RWRR: All Recommendations, Super Summer Slam Jam Edition

May 15, 2024

My preferred summer vibe…

I am an unabashed lover of summer. Admittedly, some of it (okay, much of it) has to do with the fact that I’m a teacher, and summer means freedom, but in general, I enjoy being warm, I like swimming, I like barbecuing, I like sunny mornings and warm evenings, I like the lazy afternoons, and the more relaxed feeling everything seems to take on.

My friends who love winter (a season I HATE) often tell me that liking winter is a matter of having the right clothing/gear/attitude. I believe summer is much the same: to enjoy summer to its fullest takes preparation, gear, and the right attitude.

Seeing as we are approaching Memorial Day Weekend, I thought it was time to share my expert (if I may say so myself, as a near-lifelong resident of Sacramento, California, where temperatures typically reach over 100 degrees many days between June and September) recommendations on how to make summer better.

I’ve also made you a summer playlist (my musical taste is very eclectic!) and a list of summer reads I recommend. I hope you find something to make your summer more enjoyable!

BE WARNED: If frank talk about boob sweat, swamp butt, and body hair is not your thing, you may want to skip this one because I’m going all in on honest recommendations.

BODY CARE

Megababe Thigh Rescue: Yes, it’s marketed for thighs and avoiding chafing, but I would argue that it’s for any part of your body that rubs against anything: bra straps, heels of sandals, etc. (a guy friend reports it does the job for the scrotum as well, just FYI). I’ve tried BodyGlide and all manner of things, but this is the best stuff I’ve ever found. I have a full-size and several travel-size I throw in bags all summer long.

Megababe Bidet Bar: I’m a diehard actual bidet girly, but I am obsessed with this soap in the shower. It’s a newer Megababe product, but I’ve been using it for awhile and it will be part of my routine forever. I know that many people appreciate a more natural approach to their lady parts, but personally, I don’t like to smell myself after a sweaty day outside, and this prevents that without giving me any sort of unpleasant infection. BIG FAN.

Megababe Dust Duo: I love the puff and I think the Bust Dust is amazing. Personally, I like to dust my gluteal fold (the spot where your thighs meet your cheeks, one of the few bits of information I’ve retained from massage school), under my bust, under my tummy roll, and anywhere else sweat collects.

Megababe Le Tush Butt Mask: I’m not a Megababe Ambassador: I just love their stuff! If you get sweaty and then get butt zits or rashes, this stuff is amazing for unclogging your pores and keeping your skin smooth.

Remedy Soap: I have sensitive skin and tend to get rashes easily, especially in the heat. The essential oils in this are so soothing, and using it feels cool and refreshing, especially with cool water before bed in the summer. I suggest putting it on, letting it sit for a few minutes and then rinsing it off. It claims to be effective as an anti-fungal; that’s not been an issue I’ve had, but it does resolve rashes almost immediately for me, and if I’m extra sweaty, letting it sit on my pits for a minute removes any odor.

AmLactin Foot Repair Cream: No brag, but pre-quarantine, I had extremely soft, crack-free feet, but then I went barefoot for two years and that was the end. I am also experiencing the joy of perimenopause where my skin has suddenly become dry as hell. This lotion gently exfoliates, but manages to leave my feet soft while it repairs cracks. I like to put it on every night and add Aquaphor as a second layer. I really like these heel socks, too if you want to let things seep in overnight.

Cuccio Naturale Cuticle Oil: I get really dry hands in the summer from swimming and the heat. I get my nails done at the best place (locals, it’s The Nailtel) and my manicurist got me into this cuticle oil. I apply it most nights before bed. I love the citrus berry feeling, and it works.

Conair GIRLBOMB Bikini Trimmer: I know that many people are cool with body hair poking out of their bathing suit; I simply cannot abide it when I’m swimming. The name of this shaver is so stupid, but it’s cheap and effective. Mine came with a mini face/brow shaver, too, and it was on sale at Target for like $15. It does the job, and every time I use it I get to announce GIRLLLL BOMBBBBB!

First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads: If you get ingrown hairs, these things are AMAZING. I like to use them preventatively for a few days after shaving, but they also work really well if a bump develops.

SKIN CARE

Aquaphor: My desert island product for all of my body, but during the summer, it’s my go-to for lips. I loathe having dry lips and this stuff works.

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment: This product is divisive, and the haters really, really hate it. Admittedly, opening a bottle of green cream is a bit intimidating. But, if you get red in the summer from sunburns, this is a magical product. A little bit goes a long way (Sephora sells a small jar of 0.5 oz that I used through an entire summer) but nothing balances out my skin color as well.

