18 international Cosmopolitan editors share their beauty must-haves for summer

Bulgaria 

Alexandrina Petrova, Beauty editor 

Chanel Les Beiges Touche De Teint

I forgot about the foundation with this water-based product because it literally melts on my skin and is so light and hydrating. I feel like I’m not wearing anything.

MAC Cosmetics Pro Locked Brow Gel: 

I live for the perfect full-brow look, so I use this product to make sure my brows aren't moving the whole day (spoiler alert: They won’t for 12 hours!)

Dior Rouge Blush: 

Lately, I can’t leave the house without a little blush. The Dior Rouge Blush is divine; I love the 962 Poison colour that gives me such a natural, fresh look and stays all day long.

Czech Republic 

Lucie Kochova, Beauty editor 

Perfumer H Rose With Insect: 

I am totally in love with this fragrance; it smells like a beautiful, lazy summer day at my childhood cottage.

House Labs by Lady Gaga, PhD Hybrid lip oil: 

Mr Perfect for lips! Not sticky, gives an amazing colour, and stays!

Richesse Exo'One: 

Liquid exosomes are a little Korean miracle for my skin. Two months into using it and it has transformed my face into baby skin (ok, almost...).

France 

Elise Poiret, Beauty Editor 

Tarte tartelette Tubing Mascara:

My ultimate ride-or-die.  It gives insanely long, jet-black lashes with zero clumps. But the real game changer? It melts off in seconds with warm water—no rubbing, no drama. For someone who hates removing eye makeup, it’s simply the best.

Bioderma Hydrabio Serum:

Proof that French skincare just does it better. Deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, it keeps my dehydrated skin plump, comfortable, and glowing. I’m on my fourth bottle, and still not over it —perfect for those early fine lines.

Acne Studios by Frederic Malle EDP:

The scent that gets stopped in the street, literally. Clean yet addictive, with a subtle sensual edge that lingers. It’s the kind of fragrance people remember...and ask about.

Germany 

Monique Schultheis, Deputy Beauty Director

Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops:

I apply them to the length of my damp (after washing) or dry (on no-wash days) hair, and they give such a great shine without looking heavy. And the feeling is just sooo smooth. It’s also the perfect finishing product for after a blowout!

Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation: 

I’m a very no-makeup girl and love foundations that are light and natural...but not too dewy, as that trend is a bit of the past. This one makes my skin look velvety and isn’t absorbed by the skin even on a long day.

Lancôme Mascara Melter:

I usually try to avoid mascara (no-make-up-girlie indeed), but that’s because I fear having to take it off as soon as I apply it. This product has been a game-changer! It’s applied to the lashes (almost as a mascara), and the formula helps to erase even waterproof products so that they can be washed off easily. It also contains squalane for an extra boost of lash care.

Hong Kong 

Sally Tse, Chief Editor 

Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème:

My “magic cream” for instant revival—it brings back radiance and lasting plumpness by the next morning. I rely on it before shoots and big events when my skin needs to look rested and refined, fast. The texture melts in without greasiness, softening fine lines and giving that lit‑from‑within finish that reads beautifully on camera. It’s pricey, but it's worth it.

 

Takami Skin Peel Essence: 

I fell in love with Takami after a media trip to Japan, where I really got to understand the brand’s philosophy and meticulous detail. I use this as the first step, day and night, to support a healthy stratum corneum, smooth texture, and brighten a dull complexion. Everything I layer on afterward absorbs faster and works harder.

La Mer The Concentrate:

My SOS serum for when seasonal shifts or stress leave my skin temperamental. The cushiony gel texture calms on contact, helping reduce visible redness while keeping moisture locked in so my barrier feels supported. In a week, my tone and texture look more even, makeup sits better, and that tired, tight feeling is gone. It’s the product I pack for travel and big deadlines because it reliably gets my skin back to a soothed, healthy‑looking glow. 

India 

Snigdha Ahuja, Editor-in-Chief

Kama Ayurveda Vetiver Invigorating Botanical Water:

A beauty list coming from India would be incomplete without Kama Ayurveda. The brand combines ancient Indian wisdom and quality ingredients with something that feels almost intuitive if you have grown up in the country. One of my favourites is the Vetiver Invigorating Botanical Water. Vetiver is essentially a variety of fragrant grass known for its many qualities. A spritz of this extremely light product evokes something deep—like an earthy aftertaste of rain. Almost forgot to mention, it’s the best pick-me-up for puffy eyes and Monday mornings.

