The Ultimate Goth Makeup Survival Kit For The Summer

Hydration is the most critical part of a skincare and makeup routine, especially in hot weather. I know this may sound counterintuitive, but the whole point is to keep makeup from sliding off your face, right?

Right. Still, moisture is an integral part of the process. It keeps our skin healthy underneath the layers of makeup, and the layering of products balances out the process.

We'll discuss what moisturizers to use day and night, SPF for face and body, primers for different skin types, the best long-lasting eye and lip products, setting powders and sprays, hair protection, and some of my favorite summer goth accessories. 

These products are meant to meld into your routine, not replace it. That's why I've excluded products like foundation, concealer, and contour, which work with a wide variety. Here, we're focusing on the base and the setting; whatever comes in between is up to you!

Jump To

1. Good Molecules Lightweight Moisturizer

Best for Daytime

This daily moisturizer delivers hydration and a smooth canvas without weighing skin down, making it ideal for layering under sunscreen or makeup in hot, humid weather. I actually use this product year-round, as it's so versatile.

Made with a natural silicone alternative, it absorbs quickly, blurs texture, and leaves your skin feeling breathable and balanced. Plus, it comes from a brand committed to clean, cruelty-free formulas and sustainable practices, which I always prioritize.

• Natural silicone alternative creates a silky-smooth surface while minimizing the look of fine lines and uneven texture

• Macadamia seed oil deeply nourishes with fatty acids and helps reinforce your skin’s natural barrier

• Shea butter with vitamin E soothes irritation and boosts antioxidant protection against environmental stress

• Vegan and cruelty-free formula in planet-friendly packaging that aligns with conscious beauty routines

2. La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Best for Nighttime

Designed for sensitive skin, this oil-free moisturizer delivers intense hydration and barrier repair with dermatologist-trusted ingredients. It features niacinamide and prebiotic thermal spring water to soothe, rebalance, and restore skin without clogging pores or overwhelming oily complexions.

I recommend using this as a nighttime moisturizer, especially when your skin needs a little extra recovery. I don't recommend daytime usage in the summer unless your skin is incredibly dry, as it is a heavier moisturizer.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) calms inflammation and improves tone and texture while supporting skin barrier health

• Ceramide-3 helps reinforce the moisture barrier and lock hydration in

• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water provides prebiotic support and antioxidant-rich minerals to balance and soothe

• Glycerin draws in hydration and leaves skin supple for up to 48 hours

3. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

Best for Summer Travels

A minimalist favorite for oily or dehydrated skin, this water-based cream delivers featherlight moisture without clogging pores or leaving behind any greasy residue. It strengthens the skin barrier while rebalancing hydration and excess oil.

Ideal for layering under makeup or SPF, it's safe for sensitive, blemish-prone, and younger skin types. This is my go-to travel moisturizer because it covers me day and night. 

• 5% Niacinamide helps minimize visible oiliness, brighten tone, and improve overall texture

• 0.2% Ceramide Complex replenishes omega 3, 6, and 9 to reinforce the skin barrier and soften rough texture

• 3% Betaine (from beetroot) supports hydration retention and shields against moisture loss

• 5% Glycerin pulls in water to plump skin and boost comfort without clogging pores

4. Beauty of Joseon Rice Probiotic SPF 40

Best for Everyday Wear

Korean skincare is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Their skincare focuses on whole ingredients with real power, and this SPF is often used in "glass skin" skincare routines.

This daily SPF 40 sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum protection with a weightless, moisturizing finish. It layers effortlessly under makeup, won’t leave a white cast, and is gentle enough for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

If you’re looking for everyday sun defense that hydrates without irritation or heaviness, this one earns its cult status.

• Glycerin helps hydrate and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier throughout the day

• Rice Extract (Oryza Sativa) soothes and nourishes with antioxidant and brightening properties

• Silica and VP/Eicosene Copolymer ensure a smooth, soft-matte finish without clogging pores

5. La Roche-Posay Dry Touch SPF 60

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

I was introduced to this product while working for a Dermatologist in NYC, and she swore by this product for summer, which gets really muggy, humid, and gross in the city.

Lots of us had mask-ne, as the summer heat + masking combo created an incubator on our faces. We started using the Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen and quickly saw skin improvement.

It's formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin, offering high-level SPF 60 protection with a shine-free, matte finish. Its oil-absorbing, dry-touch texture holds up in heat and humidity without clogging pores or triggering breakouts.

