As I put this list together, the only direction I provided to our team was, “Quick! Share your favorite 3-6 products for summertime and a brief reason why.” You'll find the unedited, completely un-influenced list  — I promise, always — below. (Aren’t you dying to see what they said? I was!)

I couldn’t figure out what order to put the list in, so I went with each team member’s start date year at Ayla, going all the way back to 2011. It’s fun to see these dates, and I could not feel luckier to have this team by my side.

If you've been with us for awhile, too, I also couldn't feel luckier for that — and I'm guessing you've gotten an order note, email, or phone call from at least a few of these great ladies.

xx
Dara
(PS If you're wondering what mine are, I'm constantly posting them on Substack and Instagram!)

Favorites from Nora (2011)

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Glow: When you want the coverage without the heavy concealer look plus sun protection, I am obsessed with this for summer. I find myself reaching for my Sea Serum plus Eye Serum duo from DK in the AM, then put on my Face Shield, a little mascara, and I am good to go for the whole day. Polished and sun-protected perfection.

Manasi7 All Over Colour: I live in my car, shuttling my kids to and fro from camps and fields, and the Manasi in a neutral earthy tone (Chamoisee) is perfect. I leave it in my car console at all times, and it is a subtle pink, earthy brown that looks great on your lids cheeks and lips. Just perfect when you need a little something between fields.

Dara Kennedy Eye Serum: This brand new eye serum is a stand out for me. Perfectly cooling for a morning wake up and instantly decompressing after a long day at the beach. It goes on elegantly serum-ey and soaks in like a dream. You only need a slight drop, layers beautifully under your sunscreen and whatever else you wear during the day, and instantly soothes and sets the tone for a great night of sleep. I feel I wake up looking refreshed and ready to do it all again!

Favorites from Melissa (2015)

Kosas Dreambeam SPF 40: A color correcting sunblock and fantastic makeup primer that's safe for the most acne prone skin

Colorescience SPF 30 Sunscreen Powder: Finally, folks who wear makeup can reapply throughout the day!

MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray: The fastest, easiest way to ensure your body is covered when you’re exposed to the sun

Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment: To rehydrate and repair hair after it’s been in the pool or ocean

Marie Veronique Body Barrier Emulsion: The most moisturizing body product I’ve ever found for after the sun, ocean or pool has dried your skin out

Ayla + MyHavtorn Foot Therapy: A must for when we’re wearing sandals or drying our feet out by running around in the sand

Favorites from Elena (2018)

27 Rosiers Fight Grime Cleanser - I love it in the summer because it’s so refreshing. I use it nightly, and it’s super effective for washing off sunscreen. And it’s gentle enough for my 50+ year old skin.

MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 - In the summer, I up my SPF game and bring on the 50 for when I spend more time outside. And, it’s great for my dry skin because it’s so creamy & moisturizing (as you get from all the products from this brand).

Dara Kennedy Eye Serum - No other eye product has been this effective. Within a week, I could see it working on my top two concerns. It tones down my dark circles and is great for de-puffing, all while being perfectly moisturizing.

Twelve Ultra Revitalising Elixir - This has been my go-to for years, but I especially enjoy using it in the summer. So refreshing, and my skin loves it!

Ursa Major Perfect Zen Body Lotion - In the summer, I focus more on moisturizing my legs. My go-to is this lotion. It’s the right weight and keeps my legs soft all day.

Favorites from Karina (2018)

TWELVE Beauty Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil - Love to apply this before and after helping with events at SF’s Yerba Buena Gardens, it really does help my sore legs and the scent is wonderful

TWELVE Beauty Jojoba Quench Body Serum - perfect for that vacation where you know you’re gonna soak up a lot of sun: lightweight, fast absorption, yet deep hydration

Colorescience Total Protection SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen No Show - no mineral smell!!! No white cast!! Might be my new go to face sunscreen

Favorites from Natalie (2020)

Kroma Cranberry Hydration Elixir. So refreshing and hydrating on warm summer days, a special treat is to add it to sparkling water with a dash of lime.

Dara Kennedy Eye Serum. Could not have landed like a miracle from heaven at a more needed time, when my kids are on summer break and no one is getting enough rest. I have been stopped regularly by people to ask if I did something new to my eye area.

La Ferme Saint-Sylvain Spearmint Infusion. Perfect for unwinding at night before bed along with a good book. add extra to put in the fridge for an ice cold daytime treat.

Colorescience Face Shield Glow SPF 50. I cannot find the time to deal with make up and this sunscreen gives me a “I put the time in” look.

Favorites from Emi (2021)

Dara’s Water - to help make sure I remove my extra summertime SPF so my nighttime skin routine can do its best work

Dara Kennedy Sea Serum - this is my year-round favorite, but I’m extra happy for the antioxidant protection during the summer months when I’m spending more time in the sun

Dr. Anna Gold Build Sleep - for travel across time zones (also helpful if staying in time zones with very long daylight hours that can feel confusing for the circadian rhythm)

Natalie’s Cosmetics Hydration Body Gel - when a cream or oil feels too heavy, this is my favorite product for keeping body skin nourished

TEK Small Oval Brush and TEK Comb - whether I’m packing my suitcase, gym bag, work bag, or beach/pool bag, I always forget to add my hair brush until the last minute only to find I have run out of room… which is why these two items are on my wish list right now!

Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss - these are so fun and make for an easy on-the-go pop of color plus the added benefit of hyaluronic. Personal favorite shades include Fruitjuice and Malibu for when I want a bold color but am not in the mood to commit to a full lipstick look.

Favorites from Maria (2024)

Luzern La Defense SPF 30: First sunscreen that I love wearing. It's such a beautiful texture...and no white cast!

MyHavtorn Hand Cream and MyHavtorn Nail and Cuticle Oil: I use a pump of the hand cream and one or two drops of the oil. I'm going manicure free this summer because my hands, nails and cuticles have never looked so healthy.

Dara Kennedy Sea Serum: It brightens my skin and gives me rosy cheeks (really!) so I can go foundation-free during the summer.

Eye of Horus Mascara in Brown:  This and a lip gloss (see next) is all I need for summer makeup.

Manasi 7 Lip Potion in Hayata: I did a summer makeup lesson with Melissa and she put this on me. Love it. My current color obsession!