Grab your boardshorts and puka shells—a sporty surfer aesthetic is officially heating up for summer 2026. Think mismatched, expressive swim and activewear, tankinis, and rash guards in the fashion space, but beauty lovers also have skin in the game with sea salt sprays, beachy body mists, and glistening highlighters that resemble a fresh spray of ocean surf. Summer does typically beget a breezy beauty aesthetic, don’t get me wrong, but I know I’m not the only one noticing this season leaning a little more athletic. (I credit the World Cup craze!)
How does one channel the “surf’s up” energy of summer 2026? In my opinion, it’s all about creating subtle contrasts—androgynous swim trunks with a kiss of sparkle on the lids, sporty, wraparound sunglasses with a dainty shell necklace, plus, of course, plenty of bronzer-blush hybrids and water-resistant sunscreens to drive home the “spent all day at the beach” effect. Ahead, find everything you need to ace the aesthetic.
Shop Your “Surf’s Up” Summer Starter Pack
I’ve always steered clear of sea salt sprays since my hair is pretty textured already, but this one from Rōz adds just a touch of stunning, windswept body. I’ve been spritzing it on my day three hair when it’s noticeably flatter, and no lie, it looks like I ran a curling iron through my strands.
Very sporty-chic. I want the matching bottoms, too!
If I could wear only one makeup product for the entire summer, it’d be Versed’s dreamy Everything Balm. The versatile pigment dazzles as a blush-bronzer hybrid, creamy eye shadow, and lip tint, and it’s hydrating enough to melt into the skin with every swipe.
I already bought these mini shorts in white, but this red and navy combo is also calling my name. Already dreaming of bikini tops to pair them with…
Heads up, blondes: You’ll want some sort of buffer on your strands before taking a dip (whether in the ocean or pool), or your cute summer color will fade in a snap. This lightweight milk from Kerastase does just the trick, protecting highlighted locks from heat, UV damage, chlorine, salt water, and dehydration.
Rhode’s summer launches have officially dropped, and while much of the hype focuses on the bronzers (which are 100% worth the buy, I’ll say), I’ll give special recognition to the multitasking Highlight Milk. I’ve lately been mixing it with my base (Merit’s The Minimalist Complexion Stick) on the back of my hand before applying with a dense foundation brush, and no lie, it makes my skin look borderline angelic. Add some extra milk on your shoulders and collarbones, and you’ll look like you stepped right off the sand.
This slim, precise blush stick helps you control the color exactly where you want it—perfect for adding just a touch of pigment on the bridge of your nose or center of your forehead for a subtle “sunburn” flush.
A statement shell necklace instantly elevates any summer outfit.
The brand describes this coconut- and lime-infused potion as a “passport to hammock naps and late-night dips,” which, to me, definitely screams “surf’s up!” I personally will be tossing it into my beach bag for an upcoming July getaway.
Ever wondered how supermodel Jasmine Tookes gets her skin so glowy? This shimmery body oil, which also features caffeine for skin-tightening properties and a lovely (but never overpowering), jasmine-sandalwdood scent.
Note, this is not a texturizing spray. Rather, it’s a micellar water-infused curl refresher that reduces excess oil (similar to dry shampoo) and rehydrates the scalp and strands. It’s fantastic for salvaging your beach hairstyle for a straight-to-dinner look.
This Korean-inspired cushion bronzer adds just a hint of buildable pigment that makes you look naturally sun-kissed. Trust me, it’s sublime.
For mermaid-inspired looks, I implore you to try this cooling, water-based jelly highlighter from Marc Jacobs Beauty. Add it to your lids, cheekbones, and collarbones, and all that pearly shimmer will make you look freshly misted.
These sporty, wraparound sunglasses are very fashion-girl coded.
I couldn’t finish the list without sunscreen! This transparent, on-the-go stick was practically made for beach applications. And for all my real surfers out there: It contains a high-tech protective veil against heat, water, and sweat.
