Cocktails by the beach or lounging by the pool with a good book?
Every summer, a friend of mine tries to persuade me to join her at the shore (shoutout to her!). We talk about hitting the beach, soaking up some sun, and stopping by the Tiki Bar. While the Jersey Shore is undeniably lovely, I must confess that the beach isn’t my favorite place. In reality, the only time you’ll see me by the beach is during a vacation. I cherish warm weather and summer vibes, but prolonged sun exposure isn’t for me. The hassle of constantly applying sunscreen, ensuring every part of me is protected, and managing sunglasses and hats? Not my idea of a good time. Being outside in the sun makes me sleepy, and I can’t shake off the anxiety of potential sun damage, which keeps me away from the beach regularly. So, sorry about that, girl!
And let’s not forget, I’m also a bit scared of water—though I can swim. I specifically dislike murky water, which doesn’t help my beach-phobia.
Nevertheless, not loving the beach doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy summer! I appreciate poolside lounging with a book, catching up on magazines (I admit, I tend to hoard these), hosting barbecues, and playing volleyball—basically everything but the beach. You get the picture.
My favorite time of year is when I finally tuck away my winter garments and pull out my warm-weather essentials.
Naturally, many of them are beauty-related. A good sunscreen ranks high on my list—specifically one with an SPF of 30 or higher. I prefer applying SPF 50 if I’m spending considerable time outdoors. Another important item for me is a moisturizing lip balm with SPF. I keep several handy—stashed in my bag and bathroom—since I avoid leaving them in my car where they can melt easily. Staying hydrated is equally essential; I recently purchased this glass water bottle that I adore. It comes in sizes of 250 ml and 1L, and I opted for the smaller size but may invest in the larger volume too since I drink substantially more water in summer. The bottle is cute, BPA-free, features a no-leak seal, and is made of glass—one of my favorites!
When it comes to makeup, I typically opt for waterproof mascara in the summer, such as Cannonball from Urban Decay. Any woman with oily skin can relate to the challenges of wearing makeup in hot weather. I prefer lightweight, water-resistant formulas, like MUFE Mat Velvet+ Foundation. Two other must-haves for me are blotting papers—though I often resort to thin tissues or toilet paper when out, which I think we can all agree is a common trick—and a setting spray. I adore Urban Decay’s De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray.
Since I avoid sun exposure, I enjoy using self-tanning products; my go-to is this one. When wearing skirts, short dresses, or shorts, I also love applying subtle shimmering oils. Some are incredibly glittery, but I prefer more understated options that provide a gentle sheen. My favorite is this dry oil from Nuxe. For those on a budget, I highly recommend Olay’s Quench Body Shimmer Lotion—I’ve been a fan for years! I also prefer to give my hair a break from heat styling during the warmer months, so a good sea salt spray is an essential part of my routine. And of course, I can’t forget my favorite body spritz, Philosophy’s Amazing Grace, which smells absolutely heavenly.
In terms of fashion, I tend to keep things straightforward. I’m not much for accessories like earrings or chunky necklaces, but I do have a penchant for hats, sunglasses (which I never leave home without), these adorable ones are currently on sale, and cute crossbody bags—because who wants to lug around a bulky handbag in the heat?
Denim shirts and kimonos are perfect for those of us who tend to get chilly in air-conditioned environments. Often, places like stores, theaters, and restaurants blast their AC to the point I find myself shivering, even when it’s sweltering outside. Both denim shirts and kimonos are typically lightweight yet warm enough to keep me comfortable. I enjoy pairing either with a basic tee and denim shorts—an ideal outfit for running errands or enjoying a fun outing.
While I love wearing heels and wedges when going out, I stick to sandals for everyday wear (currently eyeing these Rebecca Minkoff ones—aren’t they adorable?). My go-to shoes are Converses. Last summer, I also fell for white Superga sneakers, which are comfier than my Chuck Taylors and pair well with all casual looks—be it dresses, shorts, or leggings. I wear them whenever I expect to walk a lot. Although Chuck Taylors are great, they can start to feel uncomfortable after several hours. I always wear no-show socks since I prefer them to regular socks, which aren’t as thin. I couldn’t imagine wearing socks with my sneakers otherwise.
Just because I don’t frequently visit the beach doesn’t mean I shy away from fun. I even got this giant beach towel.
What about you? What are your essential items for warm weather?
