Summer has well and truly arrived now that it's December, so you've officially got an excuse to hit the beach and soak up the sun...not that you really needed one. With the change of season comes the hot, humid Aussie weather we're all accustomed to, and as a result, a definite need to shake up your routine.
Whether you're on the hunt for a foundation that'll stay matte or want to add a new bikini to the collection, summer is a great time to get shopping. We've rounded up our must-have summeressentials in collaboration with killer fashion retailer Beginning Boutique.
These Are the Summer Essentials You Won't Be Able to Live Without
Keep reading to find out which summer essentials you simply won't be able to live without this season, and where you can pick them up in time, to beat this insane heat!
That Gorgeous Glow
When we think of summer makeup, it's all about that radiant, natural glow. Think Insta-models with perfectly bronzed skin and luminous cheekbones -- that's the look we're always striving to recreate. Thankfully, you don't just have to rely on the sweltering Australian sun to give you the ideal glow.
Choose a highlighter with a subtle, soft-focus radiance rather than chunky glitter and apply to the high points of the face, including cheekbones, tip of the nose and cupid's bow. Our favourite highlighter for this is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal. The champagne-gold shade complements a huge range of skin tones, and looks particularly gorgeous with a tan. Go wild and cover yourself from head to toe in this baby.
Block-Coloured Bikinis
December is the perfect excuse to whip out your cutest cozzies and hit the beach in style. If you're all about following trends, we predict that a beachside staple this summer will be bikinis in block colours like mustard, red or white. We've picked out a few favourites that are sure to grab everyone's attention, from Cooly to Cottesloe and anywhere in between.
If you're all about those sunshine-y yellow vibes, opt for the 9.0 Swim Byron Bikini Top ($59.95) and Tulum Bottoms ($39.95) in Metallic Mustard. Prefer something a little more Baywatch-esque? The 9.0 Swim Maya Bandeau Bikini Top ($49.95) and Bahamas Bikini Bottoms ($39.95) in Metallic Red will be right up your alley.
Solid SPF Protection
Even if you're not directly soaking up the sun, a high-quality SPF is an absolute necessity on your list of summer essentials. After all, harsh UVA and UVB rays can have detrimental effects not only for your overall health, but for your skin, directly contributing to pigmentation and premature ageing.
Pioneer brand Institut Esthederm are all about imparting the skin with optimal SPF without completely ruling out your love of tanning. For high protection that'll let the sun peek through as beneficially as possible, go for the Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Strong Sun. If you're just looking for a good old sunscreen without any of the tanning benefits, though, there's nothing more reliable than the Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF 50.
A Beach-Worthy Sunhat
Protect your locks against the sun, and look chic while you're at it, with the perfect summer sunhat. They're ideal to throw in your beach bag, take on all your summer vacays and practically keep glued to your side 'til March rolls around. Even then, we kinda want to rock the boater year-round...would that be weird?
Always the authority on sunhats, Lack of Color have outdone themselves this season. The Lack of Colour Spencer Boater Hat ($59) features traditional tan straw with a black bow looped around the centre. A wide boater brim makes it a great choice wherever you go, be it the beach or to coffee with your mates. If you're more into monochrome, pick up the Spencer Boater Hat in Noir ($59.95).
Salt for Your Locks
We all know and love the feeling of salty summer hair, fresh from the nearest beach. If you're heading to an event, rather than to sun bake and swim, though, you're going to have to fake it 'til you make it. Enter sea salt spray! It's the key to creating lush, beachy waves wherever you go, without any unwanted sandy crunch.
Our hands-down favourite is the VERB Sea Spray. Beloved by the blogger community, including makeup guru Jaclyn Hill, this formula is never sticky or uncomfortable in your tresses. Instead, it'll leave the hair looking tousled and perfectly summery. Simply apply to wet or dry hair, scrunching with your fingers. If you've got naturally pin-straight locks, run a curling iron through them loosely before spraying in your salt spray.
On Trend Shades
Let your accessories do the talking this summer with a pair of perfectly on trend statement sunglasses from Beginning Boutique. When you're making your list of summer essentials, shades should be right at the top -- after all, we're sure you won't be able to make it through the squinty season without 'em!
Although we're coveting tons of styles at the moment, we've narrowed it down to two key pairs. The Quay Rumours Sunglasses in Black Smoke ($60) are a universally flattering cat eye with black frames and lenses. Pop these on with practically any outfit to add a little flair. Our other (slightly more out there) fave are the Retro Feline Cat Eye Sunglasses Pink ($39.95). Millennial pink lenses in an exaggerated cat eye style make these ideal for festivals or simply relaxing by the pool.
Outdoor Fun
Whether you're chilling by the beach with friends, barbecuing in the backyard or heading to a party, you'll love having a few tricks up your sleeve for when there's a lull in the conversation (other than cracking open some more bevvies, of course).
Get your game on with the Sunnylife Giant Dominos Catalina ($69.95), a pack of brightly coloured, massive dominos that'll make competing with your friends even more fun. Throw in some ciders, good tunes and your afternoon will be totally made. Speaking of tunes -- we're coveting the cute patterned Sunnylife Beach Sounds Portable Speakers ($69.95). They come in a range of colours, so even if you're picky about your backyard decor, you'll be covered.
UV-Free Tanning
Although it can be tempting to bask in the sun for hours on end, we're all old enough to know that our bodies hate it. It's difficult to find adequate sun protection for prolonged periods of time. (Although, our above recommendations are pretty great -- just remember to reapply!) If you want to achieve a golden tan without any of the skin damage, perhaps a good fake tan is worth a try.
Go gradual with the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Dry Oil, an easy-to-apply fake tan oil that develops into a stunning bronzed shade. If you prefer an (almost) instantmousse formula, opt for the Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark. Need a little colour just for the night? The Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Luminous Cream Instant Colour will be your new BFF, as it washes right off when you're done, but magically won't transfer onto clothes.