For the last couple of months (it’s been summer in Australia) I’ve been reaching out for the same few items over and over again and I thought I’d put them all together in this post.
1. Highlighter
I love highlighter all year round, however in summer I definitely tend to lean towards more golden/bronzed highlight shades which is why it’s no surprise I’ve been loving Mac Soft & Gentle. It gives the most stunning glow on top of a tan. I feel like in winter I’m a bit too pale for it, so I definitely love using it in summer to give that golden glow effect!
2. SPF
The sun is extremely harsh on your skin in all seasons, however in summer it’s even more so. That’s why applying sunscreen is even more important when it gets warmer. Recently I’ve been using the Natural Instinct Invisible Sunscreen (SPF 30)*, which in a natural sunscreen, free from any chemicals and preservatives. I find that a little goes a long way as it’s a hydrating sunscreen, meaning it has moisturising oils in it, which ensure that the sunscreen spreads far. The only thing I’d say to keep in mind with this is that it’s a very natural scent, not like most sunscreens. However that’s what you’d expect from a natural sunscreen and as long as there are no chemicals, I’m on board!
3. Orange Lipstick
Summer is definitely the season that I get more into my exciting lipstick shades when I can. These range from bright reds (like the Rimmel & Clinique one pictured) to more orange and peach shades. I just find that these sort of colours look better when I have more of a tan, compared to winter when berry shades and nudes are my go-to’s.
4. Fake Tan
As you’ve probably guessed from the things above, my tan really alters my makeup preferences and it’s no surprise that in summer I want to appear more tanned. Although I’ve never really fake tanned before, I though I’d give it a go this summer and I’m glad I did! I’ve only done it a couple times throughout the last few months, but I’ve been using the Le Tan Uber Dark* range and it has been awesome. I use the Violet Base and the face drops. Although some might not want to leave the tan on for three hours (which is how long I keep it on for), I don’t really mind it.
The tan looks natural and isn’t too orange or red. I also really like the facial tanning drops, which I add a couple of to my moisturiser whenever I feel like my face needs it. They also apply evenly and give a crazy natural look. I’d definitely recommend applying a bit to your ears and neck to start with though just to ensure you match it with the rest of your body.
5. Sunnies
It’s summer, so of course a pair of sunnies is an essential. I personally haven’t invested in any expensive sunnies (though I am thinking about it so if you have suggestions, please comment them below) but I have been loving these ones from Dotti. You can usually get 2 for $20 which is a complete bargain and as long as you find a pair that matches your face shape and that you like I think it’s a win!
6. Iced Tea
If you know me well then this wouldn’t come as a shock to you as I absolutely love tea all year around, however in summer at times it’s definitely a bit too hot for hot teas, so I opt for colder brews. I’ve been really enjoying making T2 iced teas recently and if you haven’t heard of T2 I really recommend checking them out. Personally for iced teas I like to mix a bunch of them together as I find it more exciting that way.
7. Setting Spray
With the crazy heat in an Australian summer how could one of my essentials not be a setting spray? I love the original Urban Decay one but I recently picked up the Fix+ from Mac for the first time and I find it slightly more refreshing for summer than the Urban Decay one. If you haven’t tried either I really recommend spritzing some on yourself when you get the chance. They work great to refresh and also make your makeup last longer, which is always an essential.
8. Light Moisturiser
In winter there is no doubt that I prefer a more heavy moisturiser as I have pretty dry skin and need something intense. However in summer my skin seems to cope a bit better and with the heat I much prefer using something more light. That’s why I have really been enjoying this Avene Hydrance Optimale Aqua Cream-In-Gel*. It’s a light gel consistency, you only need a little amount of it and it sinks in really fast. I find that my skins loves it and it doesn’t feel sticky or anything after. There is no scent and overall I’m really happy with it. So if you’re after a light moisturiser, this would be a great one to try out.
9. Pore Primers
Although in general I don’t really wear much foundation I do still like to use a primer to even out my skin texture. I find that regardless of whether I am tanned or not, my pores stand out. Smoothing them out makes a world of difference. Throughout the summer I’ve been reaching for the classic Benefit POREfessional (click here for the review) and my all-time favourite Garnier 5-Second Blur (click here for the review).
10. Bathers
Without a doubt, like the rest of them, swimming gear is a summer essential. The one-piece pictured here is from Seafolly which I absolutely love. It’s comfortable and easy to just chuck on and go. I’m currently on the lookout for a nice two-piece so if you have any suggestions then let me know too!
