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    21 Essentials For Peak Summer Living

    Having a hot summer fling with all these things.

    Mariela Summerhays
    by Mariela Summerhays

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    1. This gorgeously refreshing Hotel Starlino aperitivo, which will help you keep the spritz flowing all summer long.

    Amazon Australia

    Bright and zesty, this gorgeous orange aperitivo from Hotel Starlino pairs the citrus-y goodness of pink grapefruit, orange and lemon peels with fragrant botanicals, including wormwood, elderflower, cloves, coriander, thyme and angelica — absolutely dreamy. To create a spritz with this tastebud-teasing nectar, you can simply top it with prosecco and a fresh orange slice. 

    Buy it from Vintage Cellars for $36.

    2. This instax WIDE 300 instant camera that'll help you capture moments in a much wider format — so you don't miss out on any of the action.

    @fujiinstaxaus / Via instagram.com

    If you love to document your most beloved moments — this is the ultimate summer tool to keep under your belt. It features a special lens that actually captures double what you can get with other models. It comes with a 95mm lens that you can use to switch between focus modes — ensuring the perfect shot no matter what you're point-and-shooting at.  

    Buy it from instax for $179.

    3. This gorgeous short-leg bodysuit by STAX that'll quickly become your go-to summer staple.

    STAX

    I've always been pretty sceptical about the amount of activewear on the market at the moment, but I didn't quite realise what a difference there could be until I tried STAX. The fabric is unbelievably buttery, fits like a glove and makes working out an absolute dream. This piece in particular is one you can be active in — but also wear out at any time of day.

    Buy it from STAX for $84.95.

    4. This texture spray by ANTI for giving beachy, summer waves — even if you live nowhere near the sea.

    The Iconic

    The combination of pink Himalayan salt, sea salt and aloe vera allows a true recreation of beachy hair texture without the dry crunchy feeling. Texture Spray can also be used as an alternative to hair powder to mattify and reduce overall oiliness.

    Buy it from The Iconic for $49.95.

    5. These "The Kween" sunnies by Quay that'll add a little something to your outfit — but also block out the sun, so you can recover from a night out in peace.

    Quay Australia

    Nothing completes an outfit like a good pair of sunnies and you can never really go wrong with a pair of Quay sunglasses when it comes to quality, style and affordability. These ones are super lightweight and look amazing with virtually any outfit — which is great when you're indecisive like me and prefer a few key items to avoid the stress of too many choices. 

    Buy it from Quay for $75.

    6. This foot peel mask, which will make your calloused and dry feet (after wearing nothing but thongs all season) as soft as a baby's bum in a week.

    Amazon Australia

    I mean, I don't really want to picture it, but this exfoliating foot peel causes dead and crusty skin to fall from your feet over 7-10 days. Simply soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes, slip the mask on for an hour with socks over the top, remove, then rinse. Wait for it to work its magic over coming days, then voilá! Fresh and smooth feet.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $19.99.

    7. This short sleeve slit-back tee by icebreaker that'll have anyone who loves being active bouncing with excitement.

    icebreaker

    Promising review: "I recently had the opportunity to try out this t-shirt and I honestly don’t think I’ll wear synthetic fabrics when exercising ever again. At least, not if I can help it. This icebreaker shirt is made entirely of natural fabrics, including merino wool — which you’d think would make you overheat when exercising, but actually doesn’t at all.

    To my total surprise, this tee actually kept me cooler over multiple hours exercising out in the sun than the synthetic ‘cooling’ tops I’d normally opt for. It’s made with icebreaker’s ZoneKnit and Cool-Lite technologies, which regulate body temperature and help keep your skin dry by wicking moisture away.

    Plus, the slit in the back is another bonus for breathability. It’s an ideal gift for anyone active in your life — or if you want to gift something ethically produced with a lot of utility."

    —Louise Gong

    Buy it from icebreaker for $119.99.

    8. This divine Summer Fridays lip balm in shade Brown Sugar that's the perfect colour for the festive season.

    Julia Willing/BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I'm rarely a coloured lip gal, but when I tell you the CHOKEHOLD this balm has had on me of late — it's life changing. I mean, not really, but consider my hyperbole a signal of just how much I endorse this lippy as your best beauty buy for Christmas."

    —Julia Willing

    Buy it from Mecca for $35.


    9. Then wash off your festive makeup with this gel-to-light foam cleanser, which is rich with indigenous Australian wild limes and antibacterial ingredients for healing acne-prone skin.

    Amazon Australia

    Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and AHA’s, the Australian wild limes in this cleanser gently exfoliate; lactic acid, papaya and pomegranate extract helps to brighten dull complexions, while antibacterial properties heal blemish prone skin. Lastly, aloe vera soothes and hydrates, leaving skin feeling and looking healthy, soft and supple.

    Promising review: “This latest must-have skincare brand is divine, absolutely bursting with Aussie natives goodness. I adore their Balancing Cleanser, which feels soothing and uber-hydrating when lathering on. The clincher though? That citrus-y, Australian native scent that instantly relaxes at the end of the day. Worth every dollar."

    — Mariela Summerhays

    Buy it from Sephora Australia for $70.

    10. This bottle opener and catcher set, which will save you from picking up bottle caps on your hands and knees after Sunday BBQs.

