15 Essentials for Summer: Faves for Beauty, Home, Beach, & More
Today we’re sharing our 15 essentials for summer – the must-have items that help us get through the season in comfort and style!
Summer is home to some of my absolute favorite things in the world. Eating dinner alfresco on the patio, reading by the pool or on the beach, enjoying nature and beautiful weather, picnics in the park….
But summer can also be tough! It’s hot. It’s humid. There are bugs! That’s why we all need ways to make the season not only more stylish, but also more comfortable.
So on that note I’m sharing my top 15 favorites – updated with all-new items this year! Everything from my beauty must-haves, to things for the house, beach favorites, and more. These are the things that get me through the fun part of summer (read: warm summer nights or days spent outside) as well as the not-so-fun part when it’s well into the 90s and has been that way for weeks!
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1. Bare Minerals Tinted Moisturizer
I’ve used both Laura Mercier and NARS in the past, but I recently discovered Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted moisturizer and so far I’m loving it! (also available here).
It’s the number #1 selling tinted moisturizer in the U.S.! Who knew? I love that it contains hyaluronic acid which boosts hydration and helps give you a healthy glow. It also comes in tons of shades and has an SPF 30.
Tinted moisturizer is what I wear most days, especially in the summer. It’s great for hydrating and moisturizing while also giving a little color and never feels heavy on the skin.
2. Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle
I have had many portable water bottles in my life, but I have to say that this Hydro Flask Wide Mouth bottle is hands down my favorite. This insulated, double-walled stainless steel water bottle truly keeps water colder, longer, than anything else I’ve used. And, it never leaks (something I can’t say of most of my other bottles over the years).
I also love that it comes in several sizes. My Goldilocks size is the 24 oz. (not too much, not too little) but there are smaller and larger sizes available. And of course, the wide mouth is also key. Since we’re talking summer favorites here, being able to add ice to your water or drink of choice is essential for sure!
3. Straw Market Bag
A straw bag is a summer favorite I can’t live without!
I adore straw bags so much that I even wrote a whole post on them. Their casual vibe just suits how I’m feeling in the summer, and they’re practical, too. Plus, I get to channel my inner-French girl! 😉
In the summer, I use them to carry fruit home from the farmer’s market, to bring wine and cheese to our annual concerts in the park, and as a summery handbag.
And I always throw one into my suitcase when I travel; they’re lightweight and easy to pack and make the perfect vehicle for toting home souveniers. This classic from J.Crew I’ve had for years, but there are lots of great ones out there (sharing some favorites below).
4. Brooklinen Luxe Cotton Sateen Sheets
I had always used all cotton sheets vs. a blend, but then in recent years we started using bamboo sheets. However, my husband was finding the bamboo to be too warm in the summer so we’ve switched back to all cotton, and my all-time favorite cotton sheets are by Brooklinen.
Their cotton sateen sheets are so luxurious feeling – like being in a high-end hotel! And they stay cool and smooth during hot nights.
P.S. We also own the Quince version and I can attest that they are very similar. However, Quince seems to run out of white quite a lot and though slightly cheaper, when Brooklinen has a sale (like right now!), they are about the same price.
5. Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
If you’re looking for a natural looking self-tanner, this self-tanner is the one! It works fast, does not streak or run, and most importantly, doesn’t turn your skin orange.
It looks beautiful and even, and is about as effective as a spray tan but costs way less! (I use it with this tanning mitt).
6. Packable Straw Hat
A packable, crushable, always-stays-nice hat is a summer essential for me for sure. Whether I’m walking the dog or headed to the beach, I almost always have a straw hat with me.
My favorites are J.Crew. They make high-quality hats that aren’t exorbitantly expensive (and they’re also packable – which is key!)
This wide-brimmed one is perfect for the pool or beach, and I love this style for sporting events or street-wear. A bucket hat is on-trend and so adorable!
And this is really 7A, but this hat clip is so helpful for travel. I bought it last summer and don’t know how I lived without it before!