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer:

This product has been a complete game-changer for me. I got diagnosed with LPP last year, a skin disorder that manifests in patches of pigmentation on sun-exposed areas. This meant rethinking all my skincare. Not big on heavy foundations, Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 has become a constant. The squish-and-use packaging is perfect for work days, the finish is sheer, and it is easy to layer with a pat of blush or highlighter. This one’s a 10/10.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush:

I am among those who are constantly afraid of overdoing it—be it caffeine or makeup. Enter Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, which has a doe-foot applicator that requires just a touch on the apples of your cheek. So how much is too much? That’s completely up to you. For me, the blush is my go-to, especially when I need just the right amount of ‘extra’. Favourite shade? It’s called Virtue.

Indonesia 

Astriana Gemiati, Beauty Editor 

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EDT:

As a beauty editor who has (perhaps too often) fallen for floral fragrances, I was initially skeptical about Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet—another floral? But then...plot twist. The first spritz feels like a clean, hopeful morning, with a touch of bergamot that’s light, fresh, and slightly citrusy. As it settles, rose and peony unfold into something soft, airy, and undeniably feminine. And just when you think it ends there, white musk leaves a clean, comforting trail that’s quietly addictive, the kind of scent that makes people ask, “What are you wearing?” The bottle is just as chic. I especially love the delicate jacquard bow at the neck, crafted through thousands of intricate thread crossings in France, a subtle detail where the true luxury lies.

Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Velvet:

When it comes to lipstick, I’ve always gravitated toward deeper shades, and for good reason. Not every colour blends seamlessly with my complexion. But there are two that never fail: A classic wine, Burgundy, and a rich, deep brown, both permanent staples in my makeup pouch. That’s why I instantly fell for Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Velvet 232 Renversante. The texture is matte yet incredibly comfortable, never drying, with just the right hint of moisture. The pigment is rich in a single swipe, delivering a polished finish that feels refined without trying too hard. It may not be transfer-proof, but its staying power definitely impresses. The colour holds for up to six hours, even through meals and drinks— which, honestly, is rare for a formula this comfortable. Super love.

Make Over Hyperblack Superstay Liner:

Honestly, this eyeliner is one of the best products I’ve discovered in the past five years. As one of Indonesia’s standout local beauty labels, Make Over Hyperblack Superstay Liner delivers a formula that’s incredibly easy to apply, with a deep, intense black payoff. It dries quickly, and while it starts with a slight satin finish, it gradually sets into a rich, true matte. The applicator is slim and precise, making it effortless to create clean, defined lines even for the smallest details. What do I love most? It’s waterproof and smudge-proof, with no need for touch-ups throughout the day.

 

ITALY

CECILIA ALBA LUÈ

Head of Print, Head of Fashion & Beauty

Miu Miu Fleur de Lait EDP:

Summer is my favourite season, so this couldn’t be anything other than my new favourite fragrance. I can’t wait to wear it all year round, just to keep a little bit of warm air with me.

Nabla Freckle Maker:

In the summer, the skin on my face fills with freckles, but by October, they fade away. With this tool, in less than five seconds, I can be sun-kissed always and again.

Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturizer:

Light yet deeply hydrating, my secret to glow-proof skin is this cream by my skincare guru. 

Korea 

Ara Kim, Beauty Director 

Zeroid Intensive Oint-Cream:

A reliable option for strengthening and maintaining the skin barrier. With consistent use, even sensitive skin feels noticeably more stable. The rich, ointment-like texture may not be for everyone, but it effectively relieves dryness without feeling overly greasy. Suitable for all ages, from children to adults.

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint: 

It feels lightweight and fresh on the skin. While the coverage isn’t heavy, it leaves the complexion looking beautifully refined. Among the shades, B10 stands out, and I’ve even seen actresses specifically choose it for how naturally it complements Korean skin tones.

Medicube Age-R High Focus Shot Plus:

An at-home ultrasound device that targets both the dermis and underlying fascia. It helps maintain skin vitality and provides a subtle lifting effect over time. While it delivers relatively high energy comparable to in-clinic devices, it’s easy to use and doesn’t require professional expertise, which makes it something I reach for often.

