There aren’t many duos more perfect than the summer and festival season. There’s something about the warm sun on our faces as we kick back with friends and family for our favorite annual outdoor events. From local food festivals to trips out of town to catch our favorite artists live, it’s also the perfect excuse to look and feel our best. For us, it all starts with a great skincare routine, fresh hairstyle and our favorite beauty products—which also means impromptu Target runs to stock up on our go-to beauty essentials.
From Black Girl Sunscreen and Jergens Natural Glow Melanin to our favorite red lippy by The Lip Bar, here are our favorite summer essentials from Target to ensure the festival season is flawless.
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Black-owned)
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Price: $15.99
This Black-owned brand knows a thing or two about protecting our melanin. Infused with jojoba and avocado, this lightweight sunscreen is one we never leave home without during our festival season adventures.
Urban Hydration Soothing and Cooling Aloe Body Moisturizer(Black-owned)
Urban Hydration Aloe Vera Body Moisturizer
Price: $6.49
Not only is this a great daily moisturizer for your skin, but it’s also great to have if you forget to reapply your sunscreen between all the fun. Trust us, no one wants to deal with the pain and irritation of being sunburned while away from home.
Jergens Natural Glow Melanin Glow Body Lotion (Black-owned)
Jergens Natural Glow Melanin Glow Body Lotion
Price: $9.49
Summer and festival season also means showing a little more skin, thanks to sleeveless tops and our favorite skirts and shorts. So, why not give your skin that sun-kissed, bronzy glow? Just be prepared for all the compliments you’ll get.
Shea Moisture Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant (Black-founded)
Shea Moisture Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant
Price: $9.99
We’ve all been there after a long day of fun in the sun. Now we know to stay ready, so we don’t have to get ready, by throwing this Black-founded deodorant brand in our bag. It also has an amazing citrusy scent.
Hustle Clean Body Wipes (Black-owned)
Hustle Clean Body Wipes
Price: $9.99
Those long hours outdoors can leave our skin feeling icky from the sweat and overall humidity. When we need a quick refresh, we reach for our Hustle Clean wipes, which are like a mini shower in a pack.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp Scrub (Black-owned)
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp Scrub
Price: $9.99
We’ve prepped our skin and face, now it’s time to ensure our hair and scalp are on par, too. Mielle’s rosemary mint scalp scrub helps remove product buildup and other impurities. It’s perfect for our summer braids or even as an added layer on wash day for our natural curly styles.
Donna’s Recipe Hair & Scalp Oil (Black-owned)
Donna’s Recipe Hair and Scalp Oil
Price: $15.99
Oiling your scalp—yes, even during the summer—is a Black person’s right of passage. It’s ingrained in our being, as our ancestors passed it on from generation to generation. And, well, Tabitha Brown is making sure we never forget its importance with this great-smelling product.
The Lip Bar Matte Lipstick – Bawse Lady (Black-owned)
The Lip Bar “Bawse Lady” Matte Lipstick
Price: $13.69
Warm and sunny days call for brightly-colored lipstick, too. The Lip Bar founder Melissa Butler and her crew have literally created the perfect bright red lip color for Black and Brown skin tones. We always throw an extra tube in the cart to be safe.
Thread Color It Matte Lipstick – Optimistic (Black-owned)
Thread Color It Color Matte Lipstick – Optimistic
Price: $8.00
Another great summer lip color is Thread Color’s “Optimistic.” While some folks shy away from purple hues because of their boldness, let us be the first to tell you that this one is a game changer and a staple in our cosmetic bag. You’re welcome!