Entertainment
Julia Barretto Is Living The Summer Dream—And She’s Unstoppable
Her mantra? “It’s summer all year round”—embracing that sunny, carefree energy in every aspect of her life.
Created with POND'S Skin Institute
We’ve all seen plenty of Julia Barretto, from her standout roles in film and television to her impeccable sense of style and grace. But if there’s one thing about her that truly transcends the screens—it’s her sun-kissed glow, vibrant energy, and effortless confidence, embodying the essence of summer. And while many equate summer with beach days, Julia reminds us that the spirit of the season can be found anywhere, whether you're enjoying the sun outdoors or creating your own sunny moments indoors. The key is embracing that carefree energy and protecting your skin, no matter where you are.
Sure, we’ve seen her embody ‘Hot Girl Summer’ and rock beach-babe OOTDs (and we’re totally obsessed!), but more than that, she radiates the kind of warmth that inspires you to dive into life and your dreams headfirst.
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Julia Barretto for Cosmopolitan Philippines | Photographed by Josh Tolentino.
Julia isn’t just living her dream summer; she’s creating it, one sun-drenched day at a time. In an interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines, she shares the journey of combining her love for the season with her entrepreneurial spirit and a relentlessly positive outlook on life.
So, yup! Trust the Julia Barretto to love lounging on the beach or enjoying a casual brunch at a new cafe while actively shaping the life she’s always dreamed of (we love a gal that can do both!). Here’s how she’s turning her summer dreams into reality while inspiring others to do the same.
Her Dream Summer
Of course, a summer 'It' girl like Julia has a vision. Her ideal summer? She paints a very vivid picture: "I'm laying in a tanning chair by the beach with margarita pizza on my left and [a pina colada on my right]. It's my perfect beach day. With a lot of sunscreen, obviously."
Yup, nothing but pure, unadulterated summer bliss! For her, the season isn't just a few months of the year—it's a state of mind.
This constant connection to the sun and sea fuels her creativity and inspires her mindset, even when working. "I'm always looking forward to the day I get to be by the beach. It's my outlet. It makes me feel alive." Spoken like a true Pisces gal!
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Julia Barretto for Cosmopolitan Philippines | Photographed by Josh Tolentino.
So, on days when she finally gets to have fun under the sun, Julia understands the importance of protecting her skin, sharing how she makes sure to use "a lot of sunscreen." From spontaneous road trips to routine errands, she always makes sure her skin is protected with sunscreen—it's a non-negotiable for her.
Her "dream summer routine" is refreshingly simple: "All I have is just my facial wash, my micellar water, and if it's not my hydrating water gel, it's my hydrating toner, and then my sunscreen," she shares.
When spending a lot of time outdoors, it's extra important to be mindful of what you put on your skin. Julia's tip? To avoid irritation, she emphasizes avoiding harsh active ingredients when basking in the sun. This straightforward routine, centered around sun protection, is her key to maintaining a healthy and vibrant glow not just during the summer—but all year long.
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Julia Barretto for Cosmopolitan Philippines April 2025 | Photographed by Josh Tolentino.
"The goal is not to get burnt, so someone like me who purposely finds the sun and finds a way to be under it at all times [must be] always reapplying [sunscreen]," Julia explains. "It's just important," she stresses.
Julia's summer reverie is more than just a picture of idyllic beach days—we see a balance of sun-soaked joy, mundane everyday activities, and self-care. It's a reminder that embracing the vibrant energy of the season and protecting the skin that allows us to experience it go hand in hand. This intentional approach—this blend of indulgence and responsibility—is what truly shines through.
Everyone's Dream Girl
While the phrase "everyone's dream girl" might conjure images of perfection, Julia redefines it. For her, it's not about being perfect, but about fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Showing she's just as real as everyone else, she humbly confesses:
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Julia Barretto for Cosmopolitan Philippines | Photographed by Josh Tolentino.
This authentic desire to create a welcoming space, to embody the "dream girl" as a real and relatable person, fuels her passion for The Juju Club. More than just a business born from her love for beach essentials, it's a vision for a community built on inclusivity and freedom.
