You Glow, Girl: 14 Items That Promise To Make Your Melanin Pop This Summer

Most summers, we’re typically a selfie away from an Instagram-worthy moment: Venture outside with a straw hat, and boom. Drive to the beach and spend the day watching the waves roll in — done. Plan a rooftop party with your closest friends (and your friends' friends and their friends), and you have an entire album of mementos. But these days, with social-distancing guidelines implemented in most cities, finding fun moments will require a bit more creativity (and even with some parts of the country reopening, it's understandable if you were still cautious about social gatherings).

To help you find inspiration, Unbothered has partnered up with Target to round up 14 standout beauty and fashion items that promise to liven up any photo opp, whether it's from your bedroom or your backyard. There are dresses rich in bold hues, a head scarf in a fierce print, and a matte lipstick that packs a punch. And we included sunscreen in the mix, because we both know the rumor isn’t completely true — Black can crack. Shop our favorite pieces, ahead.

This summer dress may be simple in style, but it more than makes up for it with a color-rich, siren-red shade. Wear it alone or layer it with a cardigan or an open oversized button-down shirt.

A New Day Sleeveless Ballet Dress, $, available at Target

Believe us, there’s nothing worse than wearing a cult-favorite sunscreen only to discover it leaves your skin looking ashy. That’s why we’re into this octinoxate-, silicone-, and aluminum-free sunscreen that's designed for Black girls: It guards against premature sun damage and keeps our melanin poppin’.

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $, available at Target

Protect your curls with a silk square scarf covered in a fierce print for a statement-making look (even if you're just in a white tee and jeans).


A New Day Animal Print Silk Square Scarf, $, available at Target

Soft neutrals are our jam for the summer, but finding a true beige on darker skin tones can be a challenge. This season, reach for a more playful color, like this pastel blue shade that screams, "Hello, summer!”

Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny, $, available at Target

We love jewelry that’s perfect for any destination — in or out of our backyard —and this one fits the bill. Wear it around the pool or while walking around the block.


SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Geometric Resin Hoop Earrings, $, available at Target

A comfortable dress that’s perfect for lounging? Check. Welcome warm weather with this breezy floral number that was made for backyard fun or your next trip to the islands (it's okay to still want to plan ahead!).

A New Day Short Sleeve Ruffle Hem Dress, $, available at Target

If you’re serious about getting a summer glow, you’ll want to snag this shimmer body oil that will make you look like an absolute snack. The best thing about it? Not only does the coconut oil have a sweet subtle scent, it also helps moisturize dry skin without leaving behind a greasy finish.

Olive + M Shimmer + Glow Body Oil, $, available at Target

If you want your tie-dye sweatsuit in swimwear form, here it is: This brilliant blue bikini that boasts a tie-dye pattern that mimics the ocean waves.



Xhilaration Blue Tie-Dye Bralette Bikini Top, $, available at Target

Xhilaration Blue Tie-Dye Bikini Bottom, $, available at Target

Invite drama with this bright red lipstick with major staying power. It glides onto your lips as a gloss, but finishes in a beautiful matte that’s not super drying.

The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick, $, available at Target

Searching for ways to look chic while wearing a mask? We hear you, girl, which is why these shell drop earrings are everything you're looking for. And because of their neutral tones, you can style them with everything you own.

A New Day Shell Drop Earrings, $, available at Target

Nothing makes your melanin pop more than a simple white cotton dress. Finish your look with loud, colorful accessories and a bright lip, or take a subtler approach with chic leather extras.

A New Day Sleeveless Tiered Dress, $, available at Target

Match the sun's rays with this two-piece that's rich in a not-so-mellow yellow color. We especially love this set because the cinched top provides an extra lift.

Xhilaration Lemon Yellow Cinch-Front Bralette Bikini Top, $, available at Target

Xhilaration Lemon Yellow Bikini Bottom, $, available at Target

The ultimate eyeshadow palette for whatever mood you're in: earth tones (for a subtle look), deep burgundy (for drama), and glitter (for experimentation).

Coloured Raine Eyeshadow Palette, $, available at Target

These comfortable slides, which are crafted with a striped canvas criss-cross upper, somehow have the ability to elevate any look, and yet are still casual enough for everyday wear.

A New Day Knotted Bow Slide Sandals, $, available at Target

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?