summer glow routine Guide

I\’ll admit it—I\’ve spent way too many summers chasing that Hailey Bieber glow. You know the one: skin that looks like you just stepped off a Fiji beach, but you\’re actually in a stuffy New York apartment. Last year, I tried every dewy primer and highlighter on Sephora shelves. But by noon, I always ended up looking like a glazed donut that\’s been out in the sun too long. Enter 2026. The beauty industry has quietly swapped out a bunch of old favorites for smarter, lighter formulas. Hailey\’s own Rhode lineup even got a few upgrades.

So I decided to do a full product swap experiment: replace my heavy summer moisturizers, thick SPFs, and sticky highlighters with the newest glow-getters. Here\’s what actually worked (and what didn\’t) in my real-world test.

Why 2026 Is the Year of the \”Glass Skin\” Glow

If you\’ve scrolled TikTok lately, you\’ve seen the shift: everyone\’s ditching the full-coverage, matte look for something wetter, fresher, more alive. In 2026, the glass skin trend has evolved. It\’s not about layers of product—it\’s about strategic hydration and the right texture. Hailey herself has been posting mirror selfies with that almost-wet look, and her routine has become the blueprint for the summer glow routine. The secret? She swaps heavy creams for gel-based moisturizers, powdered highlighters for liquid luminizers, and adds a tiny bit of hair oil to her temple for an effortless sheen. I tried to replicate it, but with a twist: I used only products released or relaunched in 2026.

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summer glow routine – Hailey

The 3-Step Morning Routine I Stole (and Upgraded)

Step 1: The Gel Cleanser Swap

Back in 2024, I was using a foaming cleanser that left my stripe tight by midmorning. For 2026, I swapped to a milky gel cleanser from a new brand called Skin Breeze (skinbreeze.com). It\’s non-stripping and leaves a hint of moisture. Hailey is said to rinse with cold water, but I find a gentle cleanser helps remove nighttime products without residue.

Step 2: The Hydrating Serum That Stole Niacinamide\’s Crown

I used to rely on niacinamide for brightness, but this summer I tried a polyglutamic acid serum from another small US brand. It holds 4000x its weight in water—way more than hyaluronic acid. I layered it on damp skin and noticed my skin stayed plump even in dry office AC. If you have sensitive skin, polyglutamic acid is a gentler alternative. I found it at Target for $22.

For more budget-friendly options, check out our 2026 Clean Girl Makeup Kit guide—it has a serum swap that pairs perfectly with this routine.

Step 3: The Lightweight Moisturizer That Replaced My Cream

In previous years, I slathered on CeraVe cream. But in summer, it was just too heavy. I swapped to a water-gel moisturizer by Biobare (a new US brand). It sinks in instantly and leaves a satin finish. Hailey\’s Rhode peptide moisturizer is also a great choice, but I wanted to try something new. This one has ceramides and squalane—perfect for the summer glow routine without clogging pores.

Sunscreen: The One Product You Must Upgrade in 2026

If you\’re still using that thick white zinc sunscreen from 2020, stop. In 2026, Korean-inspired sunscreens have taken over Sephora. I tested the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen stick (our first look here). It\’s invisible, doesn\’t pill under makeup, and dries down to a natural glow. I even use it as a base for my face—no separate moisturizer needed on humid days. This is the biggest swap for a true summer glow routine.

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summer glow routine – Sunscreen sticks like Beauty of Joseon

Hair and Body: Don\’t Forget the Frame

A glow routine isn\’t just about the face. Hailey\’s summer glow comes from well-moisturized limbs and shiny hair. I swapped my body lotion for a niacinamide spray by Sol de Janiero (smells like a tropical drink). And for hair, I replaced my heavy oil with a lightweight hair milk from Amika. A tiny drop on the ends gives that wet-hair look without grease. I also started using a scalp SPF—our scalp SPF guide has the best picks.

Expert Insights

Q: Can I get the Hailey Bieber glow without spending over $30 per product?
A: Absolutely. Many drugstore alternatives work just as well. The key is the texture: lightweight gel formulas and water-based serums. Brands like The Ordinary and Naturium offer polyglutamic acid serums under $15.