Julia elaborates on this, saying: "[For me], I think it's more about building a community that's [not] incriminating and just non-judgmental. I feel like [being a 'dream girl'] is about welcoming everybody, just having fun, being free, and being exactly who you are."
Take Julia's lead and strive to feel good—and make others feel good—no matter where you are, whether you find yourself immersed in art at a museum, relaxing on a sunlit picnic, or simply grabbing a coffee on the go. Spreading that positive, inclusive energy and feeling of belonging and acceptance? Now that's what we call a dream girl!
Behind the scenes with our radiant April 2025 cover girl, Julia Barretto. | Photographed by Summit Video Team
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She's radiance personified, don't you think? | Photographed by Summit Video Team
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Proof that Julia's glow is real: she's luminous even in BTS photos! | Photographed by Mary Paul Agpalo
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Beaming beauty: Julia's positive energy is contagious. | Photographed by Mary Paul Agpalo
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The secret to Julia's glow? POND's UV Sunscreen. | Photographed by Summit Video Team
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Through The Juju Club, Julia is not only sharing her dream summer aspiration with others but also embodying the essence of feminine power—encouraging women to embrace their individuality, be unapologetically themselves, and feel empowered to live their best lives.
And for those who want to follow her lead and start their own business? Here's Julia's advice: "It's true when they say no man is an island. You can't do things on your own. You should always be comfortable asking for professional help and guidance."
She encourages taking risks and learning from every experience.
"Take that jump. And whether or not it's going to work out, at least you're going to try. And if it doesn't work out, it's okay to let go of things," she advises. Julia's message is clear: build your community, believe in yourself, and become your own version of a "dream girl."
Spreading The Dream Girl Energy
It's undeniable how Julia's radiant positivity is infectious. Despite the pressures of her industry, she's learned to maintain a bright outlook, thanks to the strong influence of her family.
"I think just being born in an environment [with] a mom who's constantly telling me to always see the good in every situation. When bad stuff happens, just always come out a better person for it," she shares.
While it may be easier said than done, Julia has learned to prioritize self-care in her daily routine, finding strength in simple practices.
"My self-care is a lot about silencing the noise and having your own space. It's simple, but honestly, it's the most powerful," she says.
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Make every day a dream summer with Julia's go-to: POND'S UV Sunscreen.
When she's finally able to get to the beach—a.k.a. her happy place—she makes sure to use a reliable sunscreen. Julia's go-to? A lightweight sunscreen that keeps her skin fresh, hydrated, and protected all day, without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. Something like POND'S UV Hydrate Sunscreen or POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen fits seamlessly into her daily routine, offering both protection and skincare benefits in one.
Even when she's just cafe hopping for iced coffee or enjoying a picnic in the park, she makes sure her skin is protected. "When I know my skin is protected from the sun, I'm free to enjoy and be myself because I know [I'm okay no matter what] like nothing's stopping me now," she notes.
Now that you know what makes Julia unstoppable, you, too, can channel your inner dream girl, embrace every moment, and spread that radiant dream girl energy.
Take a cue from the dream summer girl herself! It's time to prioritize self-care and stay protected as you wind down for your next adventure, whether it's a beach trip or a casual day out. For those needing a touch of hydration, the POND'S UV Hydrate Sunscreen boasts a lightweight, broad-spectrum formula that helps protect and hydrate the skin with regular use thanks to the infusion of hyaluron and SPF 50 PA++++. This variant also gives a fresh, glass skin finish! Meanwhile, the POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen helps keep the skin bright and fresh thanks to Gluta-Niacinamide and SPF 50 PA++++, which helps give you a radiant glow while helping fade dark spots and blemishes when used regularly.
At the heart of any self-care routine, including the daily practice of protecting your skin, is a foundation of kindness and patience. Remember that consistent care, like applying sunscreen, is a gentle act of self-love, and results take time. Julia ends our conversation with a friendly reminder:
Julia Barretto lives the “dream summer” lifestyle—not just through her love for the summer season but her relentless drive and infectious positivity, showing you that you don't have to have it all figured out to enjoy that dream summer lifestyle all year round, with the confidence of sun-protected skin.
Let Julia’s journey inspire you to spread good vibes, care for yourself, and live your version of the “dream summer.”
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This article was created by Summit X in partnership with POND'S Skin Institute.