As summer reaches its peak, I’m excited to present a compilation of my current favorites. This year has seen an unusually hot and sticky summer. My skin has certainly experienced the effects, and while few products truly endure the intense heat, I’ve unearthed many new beauty finds that I’m loving.
Raffia Bags
I adore a great raffia bag, and this Loewe Medium Basket is a purchase I made three years ago (time truly zooms by). It has endured remarkably well despite some mixed feedback on this design. Mine was a seasonal hue, but they continue to offer the timeless beige with black or brown logos, along with a few new styles this year. I’ve been eyeing some Miu Miu options but haven’t settled on a color yet. If you have any favorites, I’d love to hear!
For a budget-friendly choice, the Eric Javits Squishee Tote has been a long-time favorite of mine. These bags are crafted beautifully and maintain their shape well if you favor a more structured look. I own it in two colors (black mix and neutral mix) and they have served me well for a long time.
Summer Hats
Continuing with Eric Javits, the hats from his collection are a must-have for me. I always take them along to the pool or beach as they offer the best sun protection of all the hats I’ve tested. My go-to style is the Hamptons hat, but I also adore the Bucket Hats. They frequently have great sales when purchased directly from their website.
Favorite Sunglasses
I have a slight obsession with sunglasses, but since finding these Chanel Rectangle ones, I haven’t splurged much on other styles. I have them in tortoise and black – they match virtually everything and I love the silhouette. These are also the ones that receive the most compliments!
Portable Fan
The Dyson HushJet Portable Mini Fan was an impulse purchase this year, and I can’t get enough of it. It fits perfectly into my tote and was a lifesaver during Miami Swim Week.
Sunscreens
I’m compiling an updated sunscreen list but wanted to share some favorites right now. Finding one that works well with makeup, stays in place, doesn’t migrate into the eyes, and provides high SPF is challenging. Many of you seek mineral recommendations, but I still prefer chemical formulas.
For my face, I’ve been loving the La Roche Posay Anthelios UVAir Serum Sunscreen SPF 50, Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+, Prequel Solar Shade SPF 46, Chanel UV Essentiel, and the new Christian Dior Le Fluide Invisible SPF 50. These work seamlessly with my foundations that have high SPF ratings and have worn exceptionally well.
For body protection, Shiseido unquestionably excels with the best long-lasting formula that resists sweat and water. The Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector has been my indispensable choice for years. I also tried the Sun Protector Mineral version, which boasts incredible staying power and adheres well to the skin. The only downside is that it’s quite difficult to remove at day’s end.
I also have a fondness for the Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist. This is superior to most sunscreen sprays because it’s not an aerosol. You can see exactly where it’s applied on the skin, and it holds up remarkably well even in water. The shimmer is lovely without being excessively glittery. It dries nicely without a greasy feel.
The Best Body Oil
Due to the heat, my skin has felt extra dry lately. I recently rediscovered the L’Occitane Almond Body Oil, and I recall now why I adored it so much. The updated packaging is stunning, but it’s the same as the original. The Almond Shower Oil is another staple that both Andrew and I cherish. It feels incredibly luxurious! The Shower Oil will be featured in this Almond Gift Set starting next week during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Makeup Favorites
I’ve accumulated a plethora of new makeup favorites this year. My most exciting foundation launch has to be the YSL Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation in 7.5N (see it in action here). It’s so effortless to apply, requires minimal blending, and the coverage is just right. It lasts all day on my skin, and I appreciate the way it appears like my skin but enhanced.
To impart a healthy glow, I’ve been absolutely loving the Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Cream highlighters. They provide a beautiful dewy finish without the stickiness of many balm sticks. I adore how natural they look on the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint remains a favorite. I’ll layer or blend it with other foundations. One of you suggested it over the Hollywood Flawless Filter for a more organic glow, and you were spot on! I wear this in Shade 7.5.
Armani Fluid Sheers are, of course, a classic. I alternate between Shades 10 or 11 as they closely match my skin tone for a lit-from-within soft glow.
The Rhode Highlight Milks are also worth a mention. Full review here. They’re luminous and I appreciate the thinner fluid texture.
As for cream bronzers, there’s a tie between Rhode Pocket Bronze, Westman Atelier Soleil Parfait Duos, and Dior Forever Skin Bronze Stick. I’ve traditionally been a powder bronzer person, but this year’s launches have entirely shifted my perspective.
- Rhode is the creamiest and easiest to blend (review here, demo here)
- Westman Atelier duos have a lovely neutral and cool blend (review here, on the skin here)
- Dior offers the best satin formula that lasts longest on me (review + swatches here)
The Best Summer Red
I’ve been enamored with Essie Geranium for my nails. You all know my usual pedicure choice is Hermes Orange Poppy, but I switched things up this year. Last Christmas, Andrew surprised me with a staycation at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach. We enjoyed spa treatments and mani/pedis together, which was fantastic. I brought my own colors for my pedicure, but at the last minute, I asked Andrew for help choosing a new shade. He picked Geranium, and I ordered a bottle as soon as we got home. It’s been on my toes nearly non-stop this year. It’s truly the ideal bold summer red. (The sandals are Fendi, which I adore; they fit true to size, though I recommend adding these anti-slip grip pads.)
