the july edit
stuff i loved in july
Hello, friends! Welcome back to monthly favourites where I tell you about the stuff I’ve been loving lately.
Writing today on the first of August, I can say that July felt, to me, undeniably…slow. Not entirely in the cozy, healing, slow-living kind of way, though not entirely not that, either?
Being first summer off in years, I wonder if maybe this is exactly how it’s supposed to feel. Just quiet enough to be restful and leave space for random outings and trash television, and just boring enough to allow for a small twinge of excitement about back to school.
Keep reading to see my faves from the month of July. You can also shop the whole list by clicking right here.
1 // Reading every day. I finished and loved both Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and Famesick by Lena Dunham. I’d highly recommend listening to Famesick as an audiobook as it is edited by Lena herself.
2 // Invisible sunscreen. I’m using tretinoin daily these days (and keeping my skin barrier intact!) which means sun protection is essential no matter what. The cashier at Trader Joe’s let me know that their body sunscreen is actually the exact same product as the one packaged for the face, but is slightly better value at $12.99 USD for 5 fl oz. If you can’t make it to TJ’s I’d recommend this dupe by e.l.f. or the OG from SuperGoop.
3 // My summer uniform. Without knowing exactly what each day will bring, I have been dressing by default in cotton shorts or thrifted cut-offs, a tank top or t-shirt, and throwing on a summer-y button down shirt over top. My favourites are either linen like this one, or the light muslin-y cotton available sometimes at Gap, but also known as AirPlush Cotton at Aritzia.
4 // Summer fragrance. I have a collection of perfumes and hair and body mists that are the most fun to use in the warmer months. I’m loving the sunscreen-ish notes of coconut in The Nest Balinese Coconut perfume oil as well as Ouai’s St. Bart’s. Neroli is also having a moment in my collection in the form of Cyklar Naked Neroli lotion and Glossier’s Orange Blossom and Neroli body spritz. And, although it’s an all-year product for me, I’ve been reaching for The Crown Affair’s Signature Scent hair mist often as well because it’s just fresh and light enough for the hottest days.
5 // Necessaire Olibanum. I initially included this in the list above, but she deserved her own place here because I am obsessed. Rarely do I say that about a new fragrance because I’m prone to fragrance-induced headaches and am actually just kind of picky. Described as a comforting, warm, sweet scent with notes of Olibanum (til that means frankincense!), Vanille, Fig Leaf, and Cassis Buds, I find it gorgeous on its own for more minimal days, or a perfect base for any other fragrance layers. I treated myself to this little set and will definitely re-up the body lotion and deodorant when they run out.
6 // Minimal non-orange makeup. I mentioned previously it took me a long time to realize I have a cool olive skin tone which explains, apparently, the way so many products pull orange on me. This blush and this bronzer (actually a contour) are still in my daily routine and I seemingly can’t stop talking about them (sorry).
7 // Morning beach walks. If you follow me on Instagram you will be treated to daily stories of my golden retriever Bodie and I walking on our local beach. This is by far the highlight of my summer mornings. While I catch up on podcasts and birdwatch (and people watch!) Bodie digs holes, gallops up and down the shoreline and gets increasingly more comfortable in the water. While spring and earlier summer walks necessitated my waterproof sneakers, lately the drier mornings just call for my favourite flip flops.
8 // Staying organized. Specifically, I’ve been making an effort to post more consistently and keep track of my ideas for Substack and social media. I’m using my Hobonichi Weeks for this, and it’s going well! I’d love to do a longer post about my Hobonichi planners because they seem to be having a moment online and I’ve been using them for almost 9 years now. Is this something you’d be interested in? Let me know.
And, that sums up July! Take a look at everything all in one place here.
Have you tried any of the things I’ve recommended? Do you have your own list of favourites? If so, leave me a link, I love nothing more than a nosy peek at someone else’s stuff!
