Summer always seems to sneak up on me.
I joked with my daughter the other day that it takes us a solid two weeks to actually feel ready for summer.
This year I’m also attempting to streamline everything into one pool bag. We’ll see how that goes.
Before summer officially kicks into full chaos mode, I try to stock up on the things that make healthy habits easier and help me feel a little more prepared before the schedule disappears and there are constant snack requests.
Over the years I’ve realized the little things make the biggest difference. Having cleaner products on hand, easy snacks ready to grab, hydration options everyone will actually drink, and simple self-care staples helps summer feel a lot more enjoyable and a lot less reactive.
So here are some of our favorite summer essentials right now.
The Summer Restock List
I always do a quick check of the things we go through nonstop in the summer.
It sounds simple, but having these basics stocked ahead of time saves me so much stress later.
Natural Sunscreen Favorites
I always keep Badger Daily Sunscreen in my beach bag. The ingredients are clean, it blends in well, and it doesn’t leave that heavy white cast. I am also going to try the tinted face sunscreen along with my favorite with SPF 40 because I’m always on the hunt for a daily face sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy or leave a white cast.
We also love the sunscreen stick from Primally Pure, especially for kids. It’s tallow-based, super nourishing, and easy to throw in a pool bag or backpack. I am updating my summer sunscreen reviews so stay tuned for current favorites.
Easy Summer Skin Routine
In the summer I wear a lot less makeup and focus more on keeping my skin healthy and glowy.
The Oliveda Honey Enzyme Mask has become one of my favorite quick skincare rituals. I use it in the shower for about 10 minutes and my skin always looks brighter and smoother after. It feels like a tiny spa moment in the middle of a busy day.
My favorite morning combo is the F06 Cell Active Face Serum and F63 Cell Active Facial Oil Serum. They give my skin that healthy summer glow without feeling heavy.
If you’re new to Oliveda, I always recommend starting with their skin quiz because it helps narrow down what your skin actually needs.
If you are in need of a toner that helps calm visible irritation, reduce redness, and keep flare-ups in check, this dermatologist-approved toner with hypochlorous acid is a good one to try.
Clean Sunless Tanner
As someone with fair skin, I need a little help in the glow department, but I’m definitely not trying to bake in the sun for it.
The sunless tanner from Beauty by Earth gives a natural-looking glow without the orange tone or overpowering smell that so many self tanners have. Currently buy one, get one free with code BOGO.
A few things that help:
- Exfoliate first
- Use extra moisturizer on knees, ankles, and elbows
- Apply slowly and blend well
It gives just enough color to make me feel a little more alive after a long winter.
Hydration Favorites
Every summer I realize how much better I feel when I’m actually hydrated consistently. Check out this post about why electrolytes are important.
Right now I’ve been rotating through:
- Pique B•T Fountain during the day
- Just Ingredients lemonade flavor
- Tru Lemon and Tru Lime for easy flavor without sugar
We also do a lot of fruit-infused water in the summer. Simple, but it helps everyone drink more.
Easy Summer Snacks
Summer snacking is nonstop over here.
Some of our current on the go favorites:
I think I am going to order this stainless steel bento box for cut-up fruit and veggies because I swear everyone eats healthier when things are already prepped and easy to grab.
Bug Protection
We spend a lot of time outside in the summer, so I’ve tested quite a few natural bug repellents over the years.
These are the ones we keep buying:
- Nantucket Spider bug and tick spray
- Bug wipes for the car and backpacks
- Cliganic bug bracelets for easy everyday use
Natural Deodorant
I have tried a lot of natural deodorants over the years and most were either irritating or just didn’t work well enough in the summer heat.
I found one I like from Primally Pure. The Vanilla Citrus and Charcoal scents are both really good, and they actually hold up through workouts and busy summer days. Save 10% with code BRIGHTENANDBLOOM. I am updating my post on the latest full-body deodorants I’ve tried, so stay tuned for that update.
Summer Shower Favorites
The Everyone Tropical Coconut Kids Soap smells like an actual tropical vacation. It’s affordable, gentle, and somehow everyone in the family likes it. We also love good soap in coconut or golden milk.
And the OSEA body oil has officially become a summer staple for both my daughter and me. Our skin feels so soft after using it.
Freshen Your Car
This oil diffuser in tropical is a quick way to get that chlorine and sweat smell out of your car. Handmade with non-toxic, clean ingredients, each fragrance blend is EWG compliant, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and phthalates.
One More Thing I’ve Been Loving: Creatine
I’ve been taking this creatine consistently and I’ve genuinely noticed a difference in my energy, workouts, and even mental clarity.
Especially during summer when routines are all over the place and everyone constantly needs something, it helps me feel a little more grounded and focused.
I used to let summer completely catch me off guard and then spend the first couple weeks feeling behind and overwhelmed. Now I try to do a few simple resets before school ends so the transition feels a little smoother.
Nothing about our summers is perfectly organized over here, but having a few healthy staples ready ahead of time helps me enjoy this season so much more.
If summer already feels like it’s coming fast, I hope this gives you a few ideas that make life feel simpler, healthier, and a little less chaotic heading into the season.