The warmer months are finally coming back and that means you’ll need to swap your scarves and boots for your SPF and sandals.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking to buy a present for the upcoming festive season, we’ve rounded up 8 summer essentials you need to buy from sand-resistant towels to sunscreen that applies over your makeup.
The best bit? We’ve curated this guide to feature our favourite female-founded and local Australian brands. Let’s shop local this summer!
1. Quick Screen Sunscreen
You may have heard of the brand The Quick Flick or even spotted them on Shark Tank. The Quick Flick created the Winged Eyeliner Stamp which blew up on social media and essentially saves us all the time and energy of applying winged eyeliner.
Well, their latest product is the Quick Screen – an SPF 50+ Finishing Spray with Blue Light Defence. If you wear makeup all day you’ll likely know how hard it is to apply SPF over your makeup, particularly when a lot of sunscreens leave a white cast.
If you struggle to find sunscreen to apply over your makeup without ruining it then you’ll want to add this to your cart immediately.
2. Sustainable Period Starter Pack
There’s nothing more annoying than forgetting your period gear, especially in the summer months when you’re down at the beach.
The team at Eco Period Australia have created your go-to eco-friendly Sustainable Period Starter Pack which is a staple for anyone trying to become more environmentally friendly and live a zero-waste lifestyle.
The starter pack has everything you need for your summer handbag with period undies, an eco period menstrual cup, eco pads and even a wet bag that’s way more stylish than carrying a plastic bag around.
3. Shades from the Local Supply
A summer handbag essentials list wouldn’t be complete without a pair of sunglasses. If you’re looking for your next stylish pair of sunglasses and want to do something positive for the world while shopping, head to Local Supply.
Local Supply uses plant-based source materials, zero-waste manufacturing and even offers a recycling program.
Plus, they partner with local charities so when you buy a pair of sunglasses, they donate 1 meal to local Indigenous and asylum-seeker communities throughout Sydney’s inner city.
4. Personalised Water Bottle
One of the most essential items in your summer handbag is of course a water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
This vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottle from July is the perfect addition to your summer handbag and will actually fit in your car cup holder. You can even personalise it with your name or initials.
5. Sand-Free Beach Towel
If you’re always down at the beach in summer, you’ll know how annoying it is to come home with sand all over your towel that never seems to disappear. The solution? A sand-resistant beach towel.
Made sustainably, with over 20 recycled plastic bottles to help reduce landfill, the Sand Society makes sand-resistant and stylish towels that you can easily chuck in your bag without bringing the whole beach home with you.
6. A Pair of Twoobs
If you’re looking for a pair of sandals that are comfortable, stylish and made from recycled materials then add a pair of Twoobs to your cart.
Whether you’re looking for a colourful pair of sandals or a neutral colour, Twoobs has something for everyone. Plus, they’re handmade and 100% vegan and they’re pretty serious about ethical working standards.
7. Bucket Hats
In typical Australian fashion, a bucket hat is a staple in your summer wardrobe. Pick yourself up a bucket hat from Will and Bear, a purpose-led business making hats made from natural, biodegradable and recycled materials.
Plus, they’re a Certified B Corporation meaning they pledge 2% of their revenue for social and environmental impact and they even plant trees across the globe and in Australia for every hat sold.
8. Fold-Up Yoga Mat
If you love yoga and want to try beach yoga this summer, you’re going to want to pick up The Movement Mat. The Movement Mat is mouldable, foldable and lightweight so it’s easy to slip into your summer bag when you’re heading to a yoga class.
It’s also made from eco-friendly materials and it’s sweat-resistant so you don’t have to worry about sweating it out this summer.
And that’s a wrap! For those long beach days, relaxing by the pool or heading to a beach yoga class, these summer essentials are your go-to life savers in the hot Australian summer months.
