Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for SHEIN and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.
Without a doubt, we can all say Summer 2020 is like no other. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, restrictions remain in place on travel, gatherings and so many other traditional summer pleasures. Concerts and festivals have gone virtual, including Chicago’s Lollapalooza (which I was finally set to attend!), and most amusement parks remain closed or are opening with highly limited capacity. But despite this summer looking unusual at best (and downright lonely and depressing at its worst), there are still plenty of ways to make the most of it.
Live out your best summer dreams responsibly with my latest fashion and skincare must-haves, streaming recommendations and playlist additions.
Fashion
Who says you can’t look your best during a pandemic?!
* Swimwear *
Assorted Styles from SHEIN, starting at $3 (snakeskin set, $9.50; two-tone one piece, $19) // Assorted Styles from Ardene, starting at $5 (floral top, $10; bold blue bottom, $17.43)
Raise your hand if, like me, you also want to restock your entire swimwear drawer every time summer rolls around. 🙋 While you likely don’t need a new poolside ‘fit for every day of the week, an extra bikini top or matching set is the perfect guilt-free pandemic purchase. I’ve linked some super affordable and trendy options from SHEIN and Ardene above for under $20! A nearby beach is surely calling your name — just remember to socially distance and leave if it gets too crowded.
Need a beach read? Head over to my blog post from last summer listing 5 hot titles!
* Face Masks *
Old Navy, $15 for 5 // Gap, $20 for 3
In case you missed the memo, face masks are still the hottest (and, in many cities, must-have 😉) accessory of the summer. Check out my recent blog post where I proved this essential piece of PPE doesn’t have to sacrifice your personal style.
* Clothing Resale Apps *
Did you miss out on your favourite artist’s limited-run merchandise? Have shopper’s regret from a previous purchase? Still looking for the perfect basic tees and vintage jeans? Allow me to pass along my latest quarantine activity! I’ve fully hopped on the clothing resale app bandwagon, both to hunt down new wardrobe staples and make money selling old faves. Check out my profiles on Poshmark (shopangelaaaxo) and Depop (angelaaaxoxo) — I’ll be listing so many more pieces soon!
Skincare
Skincare = self-care — and this is more valuable than ever during a pandemic.
We all need to be in this together!
* Face Cleansing Brush *
MIA PRIMA Sonic Cleansing Face Brush, Clarisonic, $69.50 // Anew Clean Cleansing Brush, Avon, $34.99
Cleansing is a key step in my daily skincare routine, so it’s surprising I took this long to try out a cleansing brush for some self pampering. I use one from Avon two to three times a week and noticed a difference in my face almost right away.
Cleansing brushes work well on all skin types and help products like your serums and moisturizers absorb better and faster. It’s also painless to set up and use, so why not give it a try?! Clarisonic, one of the original brands in the cleansing brush space, is shutting down at the end of September, so act fast to score 50% off their classic MIA PRIMA brush and save on other cleansing and massaging devices across their site.
* Blotting Papers *
Clear Complexion Blotting Linens by Boscia, Sephora, $14
Oily sisters, unite! Blotting papers are nothing short of a life saver all year round, but I can’t leave the house without them during the summer when a little extra face shine/beauty sweat is inevitable. Just be sure to dab lightly on any problem areas — and it doesn’t hurt to use setting spray in the morning and a refreshing mist like MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ throughout the day to keep your look extra secure.
Music
Summer playlists are the best playlists!
In addition to the below finds, check out my evergreen collection of warm weather classics.
It feels like every time I pull together my monthly favourites, I’m reminded of my gratitude for all of the artists who keep blessing us with incredible new music. July’s releases have been no exception!
Check out a few of my latest faves and the full 35+ hour forever favourites ♡ playlist on Spotify below.
* My Oasis by Sam Smith feat. Burna Boy *
Fresh on the playlist today is Sam Smith’s new single “My Oasis,” featuring Nigerian megastar Burna Boy. Co-written and produced by Sam’s go-to collaborator Jimmy Napes, this song is about the feeling of falling deeply (and madly) in love: “My mind is in a free fall / But there’s nothing I can do when it comes to you.” The mid-tempo track “has been a beautiful release of emotions for [Sam] during this time” and is the latest taste of SS3, their upcoming, as-of-yet untitled album.
Also, can I just add that if I were an artist, I’d dream of having a recording experience as fun as Burna Boy describes?
Recorded this on my birthday then went to bounce in a bouncy castle 😂 ……. so it extra special to @samsmith and I. Listen now! https://t.co/6Iv72pk4Nk
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) July 30, 2020
* folklore by Taylor Swift (Album) *
Taylor (or should I say TayLEGEND) Swift didn’t even give us 24 hours’ notice before dropping her eighth studio album, folklore, earlier this month. The 16-song masterpiece is one of her best yet and is far more moody and introspective than last year’s Lover. In other words, it’s the perfect record for the “sad girl summer” quarantine life has inspired.
Must-listen tracks: “the 1,” “exile” (feat. Bon Iver — the album’s only duet) and lead single “cardigan”
Bonus: Taylor just dropped a “cabin in candlelight” version of “cardigan” with an accompanying music video featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the album photoshoot. It’s total lakeside cabin goals.
* Slow Motion by Charlotte Lawrence *
If you’ve been sleeping on L.A.-based singer-songwriter Charlotte Lawrence, it’s time to wake up. Her latest single “Slow Motion,” and its stunning music video shot in full “quarantine/isolation vibes” (Charlotte’s words), perfectly depict the gut-wrenching heartache of knowing you need to move on from a relationship but are struggling to find closure and fully let go.
* Smile by Katy Perry *
We may have to wait a little longer for Katy Perry’s new album — now due out Aug. 28 (delayed two weeks from Aug. 14) — but the recently-released title track “Smile” will be the happiest song on your playlist.
Streaming Specials
Time to pull up your Disney+ login — this streaming service has all the latest quarantine content with the biggest star power.
If you missed it at the beginning of the month, the official Hamilton musical special starring the original Broadway cast (including Lin-Manuel Miranda!) is still available to stream on Disney+. As you may remember, this global sensation won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, numerous Tony Awards including Best Musical, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album — not to mention it was one of the hottest (and most expensive) tickets in town. As Broadway remains closed due to COVID-19, the release of the filmed special was fast-tracked as a gift to all of us staying at home. No one is stopping you from watching this multiple times — and I’d encourage it!
To cap off the month (at 3 a.m. EST 7/31, to be exact), Queen Bey herself — writer, director, producer and artist extraordinaire — is dropping her long-awaited visual album and film, Black is King, inspired by The Lion King: The Gift. The project is the epitome of Black excellence and features famous friends like Pharrell Williams, Naomi Campbell and Canada’s own Jessie Reyez. In a recorded message for Good Morning America, Beyoncé described her intentions for the release:
My hope for this film is that it shifts the global perception of the word ‘Black,’ which has always meant inspiration, love, strength, and beauty to me. Black is King means Black is regal and rich in history, in purpose, in lineage.
Come for Bey, stay for the education.
Let me know what you’ve been wearing, watching and jamming to this month in the comments below — or tweet me @angelamcleanx!
*All prices listed or linked to are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and accurate at the time of posting.
xx
