With summer in full swing, I wanted to present a collection of my current favorites. This year’s summer has been incredibly hot and humid. My skin is surely feeling the effects, and although not many products can withstand the intense heat, I’ve discovered a wealth of new beauty treasures that I adore this year.
Raffia Bags
I’m a big fan of raffia bags, and this Loewe Medium Basket is one I got three years ago (time flies!). It has survived impressively well despite mixed reviews about this design. Mine was a seasonal hue, but they still offer the classic beige with either a black or brown logo, plus a few newer styles this year. I’ve been eyeing some Miu Miu options but haven’t finalized a color yet. If you have favorites, I’d love to hear!
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Eric Javits Squishee Tote has been a longtime favorite of mine. These bags are beautifully crafted and maintain their shape well if you prefer a more structured aesthetic. I own it in two shades (black mix and neutral mix), and they’ve also proven to be quite durable.
Summer Hats
Sticking with the Eric Javits theme, his hats are essential for me. I always take them with me to the pool or beach because they provide the best sun protection among all the hats I’ve tested. My favorite is the Hamptons style, but I also adore the Bucket Hats. They often have great sales when you purchase directly from their website.
Favorite Sunglasses
I admit I have a bit of a sunglass obsession, but since I found these Chanel Rectangle ones, I haven’t splurged much on other styles. I have them in tortoise and black – they truly match everything and I love the shape. They’re also the pairs I receive the most compliments on!
Portable Fan
This year, I made an impulse purchase with the Dyson HushJet Portable Mini Fan and it’s been a game changer. It fits neatly into my tote bag and was a lifesaver during Miami Swim Week.
Suncreens
I’m currently working on an updated sunscreen roundup, but I wanted to share some favorites now. It can be challenging to find one that works well with makeup, stays put, and doesn’t run into the eyes while offering high SPF. Many of you have asked about mineral options, but I still lean towards chemical formulas.
For my face, I’ve been really enjoying the La Roche Posay Anthelios UVAir Serum Sunscreen SPF50, 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 pair well with my foundations that have high SPF ratings and wear excellently for me.
For body sunscreen, Shiseido takes the crown with the best long-wear formula that’s sweat and water-resistant. The Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector has been my go-to for years. I also tried the Sun Protector Mineral version which offers amazing staying power and adheres nicely to the skin. The downside is that it can be quite tough to remove at the end of the day.
I also enjoy the Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist. This is superior to most sunscreen sprays because it’s not an aerosol. You can visibly see where it’s applied on the skin and it lasts quite well even when swimming. The shimmer is lovely without being overly glittery. It dries well without feeling oily.
The Best Body Oil
Recently, my skin has been feeling particularly dry due to the heat. I’ve rediscovered the L’Occitane Almond Body Oil and now recall why I loved it so much. The refreshed packaging is gorgeous, but it’s the same formula as the original. The Almond Shower Oil is another staple that both Andrew and I adore. It feels incredibly luxurious! The Shower Oil will be included in this Almond Gift Set starting next week during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Makeup Favorites
This year has brought me numerous new makeup favorites. My top new foundation launch has to be the YSL Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation in 7.5N (see how it performs here). It’s super easy to apply, blends effortlessly, and the coverage is just right. It lasts all day for me and gives a lovely skin-like finish.
To enhance my complexion with a healthy glow, I’ve been loving the Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Cream highlighters. They provide a beautiful dewy glow without the stickiness associated with many balm sticks. I appreciate how natural they look on the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint remains a favorite. I layer or mix it with other foundations. One of you suggested it over the Hollywood Flawless Filter for a more natural luminosity, and you were spot on! I wear this in Shade 7.5.
Armani Fluid Sheers of course are a classic choice. I switch between Shades 10 and 11 as they closely match my skin tone for that soft, lit-from-within glow.
The Rhode Highlight Milks deserve a mention as well. Full review here. They are glowy, and I love their lighter fluid texture.
For cream bronzers, there’s a three-way tie among the Rhode Pocket Bronze, Westman Atelier Soleil Parfait Duos, and Dior Forever Skin Bronze Stick. I’ve traditionally favored powder bronzers, but the launches this year have completely changed my perspective.
- Rhode stands out for being the creamiest and easiest to blend (review here, demo here)
- Westman Atelier duos offer a fantastic neutral and cool blend (review here, on the skin here)
- Dior provides the best satin formula that lasts the longest on me (review + swatches here)
The Best Summer Red
Your go-to nail color this season should be Essie Geranium. Typically, my favorite pedicure shade has been Hermes Orange Poppy, but this year I switched things up. Over last Christmas, Andrew booked us a staycation at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach. We had spa treatments along with mani/pedis together and had a fantastic time. I brought along some of my own colors for my pedicure, but at the last minute, I asked Andrew to help me choose a new shade. He selected Geranium, and I ordered a bottle the moment we returned home. It has been on my toes nearly non-stop this entire year. It’s genuinely the perfect vibrant summer red. (The sandals are Fendi, and I adore them; they fit true to size, but I recommend adding these anti-slip grip pads.)