Mexico 

Constanza Alocer Villazon, Editorial Director 

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo:

I have oily skin that usually absorbs blush really quickly, but this one has been a game-changer. Lasts all day perfectly, and I love the variety of shades.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream:

When first trying it, I didn't think it would make much of a difference, but I was greatly surprised by how much longer it makes makeup last. Perfect for long days or events, as your makeup will last all day. I usually wear it for such days now, but I'm ready to try the new formulation, which promises more hydration and will be great for every day.

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion:

The texture of this is literally like a cloud, I can't get enough of it. I love using it daily to hydrate my skin, plus it has a great scent.

Middle East 

Lauren O'Connell, Beauty Editor 

Asteri Beauty Fourtress Moisture Barrier Cream:

This luxurious Saudi Arabian moisturiser is known to be desert-proof as it uses four different types of hyaluronic acid in its creamy formula.

Kayali Fleur Majesty Rose Royale 31 EDP:

Dubai’s perfume princess, Mona Kattan, has the Middle East hooked on Fleur Majesty, her royalty-inspired fragrance bursting with notes of peony, rose, praline, and musk.

AÏZA Sukkar Rush Lip Treatment:

Two beloved Arab staples, dates and honey, are infused into a peptide-plumping tinted gloss, making it an instant treat for our pouts and palette.

I’d love to cheekily add a fourth. I am launching my own beauty brand, 3 of Cups, early next month in both the USA (I’m from Connecticut originally and have lived in Dubai for 16 years) and the UAE. It’s been quite an experience as I went through my own stage 2 breast cancer journey during development and created my first product while undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy. My debut product, The Shower Mask, is a face mask made for in-shower use. I went through over 50 iterations with my lab in France to ensure the mask stuck to the skin while in the shower and delivered skin-smoothing and moisturising benefits.

Netherlands 

Melissa Nnaekwe, Beauty Editor 

Ellis Faas Cosmetics Brow Gel:

Just launched, and honestly? My new ride-or-die. It keeps my brows perfectly in place all day, and it has a vibrant red shade, which is such a fun, unexpected addition to the collection.

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm:

Aesop’s hand balms are forever a fave. They smell incredible, leave your hands feeling super soft and nourished, and somehow make my nails grow too.

d’Annam Strawberry Mochi EDP:

This perfume smells like a total dream. You get the soft, milky sweetness of mochi and rice, but in a way that feels delicate rather than overpowering. Bonus points for the bottle, which is just mega aesthetic.

Philiphines

Ida Aldana, Executive Editor

GRWM Cosmetics Powder Rush Loose Baking & Setting Powder:

This finely milled powder is a heat-resistant essential that blurs and locks makeup in place for a smooth finish that won't cake under the sun.

Vice Cosmetics Perfect Kizz Velvet Soft Diffused Lip Bullet:

This creamy, long-wearing liner gives you comfortable, smudge-proof definition in universal shades that actually stay put through busy days, big meals, and coffee runs.

Colourette Cosmetics First Base Everyday Skin Tint:

Available in 20 shades to flatter various skin tones, this breathable tint stays fresh and lightweight even during the hottest afternoons. 

Spain

Mariana Portocarrero, Beauty Director

Heliocare 360 Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+:

Let's be honest: Reapplying sunscreen once your makeup is done? Not exactly the vibe. That’s why this tinted sunscreen stick is perfect—I even use it as my foundation during the summer. Plus, it hydrates your skin and helps prevent dark spots.

Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick:

I can’t live without blush—in fact, it’s the first thing I’d save in a fire. I carry dozens in my bag, and I’ve tried almost every one on the market, but my all-time favourite will always be Chanel’s Baume Essentiel. It gives you that sun-kissed glow and a radiant, natural finish.

Benefit They’re Real! Magnet Black Mascara:

I’ve been using this mascara since it first launched, and even though I tend to rotate between a few, this is the one I always come back to. It gives my lashes a subtle lifting effect that still looks effortless. I love it.

