Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, your monthly news digest featuring the newest and most stylish items in beauty and fashion.
Now that summer has officially arrived, it is time for our meticulously arranged Pinterest boards to take centre stage. We’re all about adopting a fresh look in celebration of the sun coming out, whether you’re keeping it casual and embracing the slouchy power of jorts or taking it up with the sophisticated elegance of a linen co-ord.
Of course, a lot of these hot weather looks have already been condensed into extremely niche aesthetics on the internet. Whether you’re taking a cue from TikTok and trying to pull off a European summer look (floaty white dresses and pasta sauce, really?) We’re savouring the constant stream of summer looks that keep popping up on our feeds, whether we’re anticipating a nostalgic summer with the return of the skinny scarf (yep, it actually happened).
Life is looking equally as exciting when it comes to beauty, with the most in-demand summertime styles including brightly coloured nails, loose lob haircuts, and glowy SPF skin tints.
Click through the slideshow above to see what we’re eyeing in the fashion and cosmetics industries this July.
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King
Thirty years have passed since The Lion King debuted on television, which you may not want to hear. Luxury French fashion brand Balmain has unveiled a unique commemorative collection honouring the film in honour of this historic cinematic milestone (as well as the December release of Mufasa: The Lion King). The collection, which features both ready-to-wear and couture pieces, is influenced by the exuberance of the movie. Sunset colours are incorporated into textured gowns and sequin minidresses with a zebra design. The dresses, t-shirts, and outerwear in the collection were designed by Cameroonian painter Enfant Précoce, and South African painters Nika Mtwana and Cassius Khumalo.
Cuyana Launches the Mini Paloma Bag
Cuyana’s Paloma Bag is so well-liked that it has sold out multiple times in the past. You may frequently notice it on the shoulders of celebrities, like Meghan Markle. To cater to people who prefer the stylish convertible style (the bag may be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag) but don’t want to carry around a large amount of luggage, the firm has created a smaller version of the item called the Mini Paloma Bag. The $398 bag is made in Italy using supple, double-faced leather.
Refy Skin Trio SPF 50
Multi-action skincare is a huge gain in a world full with countless goods (particularly when it gives three unique benefits). With its triple-duty design as a brightening serum, moisturiser, and mineral sunscreen, the new Refy Skin Trio SPF 50 is definitely worth keeping an eye on come summertime. The moisturising base layer, which employs a proprietary non-nano zinc oxide and promises to be gentle on sensitive skin, is more sheer than a typical mineral SPF. Together with squalane, apple extract, and moisturising algae extract, this product satisfies skin while shielding it from UV radiation. It is also safe for reefs.
Target’s Relaunched Auden Brand
Target’s well-liked Auden intimates brand is back, and it offers a wider assortment this time. With over 600 items, the recently revived company provides everything from bras to knickers and lingerie. In addition, Auden is debuting sleepwear and a “luxury collection” of intimates in pricier materials, such as its “Luxe Stretch,” a silky, brushed cloth meant to feel like a second skin. For less than $40, each item is offered in an inclusive size range (bras are from 32A to 46G, while everything else is XS to 4X).
Kate Spade x Heinz
Let’s give it a call now: Kate Spade and Heinz, yes, Heinz, is the summer’s most ridiculous collaboration. Together with the condiment experts, the New York-based fashion firm created a limited-edition capsule collection that includes tomato-red tote bags, keychains, phone cases, and even loafers in addition to pouches shaped like ketchup packets. The range of prices is $45 to $398.
Iconic London Blurring Blush
This summer, blush is the colour that’s on everyone’s lips—or should we say cheeks—and it makes sense. The days of chalky blushes are long gone, as companies have introduced a new generation of creamy, blendable formulas that provide the ideal amount of colour for al fresco dining. The cream-to-powder consistency of Iconic’s new blurring blush sticks makes them ideal for effortless application and extended wear. Avocado oil is used to plump up and moisturise the sticks, which come in a variety of colours such as pink (called “daiquiri”), pinkish (called “cosmo”), and peach (called “mimosa). Furthermore, the sweat-proof summer makeup looks great with the soft-focus matte.
Maje Sport Capsule with Élodie Clouvel
In case you missed it, Paris will host the Olympics in July. And what better way to celebrate our inner Sporty Spices than by dressing in Parisian athleisure? With the release of the Club Saint Honoré capsule, French fashion brand Maje is embracing all things sports luxury in collaboration with contemporary pentathlete Élodie Clouvel. The collection embraces the members’ club style with items like satin running shorts, polo skirts, and cropped striped rugby shirts (rhinestone headgear and monogrammed tracksuits are also available). Should you simply desire a small portion of the athleisure trend, the collection also features running shoes with studs, ideal for racing around Paris’s events.
Astrid & Miyu Pearl Collection
Cool, baroque shapes and creative patterns have revolutionised the stodgy reputation of pearls in recent years. Astrid & Miyu is placing a large wager on the comeback this July with a new collection that incorporates tiny pearls into huggie hoops and iridescent mother-of-pearl into massive cocktail rings. The items range from more formal pearl pendant necklaces to pearl drop earrings with aqua gemstones, and are available in every style in gold and silver plating. The drop features beaded pearl jewellery, which includes a freshwater pearl beaded bracelet and matching choker, if you’re searching for something more beach-friendly.
Kayali Vacay In A Bottle Set
Wearing a fragrance that transports us to a romantic setting could be the solution to a long summer spent in the city, if aromas have the power to create a thousand memories. The new Huda Beauty & Kayali perfume collection comes in carry-on-friendly minis and includes four scents: a warm orange blossom aroma inspired by Marrakech and a bright, sweet lemon scent inspired by the island of Capri. If you have more of a tropical taste, consider the coconut fragrance inspired by the ocean and created with the Maldives in mind, or the sweet blend of banana and pear that smells like the dawn of Maui.
Ba&sh x Saysh Sneakers
Knowing that athletic apparel has been put through its paces by professionals is crucial, and Saysh has the support of an all-time great: Allyson Felix, an 11-time Olympic medallist in track and field from the United States, is a cofounder. The performance brand and French fashion label Ba&sh have collaborated to produce a limited-edition running shoe ahead of the Summer Games. Dubbed the “mom sneaker,” it has an off-white top, striped laces, and a hefty outer sole that mix flair and utility. There are two hues of the sneaker with your pick of peach or forest green stitch detailing if style is more important to you than functionality.