Sephora Summer Essentials: Staff Picks

Camryn Cadenhead | Digital Brand Marketing Manager July 25th, 2025

Selfcare, romanticizing your routines, and purchasing with purpose have been trending topics of conversation for some time now, but with so many different products, points, and opinions, it can be overwhelming to jump in. 

We’ve stopped by Sephora here in Galleria Dallas to meet with the amazingly helpful Sephora team member, Dani, to find her favorite warm weather staples on their shelves!

As Dani took us through the bright and colorful Sephora isles, it was refreshing to see her passion for each product that she pulled for us. 

While it was difficult to narrow down her tippy top favorite items in-store, Dani managed to solidify her choices and shared with us just why she was so confident in her selections.

Pick 1: Isle of Paradise Daily Defense Body Mist SPF 50 Sunscreen

Isle of Paradise Daily Defense Body Mist is not only water proof, it’s also also vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with Niacinamide. 

Here’s a few reasons why Dani loves it:

  • SPF is an essential all-year round, but especially in the summer 

  • This sunscreen helps prevent hyperpigmentation along with keeping your skin from burning

  • It’s a great product for textured skin 

Pick 2: Topicals Slather Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar - For Soft Skin

Topicals Slather Exfoliating & Smooth Bar is best for skin on the drier side and can help you achieve a smooth, even texture with its ingredients containing Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, and Retinol.

Here’s a few reasons why Dani loves it:

  • This bar contains Retinol, Niacinamide

  • It is helpful with pigmentation 

  • Good for smoothing skin with Keratosis Pilaris, or KP

  • Perfect to pair with Isle of Paradise Body Mist SPF since your newly smooth skin can be sensitive to the sun

Pick 3: Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm

Eadem’s glossy lip balm comes in a variety of shades, including clear, while also containing peptides and AHA/Glycolic Acid.

Here’s a few reasons why Dani loves it:

  • It gives you popping lips 

  • It’s full of exfoliating BHAs and AHAs

  • The longevity of the gloss is unmatched 

  • It’s perfect if you are looking for moisturize and hydration, especially in the summer

  • There is a good selection of tints to choose from 

Pick 4: Merit The Uniform™ Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Merit’s vegan tinted sunscreen is cruelty and fragrance free, as well as noncomedogenic.

Here’s a few reasons why Dani loves it:

  • It is made with Zinc Oxide for UVA and UVB protection

  • You get amazing coverage and can treat it as a foundation 

  • It’s an easy throw on in the morning that makes you look put together

  • Merit is a well-known clean brand 

Pick 5: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Deep Scalp Detox 2-in-1 Hair Serum Cleanser

Pattern is an amazing Black Owned Brand at Sephora, with their Deep Scalp Detox focusing on curly and coily hair and oilier scalps. 

Here’s a few reasons why Dani loves it:

  • Serves as a dry shampoo for those with braids

  • All you need to do after using is a gentle towel rub in roots 

  • Provides a detox for the scalp 

  • The tip on it makes for easy use 

  • Helps with scalp irritation 

  • It’s her Holy Grail product

Pick 6: Pureology Color Fanatic Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner

The Pureology Color Heat Protectant acts as a shield against harmful temperatures your hair is exposed to everyday, whether it be from the sun or hot tools, while also providing a smooth shine. 

Here’s a few reasons why Dani loves it:

  • It protects your hair from heat damage up to 450 degrees

  • Color-treated hair is safe with this spray

  • It’s perfect for days spent tanning 

  • It doubles as a leave-in conditioner