7 Summer Essentials We Can’t Do Without

As summer kicks into high gear (finally!), we’re looking for things that help us enjoy the season to the fullest. From lip gloss and moisturizer to the perfect bottle of bubbly, here are the products that we’re loving for the warm weather. —Sara Harowitz

Armani Prisma Glass Hydrating Lip Gloss with Squalane

A lip gloss that goes on smooth without feeling sticky? It exists with Armani Beauty’s Prisma. Made with plant-based squalane for all-day moisture, it gives lips a soft, plump look—as well as a healthy glow thanks to a little bit of sparkle and shine. Opt for it in the neutral Nude Glow shade for an everyday aesthetic—and for those in Vancouver, be sure to visit the Armani Mare pop-up at Metropolis at Metrotown. Located right outside Sephora, the pop-up is on until June 29 and features personalized engraving on purchased products, beachy photo opps, and exclusive gifts with purchase.

Understance Soft Support High-Rise Boyshorts

Vancouver intimates brand Understance has created the ideal hot-weather underwear with the Soft Support High-Rise Boyshorts. They’re seamless, breathable, lightly compressing, and perhaps most important of all, extremely comfortable—making them an easy choice for wearing beneath dresses and skirts all season long.

Red Rooster Sparkling Brut VQA

When the sun’s shining, every day is cause for celebration. From Naramata winery Red Rooster comes this Sparkling Brut VQA, which is made with hand-harvested pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Crafted using the traditional method, this dry, crisp sparkling wine has subtle notes of citrus and apple, resulting in one very elegant sip. Serve alongside strong cheeses, fresh fish, and warm bread—or simply enjoy on its own. Because you don’t need an excuse to pop the bubbly.

Grown Alchemist Restorative Body Cream

Summer means heat, which means risk of dehydration. Keep your skin healthy and moisturized from day to night with the Restorative Body Cream from Australian brand Grown Alchemist. Made with jojoba oil, Vitamin E, and shea butter, it improves skin’s elasticity, evens out skin tone, and perhaps best of all, doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It also has a beautifully refreshing scent of rosemary, vanilla, and orange—summer in a bottle.

Huha Triangle Bra

We’ll be living in this all summer long. Vancouver brand Huha might be known for its mineral underwear, but the company uses the same breathable, good-for-you fabric (it’s infused with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide) in its ever-so-soft bras and bralettes. The Triangle Bra is comfortable enough to wear all day and flattering enough to put under that low-cut top. Get it in limited-edition Creamsicle for a seasonal pop of colour.

Cointreau L’Unique

Is there anything more summery than the scent of oranges? Cointreau L’Unique is crafted with a blend of essences from orange peels, giving it the refreshing aroma of the Italian countryside. On the palate, it’s citrusy, bright, and sweet—making it the perfect liqueur to mix with soda water and plenty of ice. A Cointreau spritz? We’re calling it the drink of the season.

Reformation Celosia Linen Dress

Nobody does dresses like Reformation. The California-based sustainable fashion brand recently opened a store on Vancouver’s West 4th, giving the local girlies a firsthand look at its in-season offerings. The Celosia Linen Dress is the perfect hot-weather ‘fit thanks to its A-line mini skirt and its sophisticated square neckline. Dress it up with kitten heels or down with sneakers—either way, it’s sure to become a summer staple.