As the summer heat reaches its peak, we've discovered some absolute gems that are making our July both comfortable and stylish. Here's a roundup of our favorite products this month, perfect for beating the heat and looking amazing while doing it. Our top picks are everything from our skincare saviors to fashion finds, so read on to see which items have become our BFFs for navigating the dog days of summer.
Summer skin needs extra love, and this non-comedogenic body serum has been our go-to for keeping our skin hydrated and glowing. The formula is very lightweight, meaning it absorbs quickly, which makes it perfect for those sticky summer days when heavy lotions feel like too much. We've been applying it right after our shower, and it's left our skin feeling silky smooth and nourished all day long. As a bonus, it has no scent, so it gives a refreshing feeling without competing with our perfume. Even better: This product has The Seal of Approval by The National Eczema Association.
Hello, summer uniform! We can't get enough of this breezy dress from Abercrombie’s YPB line. It’s perfect for everything from beach days to casual office wear. The light fabric keeps us cool, and it transitions well from day to night wear. You can pair it with sandals for a casual brunch or dress it up with heels for outdoor dinner parties. It's become the most reached-for item in our closet this July, and we're seriously considering getting it in multiple colors. (Spoiler: The one-shoulder version is also to die for!)
This little device is a secret weapon for maintaining a fresh face despite the summer heat. The best way to use it is to pair it with a hydrating serum or ceramides after cleansing. This will create an icy-hot effect that is especially welcome after a day in the sun. The best benefit? It helps your skin absorb all the good, calming ingredients in the rest of your skincare. I’ve even used it on a painful patch of sunburn, and it’s truly helped calm and heal my skin. While some devices seem like (and are!) gimmicks, this portable red light device is easily an integral part of an evening skincare routine that focuses on depuffing and revitalizing the skin after long days outdoors.
Beach days and park picnics have never been easier thanks to this backpack cooler. It keeps our drinks and snacks perfectly chilled for hours, and the backpack design leaves our hands free for carrying other summer essentials. Wherever you go, this handy item can keep up. We love it for hiking trips, outdoor concerts, and even grocery runs on particularly hot days. The durability is also impressive — just like their famous cups, Stanley’s cooler can withstand sandy beaches and rocky terrains without a scratch.
Staying hydrated is crucial in July, and this Owala bottle is the perfect sidekick. We love the built-in straw for easy sipping, and it keeps our water cold all day long, even when left in a hot car. The leak-proof design means we can toss it in our bag without worry, and the wide mouth makes it easy to add ice cubes or fruit slices for a refreshing twist. From morning workouts to late-night summer chat sessions, Owala’s got your back.
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This blush has been giving us that perfect sun-kissed glow without the harmful UV rays. (Not to mention it’s the blush Sabrina Carpenter uses for her iconic flushed, pinky look!). This blush is incredibly lightweight and blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you that natural flush you get after a day at the beach. While blush is usually one of the first makeup products to fade from your face, we've found it lasts impressively long, even on the hottest days, and the buildable color means we can go from a subtle daytime look to a more dramatic evening appearance with ease. And, as of July 2024, the brand has released new, eye-catching shades for summer that will give your cheeks an extra juicy pop.
For those of us who love a manicure but don't want to spend hours in a salon during prime summer fun time, these press-on nails are the nail game-changer. They're durable enough to withstand beach volleyball and pool days, yet easy to remove when we want to switch up our look. We've been particularly impressed with how natural they look. These nails receive countless compliments too, since the brand carries so many designs from quirky to simple. You’d think we'd splurged on a professional gel manicure!
This thought-provoking book has been our favorite beach read this July. It's short enough to finish in a day but packed with insights that can spark many poolside discussions. We think it’s a particularly great book for a women’s book club, or just to share with friends and family! Beard's exploration of the relationship between women and power throughout history offers a new perspective on current events and even our experiences. It's the perfect balance of educational and engaging, making our summer reading feel both productive and enjoyable.
We're all about multitasking products in the summer, and this SPF balm doesn't disappoint. It provides sun protection and a subtle glow, perfect for those no-makeup makeup days. We've been applying it to our cheekbones and the bridge of our nose for a natural highlight that also offers extra sun protection to these prone-to-burn areas. And, who doesn’t love a delicious watermelon scent? This little product gives us major summer vibes with every application.
Speaking of SPF, this skin tint has been our daily go-to. As far as skincare/foundation hybrids go, It provides just enough coverage to even out our skin tone while offering sun protection, which we definitely need for those scorching July days. We love how the medium coverage lets our natural skin show through while blurring imperfections (hello, adorable freckles!) and the fact that it doesn't feel heavy or greasy even in high humidity. While we recognize that the shade range could be better, it's become our trusted product for achieving that coveted "your skin but better" look. And SPF 50+? Sign us up.
Fair warning: These sandals won’t leave your feet if you try them. They're comfortable enough for all-day wear but stylish enough for evening outings. Plus, they pair perfectly with our favorite Abercrombie mini dress! You can walk miles in these during city explorations and or stand for hours at outdoor events without any discomfort. They're even good for wear in the water. The classic design means they go with virtually everything in a summer wardrobe, from casual shorts to flowy maxi dresses. Heads up: The brand does recommend sizing up if you plan on purchasing.
These whimsical earrings have been adding some much-needed beachy charm to all our summer outfits. They're lightweight enough to wear all day and bring a bit of vacation vibes to even our work attire. We've found they're great conversation starters, often reminding people of their own beach vacations or inspiring plans for coastal getaways. They've become our favorite way to add a summery touch to both casual and dressier looks.
July weddings and outdoor events call for wrinkle-free outfits, and this portable steamer has been a lifesaver. It's compact enough to pack for weekend getaways and works quickly — because who wants to spend time ironing when the beach is calling? We've used it on everything from delicate silk dresses to sturdy linen shirts, both of which can be a pain to pack since they attract wrinkles. This steamer has handled them all with ease. It significantly reduces getting-ready time, which is everything we could ask for.
After long days in the sun, this spray has truly been our hair's best friend. It helps detangle and moisturize, undoing the drying effects of salt water and chlorine. This powerhouse product offers a significant reduction in frizz and breakage. Since I’ve started using it, my hair feels softer and looks shinier. Plus, it has a yummy tropical scent — essentially, a little mood boost in a bottle! If you’re like me and your hair becomes a tangled mess as soon as you get into the pool, you’ll buy this again and again all summer.
This fruity floral scent has become our new fave. It's light enough for hot days but leaves a lasting impression, and reminds me of a freshly blended summer smoothie. The perfectly ripe strawberry notes are complemented by tangy rhubarb and raspberry pulp, resulting in a perfume that's both refreshing and indulgent. But don’t be fooled into thinking this scent is super sweet — the base of amberwood adds a tinge of warmth and depth. It's the perfect finishing touch to our summer looks and earns a spot as our signature summer scent.
These July favorites have truly enhanced our summer experience, from simplifying our beauty routines to making outdoor adventures more enjoyable. They've helped us stay cool, look polished, and make the most of the sunny days and warm nights. As we move into August, we're excited to continue incorporating these items into our daily lives.