• Cell-Ox Shield® Technology combines UVA/UVB filters with antioxidants like senna alata to defend against sun damage and free radicals

• Perlite and Silica work together to absorb excess oil and visibly reduce shine

• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water calms and soothes with natural minerals and antioxidants

6. Naturium's Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Best under Makeup

I love this multitasking moisturizer because it pulls doubles as your daily sunscreen and glow-boosting primer, making it perfect for travel. With broad-spectrum SPF 50 and a dewy finish, it’s designed to hydrate, protect, and visibly improve your complexion with each use.

Ideal for dry, sensitive, or mature skin, it layers beautifully under makeup and includes a built-in ¼ teaspoon cap so you’ll always apply the right amount.

• Niacinamide helps refine skin tone and texture while calming inflammation

• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a stable Vitamin C derivative) works to brighten and support collagen

• Sodium Hyaluronate and Squalane deliver lightweight hydration and support skin barrier function

7. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60

Best for Full Body Protection

This SPF is great because it's meant for all your skin, is a full-body moisturizer, and is a sunscreen, all in one. I prefer this over spray sunscreen because many of them have tons of harmful chemicals in them.

The formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and enriched with prebiotic oats. It's designed for sensitive skin and soothes as it shields—without oils, parabens, or dyes.

Ideal for outdoor days, it dries clear, holds up through sweat and water, and keeps your skin soft while defending against sun damage and premature aging. 12 hours laid out at the nude beach? I'll be reaching for this one. 

• Prebiotic Oat Extract nourishes and calms the skin while supporting its natural moisture barrier

• Glycerin draws in hydration to keep skin soft and supple throughout the day

• Silica gives a smooth, weightless texture that absorbs quickly without greasy residue

8. Milk Hydro Grip Hydrating Primer

Best for Dry Skin

I recently started using this primer as the weather's been getting warmer, and I am incredibly impressed by it. It's slightly tacky, becoming the perfect texture for grabbing your foundation and not letting go.

No wonder it's a cult-favorite gel primer! Milk Hydro Grip locks in makeup for up to 12 hours while delivering a boost of hydration that leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh.

A clear, lightweight formula suitable for all skin types and tones creates a smooth base that grips makeup without feeling heavy or greasy. I've tested this in daywalking and late-nights dancing—my makeup doesn't crack.

• Blue Agave Extract creates a grippy layer that holds makeup in place and prevents fading

• Hyaluronic Acid hydrates deeply to plump and smooth the skin’s surface

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps even tone and refine texture while calming irritation

• Aloe Water & Hemp Seed Extract offer soothing, antioxidant-rich moisture without clogging pores

9. Maybelline Master Prime

Best for Oily Skin

This is my favorite drugstore primer! Super affordable and designed to create a smooth canvas for makeup. Master Prime is a water-based primer that visibly blurs pores and fine lines without weighing down the skin.

The texture is super lightweight under makeup, and even those with sensitive or oily skin can reap the benefits of this primer. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, helping your makeup last longer while keeping your complexion polished and shine-free.

• Dimethicone fills in pores and fine lines for a smooth, even base

• Glycerin draws moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated and comfortable

• Boron Nitride enhances wear time and improves product adhesion to the skin

10. Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Primer

Best Under Full Coverage Foundation

This silicone-based primer smooths over skin like a soft-focus filter, instantly blurring pores, fine lines, and texture. It's infused with vitamins A and E for antioxidant protection, creating a weightless, oil-free base that grips makeup all day without clogging pores or feeling heavy. 

Drag queens, performers, and theatrical production houses swear by this primer. I've performed shows under hot lights and HEAVY makeup, and this primer has never done me wrong. Also a bonus—it's suitable for all skin types.

• Dimethicone creates a velvety barrier that smooths skin and locks makeup in place

• Silica diffuses light to blur imperfections and control shine

• Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) supports skin renewal and helps improve texture

• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) provides antioxidant defense against environmental stressors

11. Maybelline TattooStudio Sharpenable Gel Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner

Best for Super Longevity

I love this drugstore liner! Designed for serious staying power, this sharpenable gel pencil delivers up to 36 hours of waterproof, smudge-resistant, and oil-proof wear. I use it as a full-eyelid base to create a dark black smoky eye that won't move an inch; just pack that black eyeshadow right on top.

Perfect for tight lining, it has a creamy glide and intense pigment payoff in just one stroke. It's built to handle sweat, tears, late nights, and summer days. 

