Summer is officially here! Although I feel like one of my favorite spring seasons got a SUPER short run at it, I’m so pumped for the warmer months to continue. There’s a ton going on around here this summer and so I feel like I’m always on the go. Today I’ll be sharing my go-to summer essentials. You could also see this as a current favorites post because I am loving pretty much everything that I’ll be talking about, but I’ve also been using a bunch of these things for years! For my 21+ readers, I’ll also be sharing my favorite summer drink that pretty much everyone loves!
You know what they say… sun’s out—I thought about how to make this punny for an embarrassingly long time and still couldn’t come up with anything. Anyway, here are my summer essentials! + Be sure to read all the way to the end for a surprise!
A Strappy Sandal
If you didn’t know, I have a pretty bad obsession with shoes. I always buy new one(s) every season and I always prioritize quality, so all of my shoes last for years. Hence why I had to turn to Twitter to help with my mission to declutter and downsize for my move.
My summertime favorite is a cool pair of strappy gladiator sandals. I recently picked up two pairs from Steve Madden. I would consider these to be a trendy option and opt for Birkenstocks as a casual daytime sandal option. Plus, they are so comfortable and perfect for outlet shopping and exploring on vacation.
Did you catch this post on Instagram stories?? Be sure to follow along on Instagram. We’re posting a ton of content!
An SPF BB Cream
I am a huge supporter of Maybelline products. I’ve been using the same foundation since high school, so I was very annoyed when they stopped making the Dark shade of their BB cream. My mom and I can’t find it anywhere.
I’m currently in need of a BB cream that caters to darker skin tones. If you have any suggestions, I am all ears! The Ulta brand BB cream looks like a winner and comes in more shades than most lines! Luckily I’m currently taking a break from heavy makeup for day-to-day to let my skin breathe and work on cleaning up some breakout areas. If I’m going out, I use an SPF moisturizer from Neutrogena and a primer to smoothen out my complexion.
All the H2O
It’s all Hannah’s fault, but I love a good can of Lacroix when the weather gets hot and I need a refreshing beverage that is low in calories and sugar. She’s currently on a Bubly kick, so maybe I’ll have to try those out too!
I also make sure to carry around a water bottle. I picked up a knockoff Swell bottle from Nordstrom Rack. I’m always in support of products that nail the trend at half the price.
Crossbody Bag
Nothing is worst than elbow crease sweat. Oh my gosh, that just sounds disgusting. I put my spring and fall handbags away for the summer and opt for a much lighter cross body option. I’ve had my Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac for years and I’m currently looking to upgrade to a different style. I talked more about it here.
I also recently bought my mom the Tory Burch McGraw Leather Camera bag. The perfect size for a mini wallet, vlogging camera, and on the go beauty products. It’s really taking all of me not to take it back from her, y’all!
A Portable Speaker
I don’t even know how I made it all the way through undergrad without purchasing a portable speaker. It is the perfect thing to carry around in your tote bag or to keep on hand in your house or apartment. I particularly want to pick up one to bring along to photo shoots [I borrow my brother’s or use a friend’s most of the time, so it’d be nice to have my own]. I feel like if you can listen to some jams, it’ll make the overall experience so much more fun.
You can also bring it along to the beach or set it up for summer nights spent grilling and chilling on your patio. My brother loves his Beats Pill, but I’m keeping my options open at may end up going for a JBL one instead.
An Easy, Off Memory Summer Drink
When I say this is the easiest drink that you will ever make, that will literally please everyone; I’m not playing around. It’s my version of a spiked Freckled Lemonade [holla if you know where that drink is from] and is for all the pink Moscato lovers out there.
Here’s the recipe:
1 bottle of Pink Moscato
6 cups of lemonade [V8 Strawberry Lemonade really seals the deal though]
1 1/2 cups of Berry Flavored Vodka [Strawberry Smirnoff works like a gem]
1 Lemon
6-8 Sliced Strawberries
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate or serve over ice. Tastes extra delicious if you let the fruit soak overnight!
What are your summer essentials & favorites? I feel like we all have products that we come back to every single year! Sound off in the comments! We love hearing from you.
ANNUAL SUMMER GIVEAWAY
I think we’ve done a giveaway every single summer we’ve been blogging and this year is no different! We wanted to splurge for our readers this year and have some v. fun goodies for our winner! This giveaway is pretty simple especially if you’re an OG reader and already follow us on our other social media!
We’ll be giving away:
A Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac in black – my favorite crossbody bag!
A Bar Necklace from Francesca’s
A Full-Sized Fenty Glow Lip Gloss
You can enter here until June 15, 2018, 12 midnight! [U.S. Only, 13+] We’ll announce the winner on all of our social media on June 15!
keep on, keepin’ on.
