✧ my summer 2025 essentials ✧
hey lovelies! ✧
summer is literally my favorite season ever (besides fall, and winter!!), and i've been making mental notes of all the things i can't live without this year. thought i'd share my essential picks for summer 2025 since we're all trying to look cute while surviving the heat, right?
⋆.ೃ࿔:･ fashion must-haves ･:࿔ೃ.⋆
those little lace-trimmed cotton shorts that are everywhere now… literally living in them
sheer overlay dresses (the ones with the built-in slip that make you look like you're floating)
platform mary janes - the chunky ones that are somehow both sweet and edgy
micro mini skirts (yes, they're back and i'm not mad about it)
those butter-soft cropped cardigans that go with literally everything
delicate pearl ankle bracelets (the ones with the tiny charms that make that soft tinkling sound)
oversized linen button-ups for beach cover-ups (steal them from your dad/brother/boyfriend)
those silky bandanas everyone's wearing as tops now (the trick is double-sided tape, trust me)
⋆.ೃ࿔:･ beauty essentials ･:࿔ೃ.⋆
tinted spf with the cooling effect (the one that feels like splashing your face with cold water)
waterproof tubing mascara that actually stays put when you swim
those lip oils with the subtle color-changing technology (mine turns the prettiest dusty rose)
cream blush that doubles as eyeshadow (for when you're running late to beach bonfires)
the hair sunscreen mist that smells like coconut but not in a fake tropical drink way
those cooling under-eye patches you can keep in your mini fridge
the new biodegradable glitter gel (because regular glitter is basically killing turtles and we can't have that)
that viral rosewater setting spray everyone's obsessed with (it actually works, not just pretty packaging)
⋆.ೃ࿔:･ tech & accessories ･:࿔ೃ.⋆
those tiny waterproof bluetooth speakers that float in the pool
solar-powered phone chargers that actually work now (finally!)
the new ultra-thin e-readers that don't glare in the sun
those cute little cameras that print mini polaroids instantly
woven market bags big enough to fit everything but don't look bulky
stackable jewelry cases for traveling (game changer for tangled necklaces)
those silicone wine glasses that don't break when you inevitably knock them over
the new cooling phone cases (because overheating in the sun is so 2024)
⋆.ೃ࿔:･ lifestyle musts ･:࿔ೃ.⋆
linen picnic blankets with the waterproof backing (spilled drinks? never heard of her)
those frozen fruit ice cube trays that make boring water actually drinkable
the plant-based bug repellent that doesn't smell like chemicals or make your skin sticky
silk sleep masks for afternoon naps (because summer is for resting too)
those foldable fans with the wooden handles that make you feel like you're in a period drama
the new non-toxic sunless tanner that doesn't streak or smell weird
those little portable blenders for smoothies at the beach
the cooling weighted blanket for those nights when it's too hot to sleep but you need the pressure
⋆.ೃ࿔:･ self-care necessities ･:࿔ೃ.⋆
that new journaling prompt deck specifically for summer reflections
cooling aloe vera gel (but the one with the extra calming ingredients)
the waterproof meditation cushion you can take to the beach
those herbal ice pops that help with hydration and are actually good
the new summer reading subscription that sends you a surprise book each month
blue light glasses for when you're inside hiding from the heat
that special detangler spray for post-ocean hair nightmares
the new sleep sounds app with the "gentle summer thunderstorm" track that actually helps you drift off
⋆.ೃ࿔:･ secret summer rituals ･:࿔ೃ.⋆
okay i wasn't going to share these because they feel almost too personal? but these little rituals have literally transformed my summer experience and maybe they'll help someone else too…
morning sunrise moments - waking up 20 minutes early to sit outside with your coffee before the day gets chaotic and the heat becomes unbearable (i keep a special mug just for this)
weekly flower refresh - treating yourself to fresh flowers every sunday and watching them slowly bloom throughout the week (the bodega near me sells peonies for cheap)
evening cooling baths - taking lukewarm baths with fresh mint leaves and lavender right before bed when it's too hot to sleep (game changer for insomnia)
digital sunset practice - putting all screens away when the sun goes down at least two nights a week and lighting those special summer candles instead
memory documenting - keeping a tiny notebook where you write one perfect moment from each day (mine are usually something small like "the way the light hit the water" or "laughing until i cried at the beach")
friendship postcards - sending actual physical postcards to friends instead of texts (i bought vintage ones from this little shop downtown and people get so excited to receive them)
sunday prep baskets - filling a basket each sunday with everything you might need for spontaneous adventures that week (sunscreen, lip balm, emergency snacks, band-aids for inevitable blisters)
stargazing dates with yourself - laying on a blanket once a week to watch the stars and remember how small our problems are (i use that constellation app to identify what i'm seeing)
gratitude swimming - mentally listing things you're grateful for with each stroke when swimming (sounds cheesy but it's become my moving meditation)
sensory evening walks - taking walks at dusk focusing on one sense at a time (the smell of barbecues and jasmine, the sound of kids playing, the feeling of finally cooling air)
these might sound silly or too precious, but creating these little pockets of intention has helped me actually experience summer instead of just surviving it. honestly, summer used to stress me out (sweating, sunburn, sand in everything), but i've learned to embrace the season by having these little things that make me feel prepared. some might call it excessive, but i call it taking care of myself in a season that can be overwhelming. anyone else feel like they need an entire arsenal just to enjoy summer? or is that just my anxiety speaking?
anyway, would love to know what your summer essentials are! maybe i'm missing something life-changing?
xoxo, mindy 🤍