7. Portable Table in a Bag
We’ve ownedthis portable tablefor probably fifteen years, and I love it as much now as I did the day I bought it! It’s low to the ground, portable, and comes with its own carrying case. It’s perfect for the beach, park, or my personal favorite, concerts in the park! 😉
Sometimes it sells out and there were a few years where it was discontinued, but for now it seems to be back (and it’s currently on sale!) It’s such a perfect essential for summer, and it also makes a great gift.
I can’t tell you how many people come up to me when we’re using it and ask me where I got it!
8. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo really comes in handy come summer. I try to only wash my hair 3x per week which in winter is fine, but when it’s hot and I’ve been sweating more, sometimes I need something to carry me through and this is the thing!
I’ve tried quite a few dry shampoos and this one is by far my favorite. It’s also nice to have when you’re rushed or traveling and there just isn’t time to shampoo!
9. Oversized Cover-up Shirt
There are tons of cute swimsuit cover-ups in all kinds of styles, but after many years of buying them, I really lean towards an oversized-style cotton or linen shirt. To me, it screams simple chic while also being incredibly practical.
They look great while going to the pool or beach, and can also be worn as a shirt if you tie them up with pants or shorts. After getting this one from J.Crew (I have black and white) a couple of summers ago, I’m hooked!
10. Supergoop Glow Gloss Lip Balm with SPF
I’m a fan of Supergoop’s sunscreens, but now I’m also loving their new Glow Gloss lip balm. For days in the sun, I like to have a light-weight gloss that gives a little color and a lot of SPF and this one does just that. They also aren’t sticky which I love (so many are!)
11. Outdoor String Lights
I can’t think of many household items that I’ve bought that give so much bang for the buck! String lights make even the humblest of patios feel summery and festive. And of course, they also provide light!
But it’s really the ambience they bring that makes them such a summer essential. This is the perfect way to ‘romanticize’ your summer!
12. Kindle Paperwhite
Though I resisted it for a long time, I’m now a complete convert when it comes to a Kindle. And as much as I love reading a real book, a Kindle is especially useful come summertime! It has a glare-free screen (perfect for reading in bright sun), plus it’s water-proof which means no worrying about reading at the beach or pool.
And if like me, you love reading on vacation, you can load as many books as you want without loading down your carry-on or tote! I consider it a travel essential for sure.
13. L.L. Bean Boat & Tote
This tote is truly preppy perfection! They are classic, super high-quality (they last years!), and come in 4 sizes. Oh, and since they can be monogrammed, you can create your own funny/witty saying to have embroidered on it! I love how timeless they look, whether you take them boating or to the beach.
14. Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick
Ever avoid wearing shorts or skirts in the summer due to chafing? Then this little anti-chafing stick is exactly what you need! Simply swipe it on skin and it creates a smooth, friction-free barrier wherever you chafe. Literally a hot weather miracle!
15. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
My daughter first turned me onto Supergoop products a few years ago, and though all of their products are great, the Unseen Sunscreen is a true essential. I’m perfectly happy using an inexpensive drugstore sunscreen on my body, but when it comes to my face I’m much more particular.
Supergoop Unseen is just like it says – it’s invisible, weightless, and scent-free. It works beautifully as a primer under makeup, and it has a hefty SPF 50.
I hope you enjoyed my top 15 essentials for summer!
And if you have any things you love and have to have for the season, I hope you’ll share them, too. I love finding out products or tips that can help us all get through the summer in style 🙂
Shop Essentials for Summer
Happy Summer!
Sheila
xo
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out some more of my summer posts below!
French Girl Summer Fashion Essentials
Six Ideas for Casual Chic Summer Entertaining
Outdoor Entertaining Essentials: 7 Must Have Items!
