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Whew! After what felt like a long stint in the sky’s version of a witness protection program, the Sun is finally done hiding away and summertime is officially here! No one (and we do mean no one) is more excited than the Muse Ever After team to finally get some much-needed Vitamin D and sunshine every day.
With longer days and hotter nights on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to show off a little more skin and shimmer while doing it.
Whether you’re lounging in a two-piece at the beach, keeping it cute in tanks and shorts, or turning heads on date night in a body-hugging mini-dress, one thing’s for sure: dry, dull skin is not invited to the party.
Here’s your ultimate, step-by-step glow-up guide to keep your skin soft, radiant, and divine smelling all summer:
STEP 1: EXFOLIATE Like You Mean It
Before we glow, we exfoliate. Dead skin buildup leads to dull, flaky skin—and that’s never a cute look–especially for summer.
Start pre-shower with dry brushing, a technique that boosts blood flow, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and even improves skin elasticity. Some skin care experts believe dry brushing will also increase blood flow and collagen production. Then, hop in the shower and keep the exfoliating going by using a cleansing body scrub like our faves, Ouai’s Melrose Place Scalp and Body Scrub or Shea Moisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Glowing Radiance Sugar Scrub.
This is a great way for Muses to enjoy skin-renewing moments in their summer body care routine that buffs away rough patches and smells divine.
Muse Pro Tip: Exfoliate 2–3 times per week to keep your skin baby-soft without over-stripping.
STEP 2: SMOOTH Skin With Hair Removal
Nothing disrupts the skin’s smooth radiance than the appearance of unsightly hairs. While body hair is natural, it can trap sweat and become a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, especially in summer. But take note—removing hair improperly can lead to those pesky razor bumps, textured skin, ingrowns, or irritation. Which is just the opposite of your smooth and silky summer skin goals.
We’re big fans of professional Brazilian waxes or laser hair removal for long-term smoothness. Using at-home hair removal devices? Be sure to follow the prep steps religiously. Remember to always wet your skin before shaving, use a hydrating gel or serum, and follow up with a soothing product to calm inflammation.
Muse Pro Tip: Treat hair removal as part of your exfoliation routine—just space out your steps to avoid irritation.
STEP 3: HYDRATE with a Body Serum
Body serums are our secret to keeping the skin hydrated and toned. Use fresh out of the shower to lock moisture into the skin. In our humble opinion, body serums absorb more easily into damp skin than heavy creams. They are also typically non-sticky, non-greasy, and feel weightless, which is a must during the sweltering summer heat.
Look for formulas with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, or Vitamin C to smooth and even texture, while calming thirsty skin.
Muse Ever After Faves: Nécessaire’s Body Serum and Foreo’s Supercharged Firming Body Serum.
STEP 4: GLOW UP with Body Oil
Now that your skin is hydrated, add a touch of body oil to your skin to amplify your skin’s glow. We love ones that are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and smell luxurious.
Wrap yourself in a towel or robe post-application to let the oil sink in before dressing. Layering oil over your body serum not only locks in moisture but gives skin that silky, radiant finish.
Muse Ever After Faves: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil and CYKLAR’S Vitamin C Body Oil.
STEP 5: INDULGE with Skincare Gel Deodorants
Not all heroes wear capes, some just keep you from being funky, ha. With Muses being the life of the party, the ability to throw hands in the air and dance along with the DJ without worrying about revealing armpits that are bumpy, discolored, or sweaty is well—essential to the vibe.
That’s why a skincare-gel deodorant is a must for Muses who want a care-free smell-good summer. Gel deodorants are great because they leave no streaks on clothing and have active ingredients to smooth skin under the arm, prevent bacteria and discoloration, and neutralize body odor.
We recommend formulas that are aluminum-free, non-comedogenic, and infused with calming ingredients like chamomile, witch hazel, mandelic acid, and Vitamin B. Our ride-or-die is The Deodorant Gel by Nécessaire in fragrance-free or eucalyptus.
Muse Pro-Tip: Keep an extra deodorant in your bag for midday touch-ups.
STEP 6: LAYER Your Fragrance
By now, you already smell incredible. But if you really want to create a long-lasting, signature scent, make sure your body scrub, serum, oil, and deodorant are from the same line—or at least share complimentary fragrance notes.
Think vanilla, lavender, or warm oud for an irresistible finish. That way with each layer, you are extending the staying power of your signature fragrance.
Seal the deal with a luxe perfume or body mist to amplify your scent trail.
Muse Ever After Fave: Phlur’s coordinating fragrance lines for a layered, all-day aroma.
STEP 7: FINISH Layering with a SPF
Your newly achieved goddess glow means nothing without protection. Daily SPF is your best defense against dark spots, wrinkles, and dullness. Look for formulas that are non-greasy, light in fragrance, and packed with skin-loving ingredients.
We love it when SPFs impart a light fragrance that does not overpower all of your efforts to smell yummy throughout the day.
Muse Ever After Fave: Cay Skin’s Isle Nourishing Body Mist Sunscreen—infused with sea moss, aloe, and Vitamin C for moisture barrier protection and brightening.
GLOWY SKIN Unlocked: Your Perfect Summer Ever After Awaits
When you follow these body care steps to properly exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize, and protect the skin’s barrier, achieving glowy, soft, and divine-smelling skin is inevitable.
Whether you’re beachside or rooftop-bound, your summer skin will thank you for this ritual of care, confidence, and scent-sational radiance.
