If Hades is indeed hot, I’m 100 percent sure the weather on my sister’s wedding day exceeded that times one thousand. To be fair, I expected high temps since the wedding did take place just outside of Atlanta, GA at the start of hurricane season and the height of summer. It’s one thing to imagine the humidity; it’s another to actually experience it while standing under a cloudless sky in a full-length David’s Bridal gown that looks better in person than on the website (thank goodness). Having the best humidity beauty products on hand wasn’t merely an option—it was a non-negotiable.

The upside of my second bridesmaid adventure in less than a year is that I didn’t have to leave my carefully-curated survival pack up to chance. In the days leading up to the momentous occasion, my mother, little sister and I embarked on our annual stateside road trip, with the southeast being our 2019 target. With stops in Washington D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, and Savannah, GA, I had ample time to actually test-drive what I ended up wearing that Sunday, along with others that ultimately didn’t make the cut.

The contrast of hours spent in a driver’s seat with air-conditioning blowing directly on your face and walking outside for hours in 100+-degree heat stewing all around you leaves the skin, for lack of a better word, conflicted. At one moment it can be slicker than car grease and hours later, it can be red and parched. There really is no happy median point, so you have to work with the conditions you’ve been basically trapped with.

Because I’m borderline-lazy, but also slightly Type A, I didn’t bring many supplemental face masks to combat all that I was dealing with. Instead, I focused most of my effort on nailing a wedding day routine that wouldn’t leave me exhausted before the day really got started. Thankfully, the products I used required little effort to apply (highly recommended for summer wedding season), but were also packed with ingredients that kept my face from getting irritated while I ran around setting tables, catching up with family, and having a mini photoshoot with one of my fellow bridesmaids.

So without further ado, here’s every single thing I used from head-to-toe to not only survive but thrive. To be honest, my only regret is that I didn’t take enough selfies.

Body

Dove Dry Spray Deodorant

I knew before hitting the road that I didn’t want to deal with a stick deodorant. It almost always leaves a wet, slimy mess after a few minutes outside and I didn’t want any of it transferring to my dress. Spray is always the best bet. It dries and it dries fast. Plus, my pits still smelled fresh at the end of the day–score.

$5.99 at Target

Becca Cosmetics Collector’s Edition Glow Dust Highlighter

Because I was sporting major cleavage (thanks to this $20 bandeau), I knew there would be some attention on my decollete. However, I am so not #teamshimmer. Thankfully, this powder highlighter not only kept me from looking shiny; it also delivered a very subtle amount of glow that elevated my road trip tan without going overboard.

$42 at Sephora

 

 

 

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette

In my opinion, floral perfumes are so cliche come wedding season. Instead, I opted for this fig tree-inspired spray that had a little weight to it, but still felt light and fresh for the season. Plus, it got me all the compliments.

$65 at Nordstrom

Face

Innisfree Jump PlayGreen Balancing Toner With Green Tea

My face routine hasn’t changed much from winter to summer, with my toner being the exception. I can’t remember the last time I was this obsessed with a toner. Maybe it’s the gel-like texture that feels amazing at the end of a hot day. Perhaps it’s the green tea component that tones down the redness on my cheeks. Either way, I’m convinced it’s the one product that kept my skin moisturized or in other words–the perfect middle point between dewy and matte. It made me feel good about going full-coverage in such unbearable heat.

$27 at Innisfree

Yensa Full Coverage BC Foundation With SPF 40

Speaking of full coverage, I was wholly convinced that I would end up wearing my go-to BB cream, but after realizing that I wanted a bit more security in front of professional cameras, I landed on this superfood foundation. Yes, it has SPF, which is always important, but what made the biggest difference for me is the 8 superblack essences that really nourished my skin and gave it a healthy, non-cakey glow. Thankfully, they had a shade that worked for me (Tan Warm), though I would love to see more included in the future.

$38 at Yensa

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

I normally don’t wear concealer, but after days of driving down the coast, my under-eye circles were more prominent than usual. This one is a cult-favorite for a reason. It blends seamlessly, dries down pretty quick, and stays put. Stress. Eliminated.

$30 at Sephora

Becca Cosmetics Limited Edition ‘Champagne Pop’ Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

It was really hard to not go H.A.M. with Becca’s best-seller because I am obsessed with finish. What I love is that it is truly buildable, so someone like me can feel comfortable with just a little and still get that shimmer that blends easily into foundation without altering your skin shade.

$39 at Sephora

NARS Endless Orgasm Eye Palette

I knew from the beginning that eyeliner would be off the table because it almost always smudges, even if it’s waterproof. Instead, I decided to focus on my lashes and lids. This limited-edition palette complimented my dusty rose gown perfectly and didn’t feel intimidating to work with. I used a small eyeshadow brush to apply the bottom middle shade to the crease of each eye and then went to town blending in the top right and bottom right shades underneath the crease and all over the lid. By no means did I achieve a fancy cut-crease, but it looked like I did something and that made me happy. Unfortunately, the palette is sold out, but the “Wanted” palette is a similar color combo.

$25 at NARS Cosmetics

Kat Von D Go Big or Go Home Mascara

Again, because I decided not to wear eyeliner (or faux lashes–too much work), I knew I needed a mascara with intense color payoff. This one definitely checks that box. Also, because the ingredients are plant-based, it wasn’t a headache to remove, though it did also give me the long wear I wanted for such a long day.

$23 at Sephora

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer

Lipstick was also a no-go. As the day-of point person and a bridesmaid, there would be no time (or patience) for reapplication throughout the day. The original shade delivers an opaque pink shade that I’ve always loved, so I felt confident walking down the aisle and smiling while wearing it.

$18 at Sephora

tarte Stay Spray Setting Spray

$25 at Ulta

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Facial Mist

$12.99 at Ulta

Hair

CHI Aloe Vera Curls Defined Humidity Resistant Leave-In Conditioner

$20 at Ulta

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray

$18.95 at Ulta

Nails

essie Stirring Secrets Polish

$8.99 at Target

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. 

Source: Beauty – StyleCaster – Nikki Brown