Most powder highlighters look less like highlighters and more like face glitter; they don't deliver a natural-looking, luminous glow, but an explosion of pore-magnifying sparkles. And I'm about as big a fan of glitter as Demetri Martin is. I've always wanted a powder highlighter that goes on without disturbing concealer, stays put all day, makes my skin look smooth, and gives me a sheen like someone who has lived a lifetime with perfect skin-care habits and gets her selfies regrammed by Glossier.

Pixi by Petra + Aspyn Ovard Glow-y Powder is the closest thing to my highlighter fantasy, with incredibly fine, pearlescent particles that never look sparkly or emphasize skin texture. This powder's awesomeness is compounded by the fact that it's only $16. London Lustre, a vaguely golden off-white, is my shade of choice -- the RMS Living Luminizer of powder highlighters. It's just light enough to make pale skin look naturally dewy, but just warm enough that it doesn't look frosty. Prepare to scrape every bit of non-glittery product from the pan. -- Katie McCarthy

Confession: I don't like matte lipstick. In fact, I don't really like lipstick at all. I have plenty of other high maintenance tendencies -- a lip product that requires constant monitoring and reapplication would tip the scale too far.

Then, I was introduced to NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment, $26, and it completely changed my mind. I was at an event celebrating the launch of the product -- held at the rooftop bar of a swanky downtown NYC hotel -- and a makeup artist chose Under My Thumb (a deep burgundy) just for me. She applied it carefully -- the pointed tip applicator makes it easy to simultaneously line and fill your lips -- and let it dry before handing me a mirror. I couldn't believe how much I loved it -- and it was a color I never would have picked for myself. Best of all, it felt like nothing. I couldn't help but snap a selfie before heading out to meet a friend for greasy Chinatown dumplings and an ice cream cone.

Four hours and many dumplings later, my Powermatte lip was still going strong without even a hint of wrinkly dryness. (If you've ever worn a liquid matte lipstick, you know how remarkable that is.) And that selfie is the most-liked Instagram photo I've ever posted. --Dawn Davis

For more of Dawn's selfies, follow her on Instagram @dawnspinnerdavis.

Sometimes products surprise you, and sometimes you just know a product will blow you away. In the case of Tatcha The Water Cream, $68, the latter was true.

When Tatcha launched this moisturizer, Sephora could barely keep it from flying off the shelves, which piqued my interest right off the bat. Then there was a little bit of judging a book by its cover. Every Tatcha product comes in the most ridiculously luxe packaging (I mean, this moisturizer is accompanied by a tiny gold spoon -- a tiny gold spoon! How do you top that?). I find Tatcha products to be so irresistibly pretty that when I see one, my fingers start to twitch a little, and before I know it, my wallet's in my hands, and I'm handing a wad of cash to the nice lady behind the register.

Fortunately, neither appearances nor the hype have steered me wrong. The Water Cream performed every bit as well as its bespoke, gold-adorned jar led me to believe it would. The ultra-lightweight formula melts into skin at first touch. Yet, unlike some gel moisturizers that skimp on the moisture, this one serves up a hefty dose of hydration that continues to work all day or night (I even use it as a night cream). The barely-there texture also allows me to apply it without the fear of clogging my pores. Not to mention, the refreshing feel has been a godsend during the stifling dog days of summer. And then there are the perks I can't see or feel -- namely, the cocktail of botanicals designed to smooth skin, control oil and add radiance. As with most worthy love interests, when you find the right one, you just know. --Mary Squillace

See more of Mary's favorites on Instagram @msquillace

I have issues with bathing suit season, but not the type you might think. Sure, a bikini body -- whatever that means -- is top of mind come summer, but my bikini line is my real struggle.

Because I'm too prone to ingrown hairs to shave, I rely on bikini waxes every six weeks. But you know the drill: hair grows back at different rates and must be at least 1/4-inch long to wax. That awkward growing-out phase is always when I get invited to a pool party.

Enter: Parissa Quick & Easy Wax Strips, $9.99 -- my between-bikini-waxes savior. The plastic strips come already coated in wax so I don't have to deal with any kind of messy or sticky situation. Just warm them between your hands, peel them apart, apply and rip. They remove errant, overgrown hairs in seconds. I'm not stoic enough to brave a DIY Brazilian, but these convenient, foolproof strips keep me presentable all summer long. -- Jill Provost

For more of my can't-live-without products, follow me on Instagram @jilleprovost

If you're anything like me, you know summertime equals barbecues and bonfires, sure, but also painful, itchy bug bites. Whether I'm ridiculously sweet, or there's something irresistible about my O-negative blood, I'll never know. What I do know is, scratching my skin raw is never a good idea (hello scars!) And taking antihistamines is an acceptable option only at bedtime, since they leave me near-comatose. Thankfully, I recently found Badger After-Bug Balm Bug Bite Itch Relief Stick, $6.99, and I'm so glad that I did.

The list of natural and organic ingredients immediately drew me in, but I stayed for its comforting qualities. The bug bite balm glides on smoothly and nourishes skin, thanks to a blend of lavender, coconut, castor and sunflower seed oils. Colloidal oatmeal and a cooling combo of menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oils soothe the bite on contact. I've tried just about every itch relief product on the market -- they either smell not-so-great or leave me scratching soon after applying. Thanks to Badger After-Bug Balm, instead of smelling like a bunch of chemicals, I'm left with the spa-like scent of lavender and mint and can go about my day itch free. Needless to say, this girl will be enjoying a lot more outdoor adventures this summer!

To see more of my summer beauty and travel essentials, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin