Get That Summer Glow

7 local pros give advice on how to make this season your most beautiful yet— while also one of the healthiest.

It’s the season of poolside afternoons, beachside weekends and weeknight backyard cookouts—and also of scorched shoulders, melting makeup and blistered feet. For almost every summer pleasure, it seems, there’s an equivalent pitfall to navigate around. Health should always come before beauty, they say, but of course you want it all. So MONMOUTH tapped local experts to help you achieve a summer look you’ll be proud of—while staying healthy.

YOUR SKIN

The non-negotiable: You need to wear a sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and sun protection the gold standard for preventing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. You have options within that category—mineral vs. chemical, for example. A mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier against the sun, while a chemical sunscreen uses a chemical reaction to absorb UV rays. Mineral sunscreens are usually thicker and more likely to leave a white cast on the skin, while chemical sunscreens can cause skin irritation and have a stronger odor.

Sunscreen has come a long way in recent years, and today’s lightweight, elegant options add more to your routine than just sun protection. Says Sara Whitemore, an aesthetician at Kur Wellness Studios in Asbury Park: “I love multitasking SPF formulas that make daily protection effortless. A tinted or hydrating sunscreen is especially great, because it protects the skin while evening tone, adding glow and fitting easily into your everyday routine.” Tinted sunscreens add a sheen of color, similar to a foundation. Whitemore adds: “It makes sun protection feel simple and routine—and leaves no excuse for skipping SPF.” Her go-to brand is Suntegrity Daily Sunscreen Clear SPF. Sun protection also shouldn’t stop there, she says. “SPF is a must, but stylish hats and big sunglasses help protect the scalp, neck and delicate eye area too.”

Another way to keep your skin in good shape is hydration, “from both drinking plenty of water and using hydration-enhancing skincare products like Osmosis Nourish, Quench and Rescue,” says Whitemore. She also finds that routine Hydrafacials make a big difference in her clients. “They keep skin healthy, hydrated and glowing through every seasonal change.”

YOUR FACE

From weddings to graduation parties to great nights out, there’s no shortage of events worthy of full makeup this season. “This summer is going to be all about that effortless ‘Aussie girl’ makeup aesthetic,” says Rachel Blaire, a makeup artist and owner of Rachel Blaire Beauty in Fair Haven. “Super-minimal, sun-kissed, bronzed and glowy skin that looks healthy and lived-in rather than overly perfected—effortless beauty like you just came back from a beach vacation.”

Bailey Bryce Holiday, a makeup artist based in Fair Haven and Rumson, agrees. “The trend is ‘less is more,’” she says. “Let your skin breathe in the heat. For a sun-kissed look, apply a peachy cream blush stick to the cheeks, cheekbones and both the bridge and tip of the nose.” She adds a tip: “I always advise clients to apply cream products to a brush first rather than directly to the face; this ensures an airbrushed finish and avoids stripes that are difficult to blend.”

How to keep the look flawless all night long? “Set your cream products prior to powders,” says Holiday. “I recommend the Milani: Make it Last setting spray. Repeat this step at the end of your routine with the same spray, or a heavy-duty option like One/Size: On ’Til Dawn Setting Spray.” Adds Blaire: “Always apply cream products before powders, and focus on skin prep and layering products lightly. Use a gripping primer like Milk Makeup Hydro Grip to help keep makeup in place and prevent products from sliding.”

YOUR FEET

At no other time of year are your feet more exposed than they are in the summer, and that can have consequences. “During the summer, I recommend people opt for gel polish on their toes,” says Miriam Balbuena, owner of MB Luxe Nail Studio in Shrewsbury. “Frequent exposure to water from pools and the beach can cause regular polish to wear down quickly. Gel polish provides a protective coating that maintains a polished look for longer.” Adds podiatrist Mithun Sivadasan, D.P.M. and founder of Axis Foot & Ankle in Middletown, “During the summer, I treat a lot of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and ankle sprains.” He explains: “Warmer weather leads to increased activity levels, and people become more active very quickly without properly preparing their bodies. Many patients also switch from supportive sneakers to flat sandals or flip-flops with little to no arch support. Walking barefoot at the beach or pool for prolonged periods can place extra strain on the feet and ankles.”

Happily, you can take steps to prevent those injuries. “Prioritize stretching before and after physical activity, especially for the calves, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia [the muscle along the bottom of your foot],” says Dr. Sivadasan. “Tight muscles and tendons are a major contributor to many common foot conditions.” He recommends supportive sneakers, “especially for people who are walking long distances, exercising regularly or standing for extended periods; “Some of my favorite shoe brands are Asics, Brooks and Hoka for excellent cushioning and support.” But that doesn’t mean you need to leave open-toed comfort behind. “Many people also don’t realize that supportive flip-flops and sandals also exist,” says the doctor. “You don’t need to wear those very flat flip-flops. For summer footwear, I frequently recommend brands like PowerStep’s Archwear line and Archies, because they offer significantly better support while still being comfortable and beach friendly.”

YOUR NAILS

Now is the time to go vibrant and bold with your nails. “Polka dots are having a major moment for summer 2026, and I’m obsessed with all the variations,” says Balbuena. “From tiny, minimalist dots on a nude base to bold, colorful patterns that pop against bright summer shades, there’s a version for everyone. It’s fun, fresh and perfect for the season.” As for a color trend, Yesica Leal-Nolasco of Yes_icanails in Wall Township says, “Yellow is going to dominate, I think, plus patterns inspired by beach towels and coastal summers.”

Leal-Nolasco reminds us that “nails grow faster in the summer. I always recommend going a little shorter if you know you’re going to be extra active. I would also invest in a good top coat to protect everything—my favorite options are the American Creator Top Gel and the MGart Top Coat.” Balbuena says: “My summer must-haves are definitely cuticle oil and sugar hand scrubs. They make such a difference in removing dead skin and locking in moisture, and it instantly elevates any nail set. Wearing gloves while cleaning or gardening, avoiding using your nails as tools, and keeping your hands moisturized especially after pool or beach days go a long way.”

YOUR HAIR

The vibe for summer ’26? “It’s all about ease with personality,” says Mallory Zenner, owner of the Craft House Salon in Atlantic Highlands. “I’m expecting to see soft bobs, natural texture, face-framing layers and warm, dimensional colors.” She suggests: “Make it feel like you! Adding a soft fringe, face frame, shorter shape or subtle tone shift can make your hair feel fresh without signing you up for a high-maintenance summer.” There’s lots of room for fresh style and play in this look: “This is the season to stop fighting your hair,” Zenner says. “Let waves wave and curls curl—and let accessories do the heavy lifting on beach days. Reach for scarves and bandanas, worn as a headband, tied around a bun or wrapped through a braid.”

Of course, your hair takes a lot of abuse during the summer. “Think of it like fabric: Sun, salt and chlorine all take a toll,” says Zenner. “Summer non-negotiables are products that protect, hydrate and soften. You want things that protect from sun exposure, help rinse away salt and chlorine and keep hair hydrated without weighing it down. A UV- [ultraviolet-] protective leave-in, a gentle after-sun cleanser, a restorative mask and a lightweight oil or serum can make a huge difference.” She says: “My go-to line is SU by Davines—great for all the fun in the sun at the Jersey Shore!”