Lip Loves
For lips, I mentioned the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine in Sparkling Pink a few weeks ago, but unfortunately, it sold out quickly. While I don’t have a dupe suggestion, I think the Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter in Pink delivers a similar effect (review here). If shimmer isn’t your preference, the newer YSL Candy Glaze in Bubblegum Pink (swatched here) is certainly a favorite.
I remain a neutral lip lover at my core, although I’ve been experimenting with other shades recently. The best neutrals for me at the moment are the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Honey Bliss (swatched here; it will be part of this cute set next week) and the Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss in 443 Impertinente (reviewed here).
Hair Care Obsessions
I also have two hair care favorites I can’t get enough of. The Oribe Detangling Spray remains the best detangler I’ve ever used, and it’s been a godsend since my hair tangles so easily on the ends lately. I’ve also been frequently reaching for the Oribe Supershine Smoothing Wax Stick. It’s comparable to the R+Co Dart Stick, but I find myself using the Oribe more, as it provides a bit more shine.
Neither stick appears or feels greasy, but if you experience any sweating, you will definitely need to wash your hair in the evenings. I would love to find a hair spray that works effectively on my hair, but for dealing with pesky flyaways, the wax pomade sticks are the only solutions that work for me.
Summer Perfumes
Lastly, I have two new fragrances that I’ve been completely obsessed with this year. Thanks to a few influencers I met this year, I discovered Memo Paris. Their latest launch is Menorca, and it features the best citrusy bergamot I’ve encountered this year. Think notes of bergamot, salty undertones, neroli, ginger, lemon, and sandalwood.
I will always be a Creed devotee, and Wild Vetiver is likely my favorite fragrance this year. It’s intensely scented and incredibly unique. It combines vetiver, bergamot, timur berry, rose, geranium, blackcurrant, cedarwood, and amberwood beautifully. This is the fragrance that garners the most inquiries. If you’re familiar with Creed’s fragrances, know that the new Wild Vetiver is quite different from Original Vetiver, which has a cleaner, fresher, and more masculine scent. The Wild Vetiver is the bold, feminine counterpart. I also love the sea green Refillable Atomizer they released with this perfume (though you can transfer any scent into it).
A brief nod to two that may not be new but still represent summer in a bottle: Kilian’s Sunkissed Goddess and Creed Virgin Island Water are my favorites for those quintessential summer aromas.
This list turned out longer than expected, but I wanted to compile everything into one post! If you have any summer favorites, please share in the comments!
**Summer Essentials I’ve Been Loving**
With the sun shining brightly and days lengthening, summer brings a distinct set of joys and necessities. This season, I’ve come across a collection of summer essentials that have significantly improved my warm-weather experience. From skincare to outdoor gear, these items have become vital to my daily routine.
**1. Sunscreen: The Essential Skin Guard**
Above all, a dependable sunscreen is a must. I’ve been using a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that offers stellar protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula makes it ideal for daily application, keeping my skin shielded from harmful sun exposure.
**2. Hydration Must-Haves: Reusable Water Bottle**
Staying hydrated is vital during the sweltering summer months. My insulated stainless steel water bottle has been a game-changer, keeping my drinks chilled for hours. It’s eco-friendly and motivates me to consume more water throughout the day, whether I’m at the beach, hiking, or simply out and about.
**3. Fashionable Sunglasses: Eye Protection with Style**
A decent pair of sunglasses is crucial for shielding my eyes from the sun’s intense rays. I’ve been enjoying a set of polarized sunglasses that not only diminish glare but also enhance my summer outfits. They’re perfect for driving, lounging by the pool, or engaging in outdoor activities.
**4. Breathable Apparel: Merging Comfort with Style**
Lightweight, breathable materials are essential for comfort in the heat. Linen and cotton have become my preferred fabrics, providing both style and ease. Flowy dresses, loose shirts, and shorts have become prominent in my summer wardrobe, allowing me to remain cool and stylish.
**5. Outdoor Adventure Gear: Embracing the Great Outdoors**
Summer is an ideal time to explore nature. I’ve been enjoying hiking and camping with a trustworthy backpack and sturdy hiking boots. These essentials simplify carrying everything I need for a day of adventure, ensuring I’m ready for any trail or terrain.
**6. Refreshing Skincare: Staying Cool and Hydrated**
The heat can be tough on the skin, so I’ve added a refreshing facial mist and hydrating moisturizer to my skincare lineup. These products help calm and cool my skin, offering much-needed relief after a day under the sun.
**7. Portable Fan: A Cool Breeze Anywhere**
For those especially sweltering days, a portable fan has been a true lifesaver. Compact and easy to transport, it provides a refreshing breeze wherever I go, be it at a picnic or waiting in line at a summer festival.
**8. Beach Necessities: Enjoying Fun in the Sun**
No summer is truly complete without a trip to the beach. A large, absorbent beach towel, a sturdy beach umbrella, and a waterproof phone case have been crucial for enjoying a day by the sea. These items ensure comfort and convenience, allowing me to relax and enjoy the sun safely.
In conclusion, these summer essentials have not only enriched the season but made it more comfortable and secure. Whether you’re planning a getaway or simply enjoying the sunshine at home, the right essentials can significantly enhance your summer experience.
