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Summer is in full swing in the UK. There’s a heatwave, the kids have broken up for their summer holidays, everyone is just generally happier and everything is green and lush. I’ve compiled a list of 10 summer essentials. I use nearly all of these every day during summer and couldn’t live without some of them. These are also great for if you are wanting to pack light for your holidays, but want your summer essentials with you. Which means that for you, they will be perfect.
Top 10 summer essentials.
Charles Worthington- Sunshine Protection UV hair protection spray.
This is a must-have. It’s basically sun cream for your hair in a handy spritz bottle. I colour my hair and very aware that, because of that it’s probably more susceptible to sun damage, so I do everything I can to stop it getting frazzled. I use the UV protection spray once I’ve towel dried my hair after a shower and usually throughout the day. Buying the travel size is perfect (I get mine from boots), especially for when I go on holiday as I know that this will last about a week of putting it on once or twice a day. The travel size is also really handy to pop in your handbag; big or small.
NYX- Matt Make-up setting spray
I bought this after last summer, where I found that I was sweating my make-up off by lunchtime. This setting spray holds your make-up in place. It’s truly amazing and really affordable. I chose the ‘matt’ spray as I can get oily skin, so I don’t need any help with the ‘Dewey’ look, which is the other spray that they offer. A few spritzes in the morning and your set till the evening. Perfect for a hot hot hot day. Again this is one of my regular buys from Boots (you can buy it here, if you wish) and I’ve found that one 60ml bottle, lasts roughly a month of liberal spraying daily.
Bandelettes- Anti-Chafe Thigh Bands
This is a product I have raved and reviewed about before. Read how Bandelettes can save your thighs here. Bandelettes have enabled me to be able to keep cool this summer, by wearing skirts and dresses, pain-free this summer. Which is why they are definitely one of my summer essentials pregnant or not! I go into much more depth in the post you can read via the link above or you can go straight to the Bandellettes website here. All I can say is they have been a thigh saver!
Benefit- Brow Pencil and conditioning primer
Ok, so technically this is two summer essentials. These two go together like like Fred and Ginger. The brow conditioning primer allows the brow pencil to be applied smoothly and evenly, while also shaping your brows. When I don’t have time for a full face of make-up (or can’t be bothered) this is all I wear, as tidy brows help to frame your face and open up your eyes. I have the travel sizes in both of these products, so they are easy for me to pop in my on-the-go make-up bag. Plus I love benefits marketing style and all their products, even though they can be a little on the pricey side most of them are worth it. You can buy The Goof Proof Brow Pencil here and the Browvo! Conditioning Primer here.
Asos- Maternity/ Nursing Dress
I have shared a few maternity essentials on the blog already, but this particular one I seem to live in. I am always really conscious when I shop for maternity wear, that I don’t end up looking like a bag lady in loose fitting clothes. To be honest, I would never wear anything this form-hugging when I’m not pregnant, but I like to show off my bump. It is also a nursing dress, which is great for those of you who have a newborn at this hot time of the year. Source of image.
Charles Worthington- sea salt spray.
This is another favourite of mine. The same range and same brand as the UV protection spray which can be found at boots. The sea salt spray pairs perfectly with creating bouncy natural waves while protecting your hair all at the same time. Again this comes in a handy 50ml bottle, which makes it perfect for travel luggage, beach bag and handbag. It also means you are saved from having to take loads of styling products on holiday when you can create the wavey look effortlessly.
Sunglasses.
I wear these all year round and literally DO NOT leave the house without them. They were a graduation present from my mum and I have treasured them! Everyone needs a good pair of sunglasses, I used to find it really hard to find a style that suited me until I realised that aviators suited everyone. Sunglasses are more than just an accessory or fashion statement though. When you buy them you want to make sure that they have UV protection on the lenses. This can help prevent cataracts in the future. apparently, our eyes can be up to 10X more sensitive than our skin to UV exposure. So it’s worth looking after your eyes guys.
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Moleskin watercolour sketchbook- A personal summer essentials
I treated myself this year to a moleskin sketchbook. This is specifically to take on holiday with me, as my aim is to try and fill it in a week. I never give myself enough time to be creative, so I’m hoping this will spur me on! Moleskin has been used by artists (including Picasso), journalers, writers and note takers for the past two centuries. Moleskin is the epitome of quality and comes in a variety of designs and sizes. They are a bit of a splurge but, along with my new watercolours, was my summer essentials treat.
Windsor and Newton watercolour pocket box- Another personal summer essentials must-have.
My second splurge. I haven’t a new set of watercolours since I permanently borrowed a school set in year 9, so…over 10 years ago! I remember seeing my dad’s friend have this set and having this feeling of envy, I think I was about 8 at the time. So definitely time to get my own set. it’s also compact and comes with its own travel brush. The watercolour pigment block is loose in the slots, so you are able to replace them easily or change the colours from the basic mix they provide for you. Perfect for travelling!
Accessorize- Summer sandals.
Accessorize is my first stop for flip-flops and sandals. They are always so feminine and pretty. I originally bought these for a wedding in April. I knew, for sure I wouldn’t last the evening in heels, and had no decent nice shoes (any excuse!). These will last me at least 2 summers of constant wear. So they are a great buy and I can pair them with nearly anything, dress them up or down.
Those were my 10 summer must-haves. To make sure you can always find these summer essentials. Sse the PIN IT button on your favourite image below.