Q: What\’s the biggest mistake people make when trying a summer glow routine?
A: Overloading on products. You don\’t need four different oils. Stick to a hydrating serum, a lightweight moisturizer, and a glow-enhancing SPF. Less is more when it\’s hot out.

Q: Should I use a separate highlighter for that Hailey glow?
A: You can, but I found that a liquid highlighter mixed with SPF looks more natural. In 2026, many brands like Rare Beauty have launched SPF highlighters—two in one.

Q: How do I make the glow last all day in US summer humidity?
A: Set your face with a hydrating setting spray that has glycerin. I use the Morphosis Hyaluronic Setting Spray ($28 at Ulta). It helps the dewiness stay, not melt.

Watch how Hailey achieves her iconic summer glow.

After two weeks of swapping, I can honestly say the 2026 summer glow routine is simpler than I expected. I don\’t feel sticky, my skin breathes better, and the compliments have rolled in. My top must-try swap? Definitely the polyglutamic acid serum followed by a water-gel moisturizer. That combo alone gives you that Hailey-esque luminosity without the heaviness. If you\’re in the US and want to try it, start with the sunscreen stick—it\’s the you didn\’t know you needed. The rest is just confidence.

Who Should Buy/Skip

  • Buy if: You want a lightweight, dewy look without heavy creams or sticky SPF. Ideal for normal, combination, or oily skin in humid climates.
  • Skip if: You prefer matte finishes or have very dry skin that needs rich emollients—these gel formulas may not provide enough moisture.

Ingredient & Formula Analysis

The polyglutamic acid serum is a standout: it holds 4,000x its weight in water, outperforming hyaluronic acid for surface hydration. The water-gel moisturizer uses ceramides and squalane to support the skin barrier without heaviness. The sunscreen stick relies on modern UV filters (like Uvinul A Plus) for invisible protection—no white cast.

Skin-Type Suitability

  • Oily/Combination: Excellent—gel textures and non-comedogenic formulas.
  • Dry: May need a richer cream in winter; fine for summer if layered with serum.
  • Sensitive: Polyglutamic acid is gentler than niacinamide; patch test the sunscreen stick first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The 2026 summer glow routine focuses on swapping heavy creams for gel-based moisturizers, powdered highlighters for liquid luminizers, and thick SPFs for invisible Korean-inspired sunscreens. Key swaps include using a milky gel cleanser (like Skin Breeze) instead of foaming cleansers, a polyglutamic acid serum instead of niacinamide, and a water-gel moisturizer (e.g., Biobare) over traditional creams. For a deeper look at achieving this look, check out our guide on How to Get Hailey Bieber's Glazed Donut Skin at Home in 2026.
In 2026, the glass skin trend has evolved from layering multiple products to strategic hydration and lighter textures. Hailey now swaps heavy creams for gel-based formulas, uses polyglutamic acid serum for deeper hydration, and relies on invisible, non-sticky sunscreens like Beauty of Joseon stick. The focus is on a natural, almost-wet finish rather than a heavily highlighted look. For more celebrity glow secrets, see Celebrity Glow Secrets: Jennifer Aniston & Hailey Bieber's 2026 Routine.
While Hailey hasn't publicly endorsed a single sunscreen for 2026, the blog recommends upgrading to Korean-inspired sunscreens like the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen stick. It’s invisible, doesn't pill under makeup, and dries to a natural glow. This type of SPF replaces thick, white zinc formulations, making it a cornerstone of the modern summer glow routine.
Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a hydrating ingredient that holds up to 4,000 times its weight in water—far more than hyaluronic acid. In the 2026 summer glow routine, it replaces niacinamide as a gentler brightening and plumping serum, especially for sensitive skin. It’s applied to damp skin to lock in moisture without irritation, keeping skin plump even in dry environments like air-conditioned offices.
While the routine highlights 2026-specific swaps, you can replicate the concept using any lightweight, hydrating products you already own. Focus on a gel-based moisturizer, a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic or polyglutamic acid), and a sheer, non-sticky sunscreen. For budget-friendly alternatives, consider checking our How to Get Hailey Bieber's Glazed Donut Skin at Home in 2026 guide for affordable dupes.

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Celebrity Beauty,

Last Update: 17 July 2026

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