• Stays put for up to 36 hours without smudging or fading

• Resists sweat, tears, and humidity

• Ideal for bold lines and blended looks

• Available in multiple shades to suit various styles

12. Milani Stay Put Matte 17HR Wear Liquid Eyeliner

Best for: Matte Finish Lovers

This matte liquid liner delivers intense pigment with up to 17 hours of smudge-proof, sweat-resistant wear for sharp wings and bold lines that don't quit. Its fluid formula glides on precisely and dries fast to a true matte finish.

This liner is intensely pigmented, matte, and built to last through sweat, humidity, and long summer nights. One of my personal favorites, I can vouch for its durability—this one is totally sex-proof 😘

• Liquid formula with a true matte finish

• Brush-tip applicator for clean, sharp lines

• 17-hour wear without flaking or fading

• Great for statement liner looks

13. Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Liquid Lipstick

Best for Making Out at the Beach

This liquid lipstick is for when you need your lip color to actually stick around. Vice Lip Bond goes on like a dream; once it sets, it’s not going anywhere. I’m talking full-glam lips that survive drinks, dinner, and bad (but the best) decisions.

My favorite part about this Liquid Lipstick is how hydrating it is. It doesn't crack or peel, giving you the look of lip gloss without the mess of getting your hair stuck in it when the wind whips by.

• Sunflower Seed Oil keeps things comfy so your lips don’t feel like cracked desert terrain

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol) adds a hit of antioxidant care while you look good

• Comes in a range of beautiful, Vampy colors

14. e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain

Best for Lipstick Haters

This is my low-effort, high-reward lip hack for summer: a glossy lip stain that goes on sheer and juicy, then dries down to a soft tint that hangs around all day. Do two layers if you want even more pigment.

Tips for the best application—First, exfoliate your lips, then outline them with a lip liner. I recommend the NYX Retractable Lip Liners (yes, they have black). Then, fill in the rest of your lips with the stain. Blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product and let it dry. Then you're set for the day! No need to carry lip products while you're out and about. 

• Glycerin & Squalane help keep lips soft, hydrated, and comfortable

• Mango Seed Butter adds a subtle nourishing feel 

• Cheap and durable!

15. Coty Airspun Translucent Powder

Best for Ultimate Mattification

There's a reason this setting powder has been around since your great-grandmother. It is the bomb, and now talc-free! This is my go-to powder, and it's a fantastic dupe for the famous Laura Mercier Translucent Powder ($42). 

Coty Airspun gives a soft-focus, velvety finish we’ve all loved since forever. This weightless powder blends like a dream and keeps shine in check without flattening your glow. Plus, it doesn’t crease or cake, even after hours in the heat.

• Kaolin & Tapioca Starch absorb excess oil for a smooth, matte finish

• Oat Kernel Flour calms and softens sensitive skin with natural soothing benefits

• Mica adds a light-diffusing touch for that subtly airbrushed effect

16. Ami Colé Skin Melt Translucent Setting Powder

Best for Radiant Skin

This powder is best for those who don't want to mattify their entire face. Not for me, but might be for you if you prefer a lighter look for the beach! 

It sets your makeup without flattening your skin, melts in to become a second skin, giving a subtle, lit-from-within glow thanks to crushed rose quartz and amethyst. Plus, it’s from a Black-owned, clean beauty brand, which makes it even more of a win.

• Baobab Seed Extract nourishes with antioxidants and helps support skin elasticity

• Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture for a smooth, hydrated finish that won’t cake

• Silica blurs imperfections and controls shine without dulling the skin

• Amethyst & Rose Quartz Powders add a soft luminosity while calming and balancing skin energy

17. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Setting Powder

Best for: Tiny Graphic Details

This is one of those drugstore gems that punches way above its price tag. It’s ultra-fine, weightless, and super versatile. I love how lightweight it is, and you can layer it up without feeling super cakey.

A quick note on the packaging: While a great budget pick, it can get a little messy when handling the powder, so it's probably not the greatest pick for traveling. It's perfect instead for those hot summer days at home to knock out that midday shine.

• Affordable price point

• Extremely lightweight formula

• Absorbs shine without looking chalky or cakey

18. Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Best Classic Setting Spray

It's a classic for a reason. No one has topped this setting spray—though many have tried. As a gothic princess, I rely on this setting spray to get me from daytime application to evening touch-up, then through my night out at the clubs.