How to Host a Summer Wine & Cheese Party
Hi Sheila, I do enjoy your posts but there are a couple of things I would like to suggest. There are a couple of areas I am making changes in as are my friends. One is the products we use on our face and bodies. Almost all of the products you recommend have ingredients in them that are not good for you therefore I never buy them. I check the Yuka app before I buy anything. Also if you would consider doing some posts about more cost-friendly items. Most of your suggestions (not all) are for clothes, shoes, purses, etc. that I cannot afford on a retirement income. Thanks for considering.
Hi Jennie, I wanted to get back to you re: your comment this morning.
First let me say that I appreciate you being here, whether you buy from my links or not! And I genuinely appreciate the conversation. When it comes to beauty, I usually share products based on personal experience – what I genuinely love and use most often. And while some of these are considered ‘clean’, I realize they are not all.
As for fashion and home products, I completely understand that everyone has a different budget, and I always try to share a mix of pieces at different price points — many of them on sale or meant to be investment pieces used for years. I truly do my best to find pieces that feel elevated but still relatively affordable, especially compared to similar styles.
Thank you for the feedback!
Sheila
Hi Sheila
While I don’t mind paying for quality, I have often wondered whether an expensive straw basket stands up to wear and tear better than a cheap one, and would love to hear your opinion on this.
Well though I’ve never owned one that’s very pricey, I do own two J.Crew which are more mid-range and I can say they’ve lasted way longer than cheaper Target versions did – at least for me. My J.Crew straw bag is at least 10 years old and still hanging in there! I think the difference between a $20 bag and a $100 bag is probably significant, after that, I’m honestly not sure. But many of them are way over $400 which personally I wouldn’t pay!
Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Sheila, I actually have not been reading your posts due to all your pop ups and flashing advertisements . Your post use to be my favorite. I know you deserve to make money for your time. It has become too difficult to read and enjoy.
Aww I’m sorry to hear that Nancy!I never want anyone to leave because of that, but as you said, it’s one of the only ways to make money and unfortunately, it’s not super controllable on my part. I have asked to have them turned down again and again, but it always seems there are more than I’d like.
Having said that, I would highly suggest getting an ad blocker. They are safe and free and you won’t have to read ads on any site, mine or any other. I’d much rather not make money when you visit than lose you as a subscriber!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Hi Sheila:
Thanks for all your great pics. I have purchased many of your selections so I thought I would give you a fav of mine. I am a fair skinned redhead and NEED self tanner in the summer. I find Jergens leaves that awful tell-tale self-tanner smell, but I LOVE Tan Luxe, which I buy on Amazon. I love the concentrate that I mix it with my own moisturizer so I can control the color. I use two pumps of my fav moisturizer, five drops of Tan Luxe, tap my palms together to blend the products, lightly and rub all over rub, rub, rub. There is also a Tan Luxe for faces, but I haven’t used that. Thanks for all your great pics.
Oh I love this so much Christine! Thanks so much for sharing!!
I saw your recommendation last year for the Crate and Barrel table. I ordered it for my daughter and son-in-law as one of their Christmas gifts. They are avid campers and just recently used it on their first camping trip of the season. They loved it! Thanks for great ideas.
Yay! That makes me so happy to hear that!!
Thank you Joan! 🙂
Sheila
Thanks for the tip on the self-tanner! I have that and I forgot all about it!
What a fun series!
Happy summer friend!
karianne
Haha you’re so welcome!! It’s the best stuff!!
Thanks for joining KariAnne!
Sheila
xo
ICE CREAM MAKER!!!! And all the other stuff too! 😉 I’ve been using the Natural Glow Tanner for several years now, and I love it too. My legs are pretty glow in the dark most of the time! Thanks for the round up – I really want that ice cream maker! 😉
Haha I love the ice cream maker – you have no idea how good homemade is until you try it -seriously!! Glad you liked the post Barbara!
Sheila
xo
Oh wow, now I want an ice cream maker! I agree with all of these essentials.
Hugs, Jamie
haha YOU DO!! They are the absolute best, I know you would love it!!
sheila
xo
Love this Sheila! What a beautiful round-up of items…this post feels like summer!
Aww thanks Deb!! I for one cannot wait this year:)
Sheila
xo