It’s really hard not to live up to my sterotype and start this post with a comment about the hot weather. No. I will not do it. TMI warning: I had my first cervical screening the other day, and what did we talk about? THE WEATHER. For those of you yet to experience/dreading to experience that particular facet of womanhood, let me reassure you it isn’t that bad. Don’t skip it out of embarrassment.

WELL, that was quite the way to kick off a post, wasn’t it? If you’re still reading, here are the things I’ve been using/buying/banging on about since the sun started coming out.

1. DHC Blotting Paper

I reviewed this a while ago and predicted that this super cute little box would be ever by my side this summer. And I was right! Central London is hotter than anywhere else in the UK that I’ve ever been, and these babies have come in so handy, while on the tube, bus and after walking anywhere, so basically, all the time. My friends have been hella grateful for them too, and I still can’t get over how they don’t affect my make up AT ALL. Get it for £4.

2. M&S white ankle socks

Here’s a life lesson you probably already knew that I recently learned: NEVER WEAR CONVERSE WITHOUT SOCKS.  I used to find it hard to wear ankle socks with my shoes because I have very wide feet at the toes and they seem to pull the socks down inside the shoe. Of course, it turns out that all I had to do was buy better quality ankle socks. Years of picking up a multipack from Primark, I’d kind of forgotten that other places sell them too (in fairness, I used to trampoline, and there’s no point buying good ankle socks for that because they’ll get destroyed two weeks after you buy them). Anyway, these M&S ones are great, they have a ring that goes around the arch to hold them in place, so they don’t slip down! Here they are, 3 for £5.

3. Travalo Travel Perfume Bottle 

I don’t like to go anywhere without my favourite perfume, Philosykos by Diptyque, but the gorgeous glass bottle is heavy, and I’m always worried about breaking or losing it (£80 ya’ll). I was also reluctant to buy an ordinary spray bottle because I’d have expose my precious perfume to the air whilst decanting it, which might damage the fragrance. This travel bottle has a nifty rubber hole at the bottom, and all you have to do is remove the atomiser from the perfume, attach the travel bottle, pump a few times, and voila. Portable Philosykos. Amazon is where I got mine, for about £9.

4. Ambre Solaire Clear Protect SPF30

Sun protection is hell of a thing. Endless choice, very little unbiased advice. Should I go with an all-natural version that doesn’t have EU certification and has questionable SPF, or should I get one with five different logos and a host of chemicals in it? Cream or spray? Pricey or budget? Well, this one just spoke to me – a dry oil that doesn’t need to be rubbed in, I really like the way it feels on my skin, because it isn’t sticky. Also, because of the fact that it isn’t a cream there aren’t any parabens in it. Bonus. Get it here!

5. A massive pretty dress several sizes too big for me

If you haven’t thought of this yet, then seriously, do. The pretty pattern means that it retains a bit of style, but the extra fabric means my poor overheated skin can get some air without having to get sun at the same time. This one was from River Island and I got it in the sale. I got the largest size I could find and it feels so comfortable and summery. Glorious.

6. Bobble Bottle

Buying one of these was the best desision I’ve made in a long time. The water tastes SO much better, and it’s a very pleasant bottle to drink from, which means you’re more likely to stay hydrated. If you’re in London or any other big city, one of these is an absolute must – especially since bottles of water are more expensive! They come in a huge variety of colours, and most of them are clear plastic rather than coloured. Mine is a Bobble Sport which means the body is made out of more robust plastic than the clear ones, because I don’t trust myself with anything. Oh and lots of different sizes too! Check them out.

7. Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser

I reviewed this the other day, and all I can say is I regret not doing it much sooner. This is the perfect cleanser for summer. My skin gets oily in hot weather, and this is perfect for removing excess oil while leaving my skin soft and fresh. Plus, I still can’t get over the foaming action.

8. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Hair Care

If you’ve read my blog at all – well, then you know. I’m obsessed with Palmer’s. The coconut oil products are just SO great for my hair as the sun tries it’s hardest to fry it, plus they smell nice and summery too. Treat your locks.

9. Cute colourful ear studs

I got my ears pierced relatively recently, in comparison to most women, when I was 22. I don’t know if it’s because I never grew up with them or if it’s just a facet of my scatty personality, but I suck at earrings. I forget about them for weeks at a time and I’m always annoyed at myself as I have lots of nice ones, but I’m always worried about looking too ‘overdone’ when I wear them. This casual set of studs is perfect for me, because I can just put in whichever set I see first and go, whatever I’m wearing (ok I make a bit more effort than that, but still). They’re simple, easy and the perfect accessories for when I’m desperate to get out of my boiling hot bedroom in the morning. I got these pretties from ASOS.

10. Smooze Mango Coconut

Coconut milk and mango ice lollies, I mean come on, do I need to say any more? Get them from your local health food shop. There is a possibility that they’re made for children, but I literally do not care. They are delicious. Here’s there website for help finding them (if you live near a Whole Foods or As Nature Intended, I know they sell them, but I’m not sure about anywhere outside of London!)