We are officially in the last few weeks of summer! This season I’ve really tried to indulge in the little things since, like most of you, I was not able to travel or spend time with many friends due to COVID-19. I think it is a really good practice to have regardless, but I’ve been trying my hand at it extra lately. That said, I’m going to round up my summer favorites for you all! Hope you are all staying safe and healthy in this time and I look forward to transitioning into fall content soon and hopefully bringing a little light to you all in these challenging times. Let’s break it all down:
1. Coconut and Citrus Scented Candles:
I used to never be a candle person in the summer seasons. Summer candles just reminded me of super tropical scents, which I do love, but when burned in candle form tend to give me a headache. It wasn’t until I met my boyfriend who likes burning candles all year round that I had to find summer-y scents that I enjoy! I’ve found that citrus and coconut candles seem to be a little less offensive to the nose and actually smell wonderful. I love when things smell fresh and beach-y so these scents are perfect. I also love warm scents all year round so anything like donut or bread scented candles is a year-round thing for me. In specific, the two candles I loved the most this summer are Bath and Body Works Sunny Lime and Marble Toffee. Here are some other great picks as well:
2. Slide Sandals:
I never knew how much I could like these. At first I wasn’t sure how to wear them or style them or if they would even look cute on me. But let me tell ya, they are so cute and convenient. I love the ease of just sliding them right on, and lately slide sandals are being made in beautiful patterns and shapes, which I find actually helps add something special to my outfits when they are relatively simple. I’ve worn my Leopard Print Slide Sandals from Target all season long and I can’t get enough of them. Here are some other options I love:
3. Glossier Makeup:
Glossier has really been a favorite for me this season. It isn’t often that I do makeup anymore just because of the circumstances right now, but when I do Glossier is a go-to. Their products offer the perfect fresh face, I can use them for perfect no-makeup makeup, or I can build them up for more coverage. It is really a win-win situation in my book when it comes to Glossier. These are their top three products I’ve been using all summer:
4. Clear Facial Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is extremely crucial in the summer months, and it is very important to remember to put SPF on your face, even if your makeup claims to have it. However, no one likes walking around with a white cast on their face, and of you’re like me and you wear makeup, it can be annoying when a sunscreen doesn’t sit well under foundation or concealer. I’ve managed to find some facial sunscreens that are either clear or leave no tint or white cast on your face at all. The best part is, they all perform excellently under makeup and hold up on their own as well. Here are my current facial sunscreen favorites:
5. Homemade Limeade:
I mostly drink a ton of water and iced herbal tea in the summer months, especially here in AZ where you have to hydrate double your regular intake just to feel normal. However, if I want something special, I will make my homemade limeade! It’s healthy, refreshing and delicious. What more could you ask for? If you love lime flavor then this is definitely for you. It’s like lemonade but with limes and honey instead. You could also definitely use this as a base for some fun cocktails. Here is my blog post all about it.
6. Tanning Products:
I love a good tan but the older I get, the more I realize tanning causes rapid aging and skin damage, and also puts you at risk for melanoma. Not cute. If I ever tan nowadays, it is for a very brief time, or I use fake tan! I used to never like the idea of fake tanning because it seemed tedious and well, fake. The truth is, if you learn to apply it correctly, it can be a healthier way to get the tan you desire, no sun exposure necessary. I started fake tanning for the first time during quarantine when my skin was more pale than ever and I wanted a small confidence boost. I am southern Italian and therefore my skin tans very easily, even when I am not trying. However, all of this time inside has resulted in that not happening. Needless to say, fake tan has been my friend this year so far. Just be sure to pick a shade your skin would naturally tan at. If you really want to physically lay out, there are a couple products I would recommend as well, but just remember, it is not worth it to stay in the sun for extended periods of time! Here are my favorites in both categories:
7. Fun-printed Juice Glasses:
These aren’t new at all and they certainly aren’t a necessity, but I’ve been seeing them everywhere lately and they are just so gosh darn cute. While I mostly prefer neutral colored everything in the kitchen, I think these glasses are so fun and are a little touch that would just make you smile in the summer months. It’s all about the little things right now and I don’t think there is anything wrong with treating yourself to something you know you’ll enjoy and use every once in a while. Here are some adorable picks:
8. Cute Pool Floats:
This is a given and definitely an obvious pick. However, I haven’t really used pool floats since I was younger, and since quarantine, I’ve used my own pool and good friends’ pool more than any previous summer since we are stuck at home. I’ve been having a lot of fun with the pool floats and really have been enjoying just laying around. You can really find these absolutely anywhere, I love the fruit and animal shaped ones and even the plain old functional ones (especially when they have cup holders) :). This year has been all about the giant flamingo float for me.
9. Hair Wraps/Scarves:
I’ve gotten more into the hair scarf trend than ever this summer! I absolutely love how it adds something special to the outfit as well as a retro touch when you wear it in your hair. I’ve also found you can use them for so many different purposes and I’m having a blast experimenting. I have to shoutout Rhapsody Wraps, a local hair wrap brand who’s aesthetic I’m completely obsessed with and I have been loving my scarf from their site. Here are some other wonderful options:
10. Silicone Ice Pop Molds:
These are so fun! You can basically make your own popsicles at home. I love to make healthy homemade ice pops with fruit puree and honey or juice, but you can also make them with lemonade and fresh fruit or with fruit puree, sugar and water! You can even make them alcoholic if you please. That said, I truly think both adults and kids love ice pops, so you really can’t go wrong when you make them. This specific shape also reminds me of the otter pops popsicles I used to eat growing up, so I think that’s partly why I love them so much. Here are some molds you can purchase:
What are some of your summer favorites this year? What are the little things you’ve taken in and appreciated, and what are any life changing discoveries or purchases you have made? I hope everyone is staying safe, and I am wishing you all nothing but happiness and health as we close this season. Looking forward to posting a tiny bit more summer content here while we still have this season left.
With Love,
Jenna