And those are my 10 summer essentials! Let me know what you can’t live without during summer down below!
Love,
Sofia
*Please note, some of these products were kindly sent to me for my review and consideration. However all opinions are honest and 100% my own.
I love to read through lists like these since I often find out about new interesting items! A natural sunscreen is actually something I’ve been looking for. Thanks for sharing!
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
Ahh glad you enjoyed it! Check this one out for sure 🙂 xx
Ah MAC Soft & Gentle is such a classic, I love it so much! I love using it on my shoulders too during the summer xx
Gemma Etc. ❤️
Yessss it’s so nice just to give that stunning gold highlight! xx
Lovely post! You look gorgeous! 🙂 <33
Thanks! xx
The truth is I’m rather afraid of highlighters. They’re beautiful,yeah and really give a nice, healthy glow to the face. But my fear is having bad, horrible skin and I personally feel applying highlighter will contribute to the breakout of my skin. I know, my fear is absurd but that’s what I’m afraid of. Anyway, good summer essentials guide-I totally agree.
#sweetreats xx http://www.bakingboutiquebirds.blogspot.co.uk/
Ah fair enough! I don’t think it’s strange at all, don’t think it’s absurd! If you worry there’s no point doing it, since makeup is for you to enjoy 🙂 For example I don’t really like foundation cause just none seems to work in the way I want it to haha so I just don’t worry much about it! 🙂 xx
This makes me so excited for summer! Loved this post xx
Liv
http://www.livwrites.co.uk
Summer is the best! xx
I’ve been looking for a good setting spray! Will have to try the one you recommended!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Definitely give it a go!! 🙂 xx
This post just brought us the good memories of summer! Oh and how we miss it! 🙂
Lovely post
With love,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
Yeah summer is always so so sooo lovely! xx
I always wear sunscreen even in the dark Winter morning and I never leave the house without wearing one.
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Yessssss that’s so good!! It can be so crazy damaging and it amazes me when people don’t see that xx
First of all, you’re in a great shape! Second of all, I also love those MAC products you’ve mentioned. Sunnies are great too! xx
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
Haha thank you!!! And yes they are so so good hey!!! 😀 xx
such amazing products, everything looks so great but I’ll try several products!
Please visit my Blog!
http://www.alessabernal.com/
Alessa Bernal
Thanks 🙂 xx
I am so jealous right now, I can’t wait for spring and summer!!! I am definitely a summer girl and spending time at the beach makes me so happy. I have an obsession with sunglasses, I have way too many pairs! And I love the black and white swimsuit!! xx
Yiota
PinkDaisyLoves
Yessss it’s so amazing and relaxing!! Haha yeah I think I need to get more into sunglasses for sure!! And thank you 🙂 xx
Oooh, I am so jealous of how sunny it is right now there, and I wish I could frolick on the beach too! Those lipsticks look gorgeous with a sun kissed glow too
Hannah the Mad Dog
Yeah the summer has been amazing!!! Living next to the beach definitely has its perks haha yeah they are gorgeous! Xx
Oh I like the sound of that sunscreen! 🙂 I really need to try find a nice sunscreen for my face – my BB cream has SPF in it, and I wear that most days, but I think a nice natural sunscreen would be good on days out to the beach and things! And yes, definitely can’t be without sunnies in summer!
Hope that you had a lovely weekend and a nice start to your week! We had a quiet weekend as this will be a busy week! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Definitely check it out!! I really enjoy it for the fact that it’s natural and free from chemicals, meaning you aren’t putting anything dodgy on your skin 🙂 but yes for the face it’s always so important as well and I feel a lot of people overlook that as a lot of SPFs don’t work under makeup! But definitely important to keep on the lookout for one that works for you 🙂
Thank you, hope you have a great week too! A quiet weekend is always super lovely 🙂 xx
That highlighter is beautiful! I also swear by Benefit Porefessional xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Yeah it’s soooo gorgeous! Especially on tanned skin! Yeah the Porefessional is such a classic hey xx
That swimsuit is so cute! I really want to find a cute one piece when it is summer where I live x
http://www.beautyfromkatie.blogspot.com
Thanks!! Do it! They are so easy to just chuck on and look adorable xx
The ice tea sounds so refreshing and perfect for summer =o)
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Yeah it really is hey! Xx
I absolutely love wearing highlighter all year round but highlighter looks especially gorgeous in the summer with tanned skin 🙂 I love this list, I love wearing bikinis on the beach x
Cyber Mermaids | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog
Yeah so true about highlighter 🙂 xx