Taiwan 

Mia Shen, Content Director

Ex Nihilo Lust In Paradise Extrait de Parfum:

I’ve always been a fan of the dreamlike atmosphere of the original EDP, but this new Extrait de Parfum offers a completely different sensorial experience. While the EDP feels like a sun-drenched morning on the French Riviera, the Extrait captures the allure of the coast at dusk. It’s more intoxicating and festive, with a richer olfactive depth. Wearing it feels like a brief, much-needed getaway from the city's hustle—a profound sense of escapism in a bottle.

Tom Ford Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation:

Tom Ford has always mastered that "expensive-looking" finish, but this new iteration has significantly improved in terms of longevity. It strikes the perfect balance with its coverage—blurring imperfections effortlessly without ever feeling heavy. It uses light refraction to make the facial contours look sculpted yet natural. The result is a sophisticated, understated glow that looks like your skin is just having its best day ever.

Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream:

This anti-ageing newcomer has an interesting angle. Unlike common collagen supplements, it emphasises supporting elasticity—the core of skin resilience. The texture is incredibly refreshing and breaks the typical greasy impression of creams, making it perfect for the warming weather in Taiwan. It absorbs quickly with a noticeable hydrating feel, and my skin remains in great condition the next morning. Since it’s neither sticky nor heavy, it works perfectly for daytime prep without any pilling under foundation. So far, the skin stability and hydration have been excellent. I will continue using it to observe the changes in skin elasticity and plumpness over time.

Ukraine 

Anastasiia Leonova, Beauty Editor 

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil:

A product I’ve been obsessed with since the moment it launched. Juicy, high-shine gloss, a soft, hydrating formula, an oversized applicator, instantly recognisable packaging, and candy-like shades—every detail of the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil feels perfect. Every similar product I try after this one inevitably gets compared to it, but honestly, there’s no point—it’s simply unmatched.

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Palette:

This year, this is the palette I reached for the most. The I Need A Nude Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect everyday collection of neutral shades—you can create anything from a soft, barely-there look to something more defined and intense in minutes. I love everything about it: The packaging, the matte formulas that blend effortlessly, the rich foil metallics, and the unreal sparkles with a fine texture and multidimensional shimmer. This is my third palette from the brand, joining my mini collection alongside the iconic Glam Palette and another favourite of mine—the green-and-pink Retro Glam Palette.

Gucci Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder:

A bronzer I’d been wanting to try for a long time—and it was gifted to me by a friend—turned out to be absolutely perfect. I’m obsessed with the luxurious, retro-inspired packaging, the silky, lightweight texture. The neutral shade 01 Fair works beautifully for both bronzing and subtle sculpting, and even the soft floral scent.

UK 

Keeks Reid, Beauty Director 

Dizziak Hard Serum:

Such an innovative formula, this is what I reach for when I want to stretch my hair one more day before washing and need to do a neat, slicked bun. It holds to any texture but also nourishes with bio-actives, glycerin, and aloe vera for total hair nourishment, too.

Vieve Modern Brow Definer:

I am a diehard for a brow pen, but I have such a soft spot for this pencil definer that gives easy, soft lines that mimic hair perfectly. Props also that it survives my sweat workouts every week.

Le Labo Violette 30 EDP:

Normally, I shun floral perfumes; this one had me hooked from the first spritz. Violet is at the top of the scent, but as it settles, it has beautiful creamy, woody notes of white tea and cedarwood that you’ll love if you love Santal 33 and Glossier You.

United States 

Lauren Balsamo, Beauty Director 

Prada Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush:

Proof Prada Beauty can do no wrong? Their new blush. The texture is unique; it almost reminds me of a cushion foundation that starts as an easy-to-blend cream and sets to a long-lasting powder. It has a blurring effect on cheeks that mimics the watercolour blush trend I’m seeing all over my feed.

EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50:

I’ve used the original UV Clear for nearly a decade, so my expectations were high for this new version—especially because I’ve been dealing with more hormonal breakouts lately. After six weeks of daily use (with no other routine changes), my skin looks clearer and brighter. I’ve had fewer inflamed breakouts along my jawline, and my post-acne marks from old breakouts have faded.

Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dyer:

I've been talking about how Dyson needs to create a travel-friendly version of their iconic Supersonic hair dryer for years now, and finally, it's here. The compact size is carry-on friendly, but it's still powerful enough to blow-dry my shoulder-length hair in less than seven minutes. It has universal voltage compatibility, so you can use it abroad without frying your hotel room outlet.

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India's May-June 2026 print issue.

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