10 Summer Essentials I Cannot Travel Without (From a Summer Baby)

London has not been this hot in years! And I’m here for it. I love summer (I'm a summer baby, so I might be biased). It always brings back good memories and the excitement of making new ones. I almost always travel during this season, which means I’m rarely home for my birthday. Over the years, I have fine-tuned a list of must-haves that keep me feeling my best wherever I go.

Here are my top 10 summer essentials:

1. Monoi Oil

My skin is always dry, whether it’s from cold winters or blazing sun, so extra moisture is a must.

Monoi is coconut oil infused with macerated flowers (usually tiare), giving it extra skin benefits and the most divine scent. It’s widely used in Polynesia and adored by the French in the summer (myself included).

Like coconut oil, monoi is super versatile: moisturiser (face and body), leave-in conditioner, hair perfume, makeup remover, shaving oil, perfume oil. I always pack a small bottle in my travel bag, the big one stays home.

Top picks:

• Tiki Tahiti Monoi Tiare : Classic and unbeatable. For a more subtle, creamy scent, try Sandalwood (my second fave).

• Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse : Not technically monoi, but close. I have the regular and shimmery version, great for summer nights out.

• Yves Rocher Monoi Line : Their classic oil and seasonal body/hair wash are super travel-friendly.

2. A Cooling Soap

Nothing beats the zing of a cooling soap when it’s boiling out.

• My favourite is Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap : Makes you feel ice cold in the best way. Just be mindful if you are sensitive to essential oils.

• Lush Sea Vegetable Soap : A refreshing, beachy scent (not cooling, but makes you feel fresh).

• Lush Dirty Springwash : Shower gel with that same fresh minty feeling.

3. Chinese Hair Pins / French U Pins

If you hate hair ties or clunky clips: get these.

I have a few (wood, gold, pearl, dark green) and once you get the hang of using them, they’re a dream. Comfier than elastics, sleeker than claw clips, and super secure. Hair up in seconds and most importantly: no headaches later.

Example of French U Pins.

4. Comfy Sandals

Two pairs I swear by:

• Plaka Explorer Sandals (in Sand) : Slightly “Spanish teacher” vibes, but ridiculously comfy and go with everything because they are so simple.

• Birkenstock Mayari :The only Birkenstock sandal I like for my wide, hobbit feet. Cute, flattering, functional.

5. A Cute Hat

I loved my foldable Uniqlo hat until I crocheted my own: the Millie Belle Hat by HayHay Crochet. It’s lightweight, perfectly shaped, and shades my face so well I often skip sunglasses. Handmade wins!

6. Large Silk or Faux-Silk Scarf

A must for travel. Mine works as:

• A shawl or hair wrap

• A beach cover-up or sarong

• A makeshift tote

• a scarf

• A light airplane blanket

While I usually go for natural material, a high-quality faux version works well, especially if you want to rough it up a bit on holiday and not worry too much about losing it.

7. Vaseline

My no-makeup-makeup essential:

• Dab on cheeks for subtle highlight

• Curl lashes and swipe for an alternative to mascara

• Moisturise lips and cuticles

I keep a few small tins on hand. The aloe vera version is nice, but the scent can be a bit much. Stick with the classic if you are unsure. They are dirt cheap and in every Boots or airport.

8. Lip Tint

For when I want a bit of colour but still be able to fall asleep without removing anything.

• Cherry Ade & Strawberry Ade Tints : Lightweight, zero taste/scent, minimal effort. I prefer Strawberry Ade for a my-lips-but-better look. A good alternative is the original Benetint but the scent and taste put me off repurchasing it. I did use it all though.

• Kiko Milano Lip Markers : Apple Red is more berry-toned on me. Buildable and long-lasting.

9. Solid Shampoo Bars

In the shower-gel vs soap battle, I am definitely team soap. Shampoo bars were a natural next step.

My top 5 (in order):

1. Godiva (Lush) : Jasmine heaven, no conditioner needed.

2. Jason and the Argan Oil (Lush) : Like Turkish delight. So softening.

3. Secrets de Provence (Dry Hair) : Donut shaped so it does not slip.

4. Coconut Rice Cake (Lush) : Gourmand and nourishing.

5. Seanik (Lush) : Not moisturising enough for daily use, but amazing for volume and freshness.

Note: Avoid Lush’s Honey I Washed My Hair, irritated my scalp and the smell made me queasy. Your experience may vary but it was not for me.

10. Natural Deodorants

Small disclaimer: I don’t sweat much unless I’m working out, and even then, I’m not very smelly (at least I hope so).

If you are like me, these gentle options are more than enough:

• Salt of the Earth Crystal : Just wet and apply. Zero scent, zero residue.

• D'ors et Deja Powder Deodorant : Similar ingredients, different format. Has a pleasant, subtle scent.

No weird textures, no smelly pits. Using both of these, I have not had an instance where I thought I smelled bad and I have the nose of a bloodhound (I'm the friend you ask to identify a random jar of spice).

Bonus: Low-Maintenance Sun-Free Tan (For Wedding Season & Beyond)

We all love a sunkissed glow, minus the sun damage. I rarely self-tan, but when I do, it’s usually for weddings. Pale skin and flash photography do not mix well…

My go-to options for a subtle, realistic glow:

• Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (Medium) : I mix 6 drops with moisturiser or monoi and wake up looking like I just spent the day at the beach.

• Dove Summer Revived Gradual Lotion : no streaks and a noticeable glow the next day, just really rub it in.

• Mixa Effet Soleil (Peaux Mattes) : Looks super natural. The “peaux claires” is too light, even for me.

If self-tan lotions aren't for you then this might help:

I used to mostly dislike bronzers (too orange, too muddy), but then I found Zao 345 Mineral Powder in Milk Chocolate. It’s natural, buildable, and so flattering. If I feel “meh,” a quick dusting revives me instantly. Even the friends I tried it on ask for the name.

Bonus: it’s affordable, talc-free, a little shimmery and feels like nothing on the skin.

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. All products mentioned were purchase (and repurchased) by myself and not sponsored in any way.