    Amazon Australia

    I mean, this is just genius. An innovative bottle opener wall mount easily opens bottles with just the one hand (makers say it's good for even those with arthritis!), while a powerful magnet mounted below catches up to 40 beer caps.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $32.98.

    11. This cookbook, The Borough Market Cookbook by Ed Smith — because nothing tastes better (or is better for your wallet) than cooking with seasonal produce.

    Amazon Australia, @boroughmarket / Via Instagram

    Who doesn't love a food market? With fresh, seasonal produce, you can always count on your meals to taste better than if you had all the skills of a professional chef with mediocre fare. This cookbook is divided into the four seasons, so you know just which ingredients to make use of as the year warms then cools down.

    Recipes include: Lamb Meatballs In Pea And Herb Broth, Mango and Passionfruit Posset.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $38.35.

    12. This portable charger, which will power your smart phone almost five times with one charge.

    Amazon Australia

    This power bank has over 9,200 five-star ratings, so you know it gets the job done. This powerful, compact charger will make sure your video calls don't cut out mid-conversation, no matter how long you've been out enjoying the extra hours of sunlight.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $39.99.

    13. This Hydrating Glow Mist by Naked Sundays that'll ensure you're protected on all your beach days this summer.

    Mecca

    Promising review: "I was a little skeptical about whether a spray-on sunscreen would work — so I decided to test it out with a full day in the pool beneath direct sunlight. Usually after spending the day in the sun my nose and cheeks burn first, but this time my face was completely saved. I did reapply a couple of times throughout the day, but that was just because reapplying is so stinkin' easy. All you have to do is point and spray and you're sorted. Plus, it contains Kakadu plum, hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, so your skin will be ultra hydrated while you're topping up your SPF." 

    —Hameda Nafiz

    Buy it from Mecca for $29.95.

    14. This motivational water bottle, which will remind you to hydrate during hours-long coastal walks and trips to the beach.

    Amazon Australia

    Dehydration is the enemy of energy and concentration, so fix your productivity with all the water. This litre bottle is marked with times, so when you glance at your bottle and realise its past the hour, you know it's time to take another swig. It helpfully lets you know just what a certain amount of liquid is doing for you, including, "3 p.m. — Reduce Fatigue" and "5 p.m. — Hydrate Skin".

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $24.99 (available in three colours).


    15. And these air-purifying bags, which will absorb all the stink from your shoes after said physical activities.

    Amazon Australia

    These small bags of bamboo charcoal not only eliminate funky smells (which, let's face it, is the main reason you're interested in this), but also prevents mould, bacteria and mildew building up after a particularly sweaty workout.

    Promising review: "I tried them first on my favourite black boots that I wear daily. They had started to smell a little musty and the odour was beginning to transfer onto my socks. Overnight, the smell had completely disappeared, leaving only a leather scent behind. To say I was shook is an understatement."

    —Yi Yang

    Read more on these brilliant bags here.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $11.95.


    16. This car charger, so both driver and passenger can charge their phones on weekend road trips.

    Amazon Australia

    This compact and powerful car charger is fitted with two USB ports and an LED light for visibility at night. Pushing out a combined 24 watts of power, you'll be able to charge two devices quickly and simultaneously.  

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $19.99.

    17. And this waterproof dog car seat cover, so your best mate can come as well.

    Amazon Australia

    The designers of this back seat cover have thought of absolutely everything to keep your pet calm and happy on car trips. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant, padded for comfort, has a fine mesh window so you remain in their line of vision — plus, pockets for snacks and toys! 

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $30.99.

    18. This sun visor-attached, sunnies holder, because I can't be the only one who always loses her glasses case.

    Amazon Australia

    Where have these been all my life?! Honestly, whenever I open a glasses case — whether it be at home, in the car or elsewhere — my sunnies are never anywhere to be found. These sunnies holders not only hold up to two pairs of glasses, but can also be used to hold cards you always want within reaching grasp in the car — like parking tickets or your debit card for Maccas runs.  

    Buy a pack of two from Amazon Australia for $12.40.

    19. This mosquito net tent that can be used at home or outdoors to ward away those little biters.

    Amazon Australia

    Shaped like a traditional Mongolian yurt, this lightweight net is easy to install and disassemble. Zippers on either side make getting into bed easy for partners; and its fine mesh construction allows for air flow (while still deterring pesky mozzies!).

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $33.99.

    20. This Bluetooth sleeping eye mask, so you can fall asleep to blissful meditations while blocking out early morning light.

    Amazon Australia

    This ergonomically-designed headset is adjustable, washable and effective at easing the negative side effects of insomnia, travelling and stress (thank you built-in speakers for playing meditations!). With just shy of 6,000 five-star ratings, you can be assured of this brilliant product easing your way into a deep and peaceful sleep.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $32.99.

    21. Or, lastly, this wood-look alarm clock that simulates sunrise and birds, so you can wake up nice and chirpy.

    Amazon Australia

    Perfect if you like the blinds closed or you're sleeping in a room that doesn't get greeted with the morning sun. This bedside clock can also lull you to sleep and has 10 different brightness levels and six natural sounds — birds, waves and forest, for starters — meaning you won't just fill your space with natural-looking light, but also nature-emulating sounds.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $98.63.

    Us, knowing just how close summer holidays are:

    NBC