Supergoop Glowscreen: I try to wear makeup as infrequently as possible during the summer, but when I do, it’s some Dr. Jart + this sunscreen. It’s glowy, has a radiant finish and keeps my skin protected while adding a little bit of coverage.

Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer Highlighter: I’m mildly obsessed with influencer @ashleypaige.w because her makeup recommendations simply do not miss. She has called this her favorite cheek product of all time and I GET IT. I got the soft pink blush and the COMPLIMENTS have been flowing. It’s glowy and dewy and perfect for summer. I am obsessed.

Watermelon Glow Drops Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum: Another @ashleypaige.w recommendation I love. This is a great mix-in for this time of year, if you, like me, have pale skin that’s starting to get a little bit tan but doesn’t require an entire foundation shade change. I think that this mixed into my tinted moisturizer or layered on top of my Dr. Jart + Glowscreen will be my look this summer.

Clarins Cryo-Flash Mask: This mask is magic all year long. I am going to be keeping it in the refrigerator and letting it chill me out all summer. It makes my pores tight and my skin look brighter. This mask will be the perfect little treat for HOT afternoons.

CLOTHES/UNDERTHINGS

Thigh Society Cooling Slip Shorts: I have tried every brand of slip short on earth, and these Thigh Society ones are IT. I wanted to hate them, because they are not cheap, but if you are blessed with generous, powerful thighs there is nothing better. I love the cooling ones: they are thin, they wick moisture, and they’re not designed to suck anything in, so you don’t feel constricted.

A New Day Slim Fit High Neck Ribbed Tank Top: I have an obscene amount of these tank tops. I wear them all year long: under cardigans and sweaters, as sleep tanks, and in the summer, it’s one of these plus a skirt or shorts or jeans allllll season. They are $8. They come in one zillion colors. And they have an absolute chokehold on the femme/dyke community. Need I say more?

YouSwim Bathing Suits: I’m mildly obsessed with YouSwim right now. I love that they make two sizes of bathing suit that span a large range of sizes, and that they’re designed to fit your body at a variety of stages. I love that they’re ethically made. I am giving them a try this summer. I am mildly worried about the care they require (they have to be rinsed and laid out after every swim and I am notorious for leaving my suits outdoors in the sun) but I think I can handle the adulting part for a suit that’s in line with my ethics. I got a two piece and a one piece, both colors are gorgeous (the one-piece is hot pink and the most beautiful, vibrant shade!) and I’m excited.

Old Navy Boxers or Poplin Sleep Shorts: Nearly every year, Old Navy releases a Poplin Sleep Short for women that I buy a stupid number of, because unless I am leaving the house (which I try not to do), it’s a Target tank + poplin short for me. They tend to be sort of randomly stocked, but the Old Navy Men’s Boxers will also do just fine, and they tend to come in fun, sassy patterns.

Anthropologie Robes: Picture it (not Sicily, 1912 but if you get that joke, I love you): it’s an early summer morning and you walk to the kitchen to make yourself coffee. You are barefoot, the sun is streaming through, you are wearing…ugly holey pajamas? No. You are wearing a cute robe. Not the weird threadbare, too-short robe your boyfriend’s dad wore during awkward visits, but a sexy, Anthropologie robe. I scored a lightweight, floral, ruffly robe of my dreams there last summer. I don’t see one similar this year (yet) but there is a silky long-sleeved bird one that looks goooood. Anyway, I’m a fan of a robe for when you have houseguests or want a morning to feel special. I’m also a big fan of this plush Brooklinen number, but in the summer, I want light and sleek.

Old Navy Linen Shorts: I didn’t wear shorts for much of my life (pretty much from 7th grade until I was 38) but then I decided to say SCREW IT and wear shorts again, and these Old Navy Linen Shorts are my favorites. They’re comfortable, high-waisted, come in different lengths, aren’t too wrinkly, can be washed, thrown over a bathing suit, and crumpled in a suitcase or beach bag. Love.

