Whenever I think of summer, there are a few words that come to mind: Carefree. Easy. Effortless.

It’s the season of not feeling like you need to make a plan, but seeing where the day takes you instead. Of skipping a night of Netflix for an evening at the beach or drinks on the pavement outside your favourite pub. And being too busy having a good time to even think about checking your phone.

In the heat of summer, I don’t want to be spending too much time thinking about what I’m wearing or what I look like, either. I want to be outside, enjoying these fleeting months of sun and warmth. I want to say yes to those unplanned plans, even if I’m not quite dressed for them. But I still want to feel comfortable and know that whatever comes my way, I’ll feel good in myself.

I have a few tricks up my sleeve for that. Products that make my skin look its best, so I’m happy to sit in a restaurant, makeup-free, after a sea swim. Clothes that double as a cover-up over my bikini, and still look good if they’ve been scrunched up in a bag. And all the other basics that make long summer days feel truly effortless.

And yes, I’m well aware that I’m about to list products I use and things I do to achieve this effortlessness, which… takes effort (shout out to

“I don’t need makeup” skincare

• Eve Lom cleanser. I started using this cleanser about seven or eight years ago, and I became a woman hooked. I use it at night to remove any makeup and cleanse the skin, and love the light exfoliation, not to mention the scent and little muslin cloth ritual.

• Grown Alchemist eye balm. I picked this up from a TK Maxx when I was travelling and realised my usual stuff had run out. Turns out, it was one of my best buys — this is the only eye product I’ve used that made a visible difference to my fine lines. A little goes a long way, too.

• Emma Lewisham serum*. A skin-loving blend of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Emma Lewisham skincare is all-natural and climate-positive too, which is very cool.

• SPF 50, come rain or shine. La Roche-Posay is my usual go-to, but I also like this one from Beauty Pie. I haven’t tried Merit’s new tinted SPF yet, which launches today, but I’m very intrigued (especially after

  Emily Morello
  gave it a glowing review).

• Sonsie multi moisture cream* (formerly known as multi moisture mask). I use this as my nightly moisturiser, and let me tell you, it’s worth the hype. They’ve just restocked and kindly given me a discount code. Use ANGHARAD15 for 15% off.

• Tan-Luxe self-tan drops. A couple of nights a week, I add a couple of drops in light/medium to my moisturiser. It gives my very pale face a little colour and makes me feel more comfortable going without any makeup on my face in summer.

• Currentbody LED mask*. Another product that’s worth the hype. I use mine 3-5 times a week and have noticed a reduction in my dark circles and blemishes since I started using it (so there’s much less need for concealer day-to-day). You only need to use it for 10 minutes, so it’s quite easy to bring it into your routine. I have the Series 1 mask, but the Series 2 mask is a good (if slightly more expensive) option if you want it to cover your chin too. Use code ANGHARAD10 for 10% off.

• ZIIP Halo*. A facial toning device that actually works — I use mine a few times a week on the days when I want a little lift and glow. I was new to these kinds of devices, but this is easy to use from the get-go. Code ANGHARAD will get you 10% off.

• The Nue Co. Skin Filter. I don’t take many supplements, but this one is always part of my morning routine. It has zinc and vitamins A and C, and I’ve seen a visible difference in my skin tone and brightness since using it.

• Coco & Eve Tan Boosting Anti-Aging Body Oil (SPF 30)*. I love a multi-purpose product, and this is a body oil and sunscreen in one. This has antioxidants such as watermelon seed oil and guava extract to help nourish skin, and boosting peptides that help protect against photoaging. It’s also supposed to “boost” your tan, although I haven’t experienced that yet (after a long winter, I currently have no tan to boost). Smells just like holidays, too. The code ANGJONES15 will get you 15% off.

…Ok, maybe some makeup

• Jones Road Face Pencil*. I use this whenever I have a little redness or blemish to cover, but don’t necessarily want to cover my whole face in foundation. It’s really easy to use: just apply and blend where you need it. I use shade 6.

• Jones Road The Neutralizer*. I use this to conceal any dark circles. It’s designed to colour correct, so take a look at the shade guide to find the best one for you. My circles tend to be purple, so I use the shade Fair Pink.

• Merit Brow 1980. Like most women who were teenagers in the 1990s/early 2000s, I plucked my eyebrows into a very thin arch, to the point where they barely existed. I’ve been paying the price since, and while they’re in much better shape than they were, they still need a little help. This brow pomade helps them look a little fuller, and keeps them in place (anyone else get crazy long, sprouty eyebrow hairs in their mid-30s??). I use the light brown shade.

