My Essentials for Surviving the Summer
Ah summer. The season I love to hate. Honestly, summer can be a real pain in the ass. I currently sit here with my air conditioning not working properly and it’s still over 95 degrees. My favorite thing in meetings or conversations with people is when they say how do you handle it? Truly it does not get easier. As a lifelong Arizonan, I still have yet to get used to it and with the lack of nightly monsoons we had regularly when I was a child, everything is just a dusty, humid, and hot mess. There are things I do enjoy about the summer. I love getting to travel, hang out by the pool, and wear cool outfits that are also pretty functional. Luckily, I’ve learned a thing or two about surviving the summers so I made this extensive list. This list has product recommendations that I use every day to get me through and some new options for necessary items.
LIP BALM
Lip balm is essential every day of the year, but especially during the summer. My lips can get so sun-damaged, dry, and cracked that I am constantly reapplying it. I love one with a colorful tint to it since wearing any kind of gloss or lipstick can be difficult.
ACNE SPRAY
There is no getting around the gross sweat that comes with summer. Between pool days, vacations, intense workouts, and just I don’t know driving in the car sweat can wreak havoc on the body. I frequently get the worst body acne during the summer months especially because of my workouts. This Versed spray has been a godsend at getting rid of that annoying, pesky problem.
GLOW OIL
Supergoop! is my favorite brand of sunscreen and the Glow Oil is my current favorite for pool days and vacations. It provides the right amount of UV protection while making my skin glisten in the sun. I would buy it by the gallon if they sold it that way. That’s how much I love it.
A CHIC MIDI DRESS
I love a good midi dress any day of the week, but in summer I love them that much more. They keep me cool but still look stylish. Midi dresses can be dressed up or down and go from day to night. They always come in the best patterns, prints, and colors, especially for summer. It’s an outfit choice that is effortless, chic, and a necessity right now. I love the belt on this one to create a good silhouette and snatched waist.
BIKINI
I mean, this one is a no-brainer. How do you expect to make it through the summer without a bikini much less a swimsuit in general? I have a long torso so I’m a bikini girl through and through. This year I love the high-waisted ones for a few reasons. First, they usually have a whole lot more coverage than other types. As much as I would love to wear a classic triangle or string bikini, my confidence says otherwise. Second, they just look so good. Not just on my body type, but on all the ones I see. There are so many good options out there and brands made by women who know what women like, it’s impossible not to find a great bikini.
SALT SPRAY
The secret to perfectly textured beach waves is, of course, salt spray. There are half a billion texture sprays, serums, and tools out there but my tried and true, ride or die, will always be salt spray. I may change the brand from time to time but it’s a mainstay of my routine. I spray it on my hair after it’s been styled to add a little extra texture but not too much where it flattens my style. It also works really well on wet or damp hair to add natural texture.
SILK PAJAMA SET
Everyone knows a good silk pajama set can make anyone feel sexy and luxurious. Who doesn’t want to slip into bed after a long day into nice cool sheets with a chic pajama set? No ratty old t-shirts around here. Besides, it’s nearly always hot as balls by the end of the day especially during an extreme heat advisory so every single little bit counts. Frankly, who cares what the reason is, you wanna feel good and get a good night's sleep. Sign me up.
SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses are an everyday essential regardless of the season The sun can be harsh on the eyes as it banks off surfaces, but even more so when it’s reflecting off the pool, lake, ocean, or whathaveyou. Besides, who needs an excuse to grab a new cool pair of sunnies? Not I.
FACE SUNSCREEN
Face SPF isn’t a new addition to my summer essentials, however, this Summer Fridays sunscreen is BRAND NEW and has already hit my essentials list. I love Summer Fridays and I was so excited about trying this. I was a little apprehensive about it being a mineral formula because those typically leave a less than desired white film on the skin. Yes, mineral sunscreen is better overall but I cannot stand that white film. Thankfully this one doesn’t leave a film at all, applies super easily, and it will be my go-to from here on out.
TINTED MOISTURIZER
This is my favorite clean tinted moisturizer and it practically lives on my face all summer long. It’s way too hot for foundation but I still want my face to look good and healthy. Any SPF is much appreciated and it’s light coverage which means my skin can still breathe.
HYDRATION MULTIPLIER
If there is one thing that is absolutely crucial during the summer its hydration. It can be hard to constantly drink water when there are so many yummy rosés, seltzers, and other drinks. That is why I actively try to make water interesting especially when I need it the most - after a workout or a day in the sun. I just drop a flavored packet into my water and I’m good to go.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WATER BOTTLE
Speaking of water, anyone who knows me knows I don’t go anywhere without a water bottle - especially my Simple Modern emotional support water bottle. I try to drink at least one full bottle before bed or when waking up to just get my hydration up. But when I leave home, I always remember to grab it. It keeps water cold which is a blessing in the summer.
COCONUT LOTION
One thing about me is 9 times out of 10 I’m gonna be smelling like a damn good vacation, haha. This is my current favorite lotion because it’s insanely hydrating, makes my skin look firm and good, and it smells incredible.
STYLISH SANDALS
A good, cute pair of sandals is key. They can be tossed on for errands or dressed up. I love how sleek these gold ones are. I’d love to wear them with a good little black dress.
TAN WATER
The secret to my bronzed look is Tan-Luxe’s tan water. I’ve tried half a million self tanners and none of them have developed as good of a bronzed color as Tan-Luxe. I like how easily it goes on, it doesn’t have a gross smell, and it looks great almost instantly. I can apply it before bed and wake up to a golden glow or apply it before heading out. The only downside I have found is how easily it rubs off with the excess sweating of summer, but it’s Arizona and excessive heat. What are you gonna do?
WATERPROOF MASCARA
Everyone wants good lashes, but certainly don’t want mascara all over their face. Waterproof mascara is entirely where it’s at. And since no one can entirely prevent a whole face melt, I like to stick with drugstore heroes like L’oreal’s Lash Paradise to just get a little more bang for my buck.
A SUMMER SCENT
My goal in the summer is to be bronzed and smell like a vacation or even a day at the beach so I always change up my signature sent to fit the summer vibes. This Tom Ford one came up in a fragrance quiz I took to help me find a new scent and as a true student of the internet, what a quiz says is law. I just may have to give it a try!
