Summertime means long days at the beach, balmy evenings, dinners, and poolside cocktails. Whatever the occasion, when the weather plays ball, we’re generally out of the house for longer to soak up the sunshine.
Don’t get caught out without the essentials as you’re dashing between festive soirées. A quick top-up before dinner? you’ve got your powder for that. Rushing to stuff your oversized, yet absolutely fabulous, sunhat away before you hit the bar? You’re covered with an easy clip.
Don’t be left without our top 10 favourite handbag-sized must-haves for the silly season
Sunscreen
Already a year-round must have, this is a timely reminder to stock up on sunscreen. Our pick? The cult-fave To Save Face SPF50+ Sunscreen from Mecca Cosmetica. Better yet, it comes in a full size, and mini, for on-the-go top ups.
SPF Lip Balm
It goes without saying, after the first suggestion, that we’re big endorsers of SPF. We’ve got 90% of the face covered, but you can’t forget your lips! Mecca’s Lip De-Luscious Glide is top of the list. It comes in 3 sheer tints – Natural, Pink and Red – and is SPF 15.
Stylish Sunnies
Jules Mila is the latest Kiwi brand on the scene. The sunglasses are all made from plant-based cellulose acetate which is pretty darn cool. We’re opting for the Jacci style for a classic yet edgy look.
Towelling Pouch
If you carry the kitchen sink with you (also, same) you’re going to need a few chic pouches to keep everything in easy reach. For a summery option, the Lucy Folk Layla Towel Pouches are a no brainer. I’d get the matching towel while you’re at it so you look oh-so coordinated.
Haircare
Don’t you hate looking at all your photos only to notice that pesky hair tie on your wrist? We’ve been reluctant to let the hair claw go ever since the trend returned. It’s the lazy girl’s best friend for chic hair all summer.
A Bucket Hat
While you’re rushing out the door on your next adventure, don’t forget the hat. You’ll want one that easily fits into your handbag, and completes every look. Rebe has declared bucket hats are back, with her chic cotton twill version.
Hair Comb
While we’re talking hair and accessories, the Sophie Hair Comb is your next needed handbag essential. Smaller than your travel brush, this will sort out any hair woes on the go.
Mini Perfumes
A top tip is to always keep the mini perfume samples from beauty gift bags or the Mecca Beauty Loop. They make the perfect handbag fragrance for a refresh in between the beach and dinner. If you’re wanting to kick start your collection, Floral Street’s Discovery Set is the best value!
Hat Clip
If you love a large summer hat, you’ll know carrying them is such a pain. A hat clip is quite possibly our number one purchase this year. It easily clips any hat to your bag so you don’t have to worry about it going on a walkabout.
SPF Top Up
Our lucky last summer must-have is the Supergoop Translucent Powder. It’s SPF 35 and is on-the-go friendly with its all-in-one brush, perfect for makeup or SPF top-ups. If there’s only one makeup product we’ll be carrying (aside from the aforementioned lip balm, of course), it’s this!