And I live in Texas. Hot, humid, terrible. It's pretty much summer here for eight months of the year. Despite that, this setting spray keeps everything pristine!

• Temperature Control Technology helps cool skin to prevent melting and settling into fine lines

• Waterproof & Transfer-Resistant Formula keeps your look intact through sweat & rain

• Ultra-Fine Mist distributes evenly so you don’t end up drenched or patchy

• Smudge-Proof Finish works on all skin types without disrupting your makeup or drying you out

19. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

Best for Skin Like a Filter

This Morphe setting spray is fantastic, and I love the drama of spraying it because the ultra-fine mist is basically a cloud. It sets everything in place without disturbing a single brushstroke!

It always gives my skin a fresh, natural finish while helping my makeup resist fading, caking, or separating throughout the day. Plus, it smells subtly amazing and feels like a little spa moment whenever I use it.

• Vitamin E & B5 help hydrate and protect the skin while locking makeup in place

• Fruit Extracts (Papaya, Grape, Rose, Cucumber) soothe and refresh tired or dry skin

• Glycerin & Panthenol maintain moisture so your makeup looks fresh, not flat

• Non-propellant Mist Technology gives a consistent, featherlight spray with no splotches or spitting

20. Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist

Best for Vampires

Need a little extra SPF, daywalker? Choose this one. Put that sunscreen underneath and on top of your makeup. No going up in flames on my watch, darling. It's a super-fine, makeup-safe SPF mist that feels refreshing and works like serious skincare.

It sets your look, adds a soft glow, and re-ups your SPF without ruining your makeup. Perfect for those beach days when you know your face's sun exposure is reaching its yearly limit.

• SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Filters shield skin from UVA/UVB damage with zero white cast

• Hyaluronic Acid boosts moisture and keeps skin feeling dewy, not greasy

• Kakadu Plum Extract delivers a hit of Vitamin C to brighten and defend against free radicals

• Watermelon Extract soothes and hydrates while adding antioxidant protection

21. Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

Best for Hair Sunscreen

Finally—sun protection that doesn’t turn your roots into a greasy mess. This scalp + hair mist is a beach day essential, especially if you’ve ever parted your hair and ended up with a sunburn stripe.

It’s lightweight, smells fantastic, and won’t mess with your style or leave buildup. Plus, it helps protect your color from UV fade while keeping your scalp from frying.

• SPF 30 with Avobenzone shields against UVA/UVB rays

• Monoi Oil hydrates and helps protect strands from environmental stressors

• Gotu Kola Extract supports a healthy scalp and nourishes hair follicles

22. Chi Wake + Fake Soothing Dry Shampoo

Best for a Hair ReVamp

First off, I'm sorry about the colorful packaging. They didn't change it when I called, which is very insulting. Anyway, for the travel days when your scalp feels cranky but your schedule doesn’t care, this dry shampoo is an instant reset.

It soaks up oil without a powdery buildup and soothes your scalp. The finish is soft, fresh, and clean, with a cooling feel as a nice bonus for when your hair’s been through it. Make sure to have this for Day 5 of vacation when your hair seriously needs a boost.

• Rice Starch absorbs excess oil at the roots for a clean, refreshed look

• White Tea & Chamomile Extracts calm irritation and help reduce scalp sensitivity

• Aloe Vera & Peppermint soothe and cool while lightly hydrating

• Panthenol & Coconut Oil help maintain softness and shine between wash days

23. MoroccanOil Protect & Prevent Spray

Best for Colored Hair

If you color your hair and you’re not using this, you’re basically letting the sun, heat, and pollution undo your salon bill. This lightweight mist shields your strands from UV rays, thermal damage, and color fade without leaving behind any residue.

I've been dying my hair black for years, and seeing the brown when it fades is a nightmare. This spray helps my hair not fade as quick in the summer, and I love it. Plus, it smells like a Mediterranean vacation (thanks to that signature amber-floral scent) and adds shine and softness on contact.

• Argan Oil nourishes with essential fatty acids and antioxidants to smooth and strengthen

• Sunflower Extract & Benzophenones help absorb UV rays to prevent color degradation

• ArganID™ Technology delivers argan oil into the hair shaft for inside-out repair

• Carnosine & Ergothioneine provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors like pollution and free radicals

Alright, my Creature of the Night, I hope you now have the tools to feel safe when adventuring out during the day. Don't forget to take a break from blood and drink some water. Put on more SPF than you think you need. And you should be all set!

~ With Love, Beatrix Devine

Back to top