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 BERGEN tapped seven 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 an 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; today’s elegant, lightweight options add more to your routine than basic sun protection. 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.” This option is a “hybrid” sunscreen; it uses both mineral and chemical protectors.

Another trend Davis mentions is “topical skincare with internal support to repair the skin from within.” She explains: “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.”

Lifestyle also plays into keeping your skin in good shape. “Consistent hydration is a foundation for glowing skin,” says Davis. “We recommend filling your water bottle at least three to four times daily to maintain cellular moisture, paired with the nightly use of a silk pillowcase. Unlike traditional cotton, silk is naturally cooling and antimicrobial; it prevents clogged pores and helps keep your skincare on your face.”

YOUR FACE

From weddings to graduation parties to great nights out, events aplenty in this season demand full-face 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. But that doesn’t mean the right products won’t help you achieve it effortlessly.

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.”

How to keep the look flawless all evening long? “Start with a makeup primer under the products, and finish with light setting powder and setting spray overtop,” says Rae. She recommends the NARS translucent setting powder. Another tip from experts: Apply cream products before powder products to prevent pilling and texture. And don’t discount the power of simply popping to a mirror to freshen something up, counsels Rae. “Purchasing a favorite product in a travel size means you can just toss it in your bag and always have it available for a touch-up.”

YOUR FEET

According to Michael Stas, D.P.M., who practices at New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers in Oradell, “Summer is prime time for overuse conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and metatarsalgia [inflammation in the ball of the foot]. Whether we realize it or not, we are generally less active during the winter months and take fewer steps. This creates a detraining effect, and leading to these overuse conditions once activity levels increase.” Feet can also pick up dermatological issues, and Corinne Gehegan, D.P.M., of Bergen Medical Sports & Spine in Paramus, adds that common skin ailments include “blisters, athlete’s foot and sunburn.”

How to prevent all these injuries? “When in doubt, ease back into physical activity gradually,” says Dr. Stas. “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.” Dr. Gehegan stresses the importance of proper footwear, often a culprit regarding issues on the feet. “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. ”

One more tip from Dr. Gehegan: “Socks should not be overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, 100 percent cotton is not ideal in summer or winter, because it’s absorbent and maintains a moist environment. Merino wool, on the other hand, is durable, comfortable and odor resistant. It wicks moisture and allows for evaporation, keeping feet cool and dry in summer.”

Obviously, summer is showtime for your feet; at no other time are they more exposed—or more used. Says Alisa Shadrina, owner and nail technician at Adelais Nails Studio in Norwood, “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.”

YOUR NAILS

Elegance is in when it comes to your manicure. According to Shadrina, “I expect elegant, healthylooking 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.”

That’s Shadrina’s biggest tip for those browsing for nail inspo. “I always recommend choosing trends that fit your lifestyle,” she says. Neutral, structured gel manicures are perfect for vacations and beach season because they grow out more naturally, while chrome details or colorful French tips are a fun way to experiment without overwhelming your nails.” She adds: “Summer can be very dehydrating for nails because of chlorine, salt water, heat and sun exposure. I recommend using cuticle oil daily to combat it.”

YOUR HAIR

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 WoodRidge, 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 Blowout Heat Protecting Blowdry Spray.

Of course, your hair takes a lot of abuse in summer. Think of it like a fabric; sun, salt and chlorine all take a toll. To protect it, Dato says, “Minimize heat styling with straighteners or curling irons. You should also wear hats if you’re going to be in the sun, or use products with UV protection. Deep-condition weekly.” Alba adds: “Soak your hair with fresh water before you go swimming. Hair is like a sponge; it can only absorb so much liquid. By soaking your hair with clean, fresh water before entering a pool or the ocean, you ‘fill’ the hair shaft, making it less likely to absorb chemicals or salt.”