Lip Loves
I previously shared the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine in Sparkling Pink a few weeks back, and it sold out so quickly. While I don’t have a dupe suggestion, I think the Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter in Pink provides a similar effect (review here). If shimmer isn’t your preference, the new YSL Candy Glaze in Bubblegum Pink (swatched here) is definitely a favorite.
<pAt heart, I'm still a neutral lip lover, though I’ve been experimenting with various shades lately. Right now, my favorite neutrals are the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Honey Bliss (swatched here; it will be in a 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 stop using. The Oribe Detangling Spray is still the best detangler I’ve experienced and has been a lifesaver since my hair gets tangled so easily at the ends nowadays. I’ve also been reaching for the Oribe Supershine Smoothing Wax Stick consistently. While it’s similar to the R+Co Dart Stick, I’ve been favoring the Oribe as it adds a bit more shine.
Neither stick appears or feels greasy, but if you sweat at all, you’ll certainly need to wash your hair in the evenings. I hope to find a hairspray that suits my hair, but for my pesky flyaways, the wax pomade sticks are the only products that truly work for me.
Summer Perfumes
Lastly, I have two new perfumes that I have been totally enamored with this year. I discovered Memo Paris thanks to a couple of influencers I met this year. Their latest release, Menorca, is the best citrusy bergamot scent I’ve encountered this year. It features notes of bergamot, salty elements, neroli, ginger, lemon, and sandalwood.
I’m always a Creed enthusiast, and Wild Vetiver is probably my favorite fragrance of the year. It’s quite potent and exceptionally unique. It blends vetiver, bergamot, timur berry, rose, geranium, blackcurrant, cedarwood, and amberwood beautifully. This is the scent I’m most frequently approached about. For those familiar with Creed fragrances, the new Wild Vetiver differs significantly from Original Vetiver, which has a cleaner, fresher (and more masculine, to me) scent. The Wild Vetiver represents the bold feminine iteration. I adore the sea green Refillable Atomizer they introduced with this fragrance too (it can hold any scent inside).
A little note about two fragrances that are not new but certainly evoke a summer vibe. I love Kilian’s Sunkissed Goddess and Creed Virgin Island Water for their iconic summer scents.
I realize this is quite an extensive list, but I wanted to compile everything into one post! If you have any summer favorites, please share in the comments!
**Summer Essentials I’m Enjoying**
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer presents a distinct set of needs and opportunities for fun. Whether you’re heading to the beach, organizing a backyard barbecue, or simply aiming to make the most of the warm weather, the right essentials can elevate your summer experience. Here are some summer essentials I’ve been enjoying this season:
1. **Sunscreen**: Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is vital during the summer months. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 is essential. I’ve been using a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs rapidly and doesn’t leave a white residue, making it ideal for everyday use.
2. **Reusable Water Bottle**: Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat, and a quality reusable water bottle helps keep your drink cool and readily available. I’ve been using an insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps beverages cold for hours, perfect for outdoor activities.
3. **Wide-Brimmed Hat**: A chic wide-brimmed hat not only adds a fashionable element to any outfit but also provides vital shade for your face and neck. I discovered a straw hat that’s comfortable and pairs nicely with both casual and dressy summer ensembles.
4. **Sunglasses**: Protecting your eyes from the sun’s brightness is crucial, and a good pair of sunglasses can make a significant difference. I’ve been enjoying polarized lenses that reduce glare and enhance color clarity—just right for driving or spending time near the water.
5. **Lightweight Clothing**: Fabrics like cotton and linen are fantastic for staying cool in the summer heat. I’ve been leaning towards loose-fitting dresses and shirts that allow airflow and comfort, even on scorching days.
6. **Portable Speaker**: Whether you’re at the beach or enjoying a picnic in the park, a portable speaker can create the perfect ambiance with your favorite music. I’ve been using a compact, waterproof speaker that boasts excellent sound quality and a long battery life.
7. **Beach Towel**: A generously sized, absorbent beach towel is essential for any beach outing. I’ve been enjoying a quick-dry microfiber towel that’s easy to pack and doesn’t trap sand, making it a convenient choice for beach visits.
8. **Insect Repellent**: Summer evenings can attract bothersome mosquitoes, so having a dependable insect repellent is vital. I’ve been using a natural, DEET-free spray that’s effective yet gentle on the skin.
9. **Outdoor Blanket**: Ideal for picnics or lounging in the park, an outdoor blanket with waterproof backing is an essential summer item. I’ve found one that’s lightweight and portable, providing a comfy spot to relax wherever you are.
10. **Refreshing Snacks**: Cooling off with treats like watermelon slices, frozen grapes, or homemade popsicles can enhance those summer days. I’ve been trying out various fruit combinations for a healthy and hydrating snack.
These summer essentials have enriched my enjoyment of the season, enabling me to make the most of the warm weather while staying comfortable and protected. Whether you’re planning adventures or simply unwinding, having the right items on hand can truly make a difference in creating unforgettable summer moments.
