Hot Girl Walk 17 Products Keeping Editors’ Skin Hair and Smell Perfect

If you live near New York City, you know that this summer has been more than just hot—it’s been a furnace. With temperatures soaring past 100 degrees and humidity making the air feel thick, the East Coast has experienced a true heatwave, redefining what it means to enjoy a “hot girl walk.”

While we adore basking in the sun and trying new fitness classes, there is one thing no amount of lounging can fix: sweating. That salty, salty funk seems determined to ruin our makeup, slick our hair, and offer absolutely nothing beneficial for body odor. It’s time to admit that your standard summer products simply aren’t cutting it anymore.

But don’t despair! We have compiled a list of insider essentials—skincare hacks, odor-fighting weapons, and post-workout heroes—that keep skin and hair fresh, and confidence high, even when the temperatures are scorching.

We’re talking about surviving the steamy heat by focusing on products that truly strip away sweaty funk and restore balance. Here are the items editors trust to protect your skin and hair during these brutally hot months:

For immediate relief and post-workout refreshment, we turn to simple yet powerful solutions. For example, if you need a quick refresh after a sweaty session, some beauty insiders swear by products like the Trust Me on This Hypochlorous Acid Spray from Personal Day. This lightweight mist calms irritated skin instantly, making it a godsend for anyone dealing with heat-induced redness.

When the sweat has settled in and you need to manage excess oil without washing your hair immediately, dry shampoo is your best friend. Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock relies on OUAI’s Super Dry Shampoo to soak up oil, add volume, and impart a fresh, herby fragrance, extending the time between washes beautifully. For those who need an extra layer of protection without weighing things down, a chic little La Bonne Brosse small hairbrush is an underrated essential for keeping your hair sleek on the go.

Odor control doesn’t stop at workouts; it’s about comprehensive freshness. To combat lingering body odor after intense activity, some choose aluminum-free options like Dove’s Whole Body Deo Aluminum-Free Invisible Spray Deodorant. For a more clinical approach to sweat management, the Alo Hypochlorous Clarity Mist is a game-changer. It offers natural antibacterial properties that soothe redness and keep sweat-induced breakouts at bay.

Skincare during the summer demands extra hydration and barrier repair. Assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert loves using Bano’s Milk Thistle Repair SOS Ampoule Pads after a hot day, finding the milk thistle extract works wonders to soothe rosacea flare-ups and provide essential barrier repair. For general skin soothing, simple, hydrating steps are key. The assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert also favors La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water for Sensitive Skin to keep her sensitive skin hydrated without irritation.

When it comes to makeup survival, a setting powder is non-negotiable. Fenty Beauty’s Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder has proven to be a lifesaver, effortlessly soaking up oil and salty sweat to preserve your look through those humid hours. And for ultimate sun safety, nothing beats a generous application of protection. McLintock swears by a huge 20-ounce bottle of Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 50 Sun Lotion Jug, which offers creamy moisture and beautiful coconut-banana scent.

Even accessories can play a role in heat management. To prevent flattened hat hair on long walks, some opt for ISDIN’s Mineral Brush Powder, which provides an extra layer of protection to the scalp. For hands-on freshening up when you don’t have time to shower, purifying wipes like Nécessaire’s Eucalyptus Body Wash and Wipes deliver a spa-like scent and deep clean in minutes.

Finally, bringing a touch of luxury ensures that even the essentials feel divine. A light yet intoxicating scent is essential for summer vibes. Some editors adore DIME’s 7 Summers Eau de Parfum for its creamy gourmand blend, while others enjoy the clean, refreshing scent of Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer. These simple, effective routines prove that you don’t need a perfect indoor sanctuary to master summer style—you just need the right tools.

By Harper Cole