Mien Lakeside Jumpsuit: I realize that this is a splurge, but Mien is one of my favorite ethical brands. They make small batches, carry extended sizes, and everything I’ve ever bought from them is extremely high-quality. This jumpsuit is one of my favorite summer pieces. It’s wildly comfortable, lightweight, packable, and looks good on literally every body type. I’ve worn it with a denim shirt tied over it, with a cardigan or denim jacket, or on it’s own with a heeled sandal and nicer jewelry for a dinner out. It washes well, and holds its shape. I have it in a dark turquoise and the true black; I’m hoping to add a lighter color to my collection this year. When it’s hot as hell and I don’t know what to wear and I don’t feel like shaving my legs (yes, I know I don’t have to, sorry, I like it, I apologize to all the feminists who have paved a better path), this is my go-to.

Tradlands Dresses: Another splurge that is well worth it in my opinion are Tradlands dresses. I am partial to the Nico dress and the Birdie sleeveless dress. Again, these are ethically made in the lightest, crinkle-iest cotton. I like that they’re slightly oversized. They BREATHE in the summer, and quite frankly, they look adorable. The Birdie sleeveless dress looks cute with ties in the front or in the back (fair warning: I did have to get a small alteration done because the darts sat oddly on my chest, but I hate alterations and still went and got them done because that’s how much I like this dress). The Nico dress fits like a dream. I have some Tradlands cardigans as well, and honestly, every single thing I have from them is well-made, has survived washings and two or more school years. Their stuff is also on Poshmark fairly often, but I honestly think it’s worth the full price. Their clothing is the kind I imagine I will have forever.

A SUN HAT: It appears that Baggu does not have (or perhaps discontinued?!) their beloved packable sun hat, which is my all-time favorite summer hat! I’m going to need time to process this loss, but I personally believe a sun hat is a vital summer item. Skin cancer runs in my family, so I am vigilant about sun protection, but also, I like to read in the pool, and a hat shades my book or Kindle perfectly. I’ve heard excellent things about Sungrubbies (also approved by the Melanoma Foundation and allegedly offering 50 SPF!) but I’m also interested in trying this $10 number from Amazon with a wide brim and a ponytail opening.

EVA Birkenstocks: I am forever a fan of these lightweight Birkenstocks. They are colorful, they are water-friendly, they look cute as hell, and they are delightful for summer. I have them in several colors. I’ve worn them in rivers and the ocean, and they hold up. Yes, Target sells a knock off $10 version. For me, personally, I find the Target ones really long and narrow and since I have a fat wide little foot, I prefer the original.

RANDOM STUFF

An ice roller: I know that the skincare girlies use this to depuff their face, and the therapy girlies recommend this to interrupt anxiety (it works!) but I also love this for those moments when I am just TOO DAMN HOT. A few rolls on the back of my neck can change my entire mood.

Buffy Breeze Sheets: In an early edition of this Substack, I asked for suggestions for sheets that wouldn’t make me too hot. My friend Jenn suggested the Buffy Eucalyptus Breeze sheets and I can confirm: they are cooling. I love them all year, as I am a hot sleeper, but during the summer, they’re going to be a game changer.

A camping chair: I highly recommend a camping chair that you’re not too precious about for doing one of my favorite summer activities: sitting in the river or the lake. When it is hot, drag the chair to your nearest cold body of water, set up your chair, and let the water do its magic. Even better, bring some cold drinks and/or deli sandwiches. Makes the summer bearable. Of course, if you’re in a strong river, wear a life jacket.

Waterproof Kindle and library card: Two summers ago, as I was getting out of the pool, I set my Kindle on the edge of a chair, and I’m not sure how, but Other Amy and I watched as it flipped in slow motion and ended up in the deep end of the pool. I ordered a waterproof Kindle (the Paperwhite) immediately, and haven’t looked back. I love an eBook, and I love the library even more. Checking out books for free using Libby through my library saves me thousands of dollars every year. It’s the closest I’ve come to the feeling of childhood summers, where I would devour stacks of library books day after day.

A freezer STOCKED with popsicles and ice cream treats: Whoever designed the freezer in my home hates freezers. It’s the smallest freezer I’ve ever seen in my life and holds next to nothing. Because I have a Soup Addiction and I also like Costco, we bought a chest freezer. I’m not saying you have to go that far, but whatever your freezer situation, let me suggest going to Costco or Sam’s Club or even the grocery store and STOCKING UP on popsicles in all varieties. We are partial to paletas, It’s-It’s minis, vanilla ice cream bars with chocolate shells, Outshine bars, Bomb Pops, etc. We have a pool, and during the summer, we try to have an open door policy, especially when it’s exceptionally hot. Few things are as delightful as having a yard full of friends and plenty of popsicles.

I hope you found at least one thing to try. I don’t do affiliate links (save for my Bookshop link) so please know that these are just things I truly love!