look clean, modern and practical for everyday life.”

“I always recommend choosing trends that fit your lifestyle,” she says.

Watch your feet. Shadrina also advises, “For pedicures especially, it’s important not to let toenails grow too long during sandal season, since pressure from shoes and walking can sometimes lead to nail trauma.”

Other ways to keep your feet healthy this summer? Says Michael Stas, D.P.M., who practices at New Jersey Foot & Ankle Center in Oradell, “When in doubt, ease back into physical activity gradually. You cannot go from 3,000 steps per day to 10,000 without some type of consequence. Gradually increasing your daily steps by 300 to 500 at a time is a safe way to condition the feet for increased activity.”

Corinne Gehegan, D.P.M., of Bergen Medical Sports & Spine in Paramus, stresses the importance of proper footwear, often a culprit in causing foot issues. “Sneakers should be supportive and should not easily fold in half. They should have a firm heel counter to cradle the sides and back of the heel. Improper fit can lead to bruised nails, which are then susceptible to fungal infection, while blisters can potentially lead to bacterial infection. Sandals should ideally have a back strap and a foot bed composed of natural materials such as suede or leather.”

Want even more of the season’s hottest health and beauty tips? Check out the NEW July issue of BERGEN!