It’s been a season of softness, boundaries, and choosing my peace on purpose. And that makes one luminous, effortlessly.
But yes—my skin is glowing too.
These are the products, tools, and treats I’ve actually been using (and loving) this summer. No fluff. Just honest thoughts—and links that support my abundant experiences fund if you want to try them too.
To help you gauge your glow budget, I’ve added a scale:
💲 = Cheap Chic (under $30)
💲💲 = Elevated Everyday ($40–$70)
💲💲💲💲 = I Can Afford This Abundance ($100+)
Let’s get into it:
💧 1. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash – 💲
Washing your face during a hot summer requires a light but effective cleanser—something that washes off residue without stripping the glow.
Enter: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash.
This fragrance-free gel cleanser goes on thick, lathers like a dream, and lifts away sweat, makeup, and impurities. When you see me bare-faced and radiant? This is part of the magic.
🫠 2. Nothing’s Ordinary About This Toner – 💲
Before it became TikTok famous, The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Toner was already quietly doing its job.
In true Ashley fashion, I tried the travel size first—and now I’m a believer. No, it won’t dramatically lighten your skin overnight (ignore those viral exaggerations). But after consistent nightly use, I’ve noticed fewer breakouts and a calm, even tone. Age-related acne is no longer popping up uninvited.
☀️ 3. Buttah Vitamin C Serum – 💲💲
This serum is light, luminous, and lasting. It gives me that post-meditation glow, even on a no-sleep Tuesday.
Yes—it’s $43, but it lasts for months and delivers. Just make sure you wear sunscreen after using it during the day, so you’re protecting your glow instead of baking it.
🧈 4. Buttah’s Back at It Again (PM Moisturizer) – 💲
Summer skin = two moisturizers for me. Buttah’s CocoShea Revitalizing Cream is my nighttime go-to. Fragrance-free, ultra-hydrating, and infused with hyaluronic acid to lock in the glow.
When I say I wake up moisturized?
I could bounce a dime off this face.
🧴 5. Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 – 💲
This is what I wear instead of makeup most days.
It’s smooth, light, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast. It’s also perfect as a base for light makeup (if you wear any). I love that it feels like skincare, not sunscreen. And yes—it really does make me matte.
🍯 6. Kopari Golden Amber Sun Shield Body Glow SPF 30 – 💲💲
This oil is summer in a bottle.
It’s the final step before a rooftop brunch, beach walk, or girls’ night out. Think: soft shine, elegant shimmer, no glitter. Just glowing, moisturized skin and a light, feminine scent that lingers.
🧠 7. One Thing That’s Not a Product
My Digital Downtime.
I’ve started silencing notifications in the morning and reclaiming my thoughts before the scroll begins. Or at night to decompress from a day. Sometimes it’s meditation and stretching. Sometimes it’s just quiet.
But it’s consistent—and it’s part of the glow.
Because what I pour in becomes what I radiate.
Glow isn’t just what you wear—it’s what you honor.
If you try anything on this list, let me know what your skin (or soul) says in return.
💌 Glow shared. Commission earned. Alignment always.
🧾 Affiliate Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share what I truly use and love.