Healthy nails

• Manucurist nail & cuticle oil*. I like getting my nails done, but I don’t like the damage that so often comes with them. In summer, I’m more likely to rock a bare nail (unless I’m at a wedding or something that requires a slick of polish) — it’s much less maintenance. So to keep them looking nourished and healthy, I rub in some of this nail oil before going to bed. It’s worth it, I noticed a difference after just a week of using it.

Clothes that double as cover-ups

• COS playsuit. I have a couple of playsuits from COS that get a lot of wear in summer. I pop them over my bikini for the beach, but they still look good as “normal” clothes, too, thanks to their little details. Like this one, which has a chic square neckline, adjustable straps, and voluminous shape.

• With Nothing Underneath seersucker shirts and shorts*. I’ve spoken about WNU shirts and boxer shorts before (the fits and the quality are excellent), but in the spirit of effortlessness, I want to shout out the seersucker versions. This fabric can get shoved in a bag, be worn for hours on end, and still look how it’s supposed to.

• Toast linen trousers. I have a few pairs of linen trousers from Toast that I wear a lot in summer, too. They all have elasticated or drawstring waists and relaxed fits, so they’re comfortable, and like with all Toast clothing, I find the quality really high. I can wear them out and about, and pop them over my swimwear after the beach. One of the best things about linen is that it still looks good when it’s a little creased.

Swimwear that fits

• Casa Raki. I bought a classic black swimsuit from Casa Raki last year, and it fits like a glove. No weird sagging after a few wears, no straps that slip down, and no dodgy wedgies when you get hit by a wave. There are a few good options currently on sale, too — I love the look of this chocolate brown one-piece.

  angharadbjones

  

  A post shared by @angharadbjones

• Matteau. I bought a couple of pieces of Matteau swimwear when I was living in Sydney, around 2019 (as shown in the above very old IG post I dug up from 2020). I wore them a lot during my time there, when our flat was just up the road from Bronte Beach, and they still get brought out every summer now I’m back in the UK too. Let’s just say, the quality and fits are excellent and cost-per-wear, well worth the price tag.

• Left on Friday. This is a new brand to me, and I really wish I’d found it sooner. I recently got this bikini top and bottoms* in a rich dark green and not only do I love the shade, but I feel sung and supported, and the fit is excellent (I went for size S in both).

Underwear that’s comfortable

• Stripe & Stare knickers*. Effortless summers and complicated bras and undies don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. Stripe & Stare’s knickers have a bit of a cult following — and I’m happy to admit I’m a fully-fledged member. They’re soft and comfortable, and don’t dig in. Oh, and they’re made from 95% biodegradable TENCEL™ Modal x Micro. They have a lace trim, so pop them in a delicates bag before putting them in the washing machine. Use code ANGHARAD10 for 10% off.

• Negative Whipped non-wire bra*. This bra is super soft and essentially like loungewear. Perfect for carefree summer days if, like me, you hate feeling restricted but want that support.

…And shoes that support

• Birkenstock Arizona sandals. Forget sandals with no support, go for a contoured footbed instead from the OGs, Birkenstock. I live in my Arizonas on casual summer days. They go with everything, last forever and most importantly, feel comfortable to wear.

• Rothy’s Casual Clog*. A great option for a closed-toe shoe. Like the Birkenstocks, these have a contoured footbed and they’re made from a very breathable hemp/cotton blend. Just slip them on and go.

Sunglasses that go with everything

• Monokel ‘Ellis’ and ‘River’ sunglasses. If you ever see me wearing sunglasses, 9 times out of 10, they’ll be from Monokel. Ellis and River are the shapes I’ve tried and liked the most, and the quality is excellent. Use code angharad on any purchase and you’ll get 10% off.

A “chuck everything in” tote

• Toast linen bag. Big, loose, yet sturdy, this bag can be used for anything. And in that deep ‘black pepper’ shade, it’ll look good with everything, too.

• Tenter tote bag*. A big, heavyweight canvas tote that can carry anything and everything. Heading to the beach after a yoga class? Packing a picnic for the day? This bag will fit it all in.

Looking for more travel essentials? Make this your next read.

Any items marked with * have been gifted by brands. All thoughts, picks and reviews are my own.

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