Ah, summer, how we've missed you! The season of long days and warm nights, where the beach and blue skies call us out to enjoy the pleasures of summer. But before we dive into the delights of the season, let's take a moment to get prepared. After all, every adventure requires a few must-have essentials to fully indulge ourselves, right? We've put together a list of the 5 Love, Indus-approved summer essentials that we know you'll absolutely love. From sustainable and stylish swimwear to trendy beach accessories, we've got you covered! Let's make the most of this season with all the essential summer items we need to soak up every last drop of sun, fun, and joy.

1. Sunglasses That Stand Out

Summer is here, and it's time to take care of our eyes from UV rays- they are not only harmful to our skin, but they can also have long-term effects on our eyes (yikes!). So, what can we do to protect them? It's simple - invest in a good pair of sunglasses. Look for the label or sticker indicating 100% UV protection or UV400. This means that the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays (which are the most harmful types of UV radiation). Polarized lenses are also a great option as they improve visibility in the bright summer sunlight. Oh, and don't worry! You can definitely keep your eyes safe and look fantastic at the same time. It's all about finding the right mix of protecting your eyes and staying stylish. Here are some easy fashion tips to help you identify your sunglass style (yes, it’s a thing) and achieve that perfect balance to make sure you're both safe and stylish throughout the summer.

• Aviator glasses: When it comes to achieving a timeless look, you can't go wrong with a classic pair of aviators. They have been an iconic staple in the fashion world for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Thanks to their sleek metal frames and teardrop-shaped lenses, aviators have a retro vibe that simply never goes out of style. They effortlessly add a touch of coolness to any outfit, whether you're rocking a casual jeans-and-tee combo or dressing up for a special occasion, aviators will look great with just about anything.
• Oversized glasses: How does a bold and glamorous sunglass summer look sound? If you are nodding while reading this, then oversized sunglasses are the perfect choice for you. This is the chance to channel your inner diva as you step out in oversized frames that scream confidence and style (and maybe a tad bit celebrity?). Whether you prefer square, round, or cat-eye shapes, oversized sunglasses will add a touch of drama (in a good way) to your summer.
• Modern sunglasses: If you are more into a minimalist aesthetic look, then sleek sunglasses with clean lines (like these from Le Specs) are the choice for you. Their simplicity makes them ideal and easy-to-style for any occasion or outfit and given their elegance, these sunglasses seamlessly blend in a fashion-forward design with practical sun protection. Confidently step out in the sun, knowing that you're not only making a style statement but also protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.

If you're still looking for an extra dose of protection from UV rays this summer and sunglasses alone might not be enough for you - use a sun hat! They shield your face, neck, and even your delicate ears from UV rays that, as we said before, can cause severe sunburns and damage your beautiful skin. With a sun hat in-hand, you can confidently soak up the sun without worrying about any negative side effects. We recommend you team up your stylish sunglasses with a trendy sun hat and enjoy yourself this summer with peace of mind and the assurance of multi-layered UV ray protection.

2. Eco-friendly Tote Bag

If you're anything like us, then a day at the beach is one of your favorite summer activities. We know packing for a beach day can be a bit overwhelming - you don't want to forget anything important, like sunglasses, an ayurvedic immunity potion, or skincare products! Thankfully, a tote bag is the perfect go-to for all your beach day must-haves, it keeps everything organized while adding a touch of style to your summer outfits. Now, when choosing the ideal tote bag for your beach day, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Size:If you're planning on spending the day at the beach with a group of friends, you'll need a bag that can comfortably fit all your essentials, such as towels or snacks. On the other hand, if you're going solo, you may only need a smaller bag (Check out this micro bag with major style from naghedi nyc) to carry a book, a hat, and a water bottle. Choose a bag that fits your needs to make sure that you have everything you need within reach.
• Material: It's essential to choose a bag that is made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of a day at the beach. Look for eco-friendly options such as organic cotton, organic hemp, or recycled plastic. These materials are better for the environment and guarantee that your tote bag will last you for many beach trips (extra points for making our planet a better place).
• Style: Your tote bag should complement your beach style and reflect your personality. If you prefer bold colors, choose a bag with colorful patterns or prints. Or, if you are into a more subtle look, choose a neutral-toned bag that will easily match everything. And for those who love playful details, tassels or pom poms can add a fun touch to your bag.

3. Skincare For A Dewy Summer Glow:

To give your skin the soft, lit-from-within look, consider adding Amrutini® True Brew Transforming Serum to your daily routine, it’s packed with powerful antioxidants and healing actives like vegan ghee, niacinamides, golden Muga silk, and ashwagandha. This serum helps soothe and nourish your skin while also protecting it from damage (best of both worlds!). It is lightweight and easily absorbed, so don’t worry, you won't feel weighed down or greasy. If you prefer a radiant look and your parched skin needs a dose of intense hydration, you can opt for a few drops of Amrutini® Luminosity Dewdrops to give your skin a dewy look that is perfect for those long and warm summer days. This serum works to hydrate and plump your skin, giving it that soft, supple glow we all love. You can also layer on your moisturizer or mix a few drops with your foundation for a perfected beach look (all the while giving your skin powerful nourishment).

Having a radiant complexion is not just about looking good - it's also a sign of healthy skin. Our skin is the first line of defense against external stressors like pollution and UV rays, and sometimes, these factors can be too much for our skin to handle on its own. That's why giving your skin the extra support it needs to stay healthy and glowing is important.

4. Sustainable Swimwear

And then, of course, there’s swimwear! Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about your beach or poolside style. Remember that there is no "perfect" body type or no one-size-fits-all approach to swimwear. What matters most is feeling confident in your own skin and embracing who you are. A Love, Indus-approved brand for women we adore is Baiia, they have mastered the art of celebrating women, self-love, and swimwear confidence while being extra-stylish and sustainable. With their stunning designs and inclusive approach, Baiia is all about empowering women to feel fabulous and embrace their unique beauty (and we love that).

Don’t think we forgot about you, men! A brand we absolutely love for men's swimwear is Rey & I. Their minimalist and elegant designs are perfect for the modern man who wants to look good and feel good about his fashion choices. Rey & I's commitment to sustainability goes beyond just creating classy swimwear, it extends to using eco-friendly materials to minimize their impact on the planet— even the smallest details of their swimwear are eco-friendly, their buttons are made from the Tagua palm nut, and their zippers, buckles, and hook clips are fully recyclable. We love them for their style and sustainability practices.

5. Summer Book

Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the beach just as the sun sets over the horizon. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is soothing and calming, creating the perfect evening of relaxation. You're sitting comfortably on a beach towel with a good book in your hand, lost in the world it’s weaving while enjoying the last few rays of soft sunlight. Sounds like the ultimate summer dream, right? According to research, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, making it an effective way to manage anxiety.

If you’re looking for the ideal book to indulge in this summer, here are some Love, Indus-approved summer reads:

• Untamed, by Glennon Doyle: It’s a fierce and empowering manifesto that reminds us to embrace our authentic selves, challenge the norms of society, and live a life untamed by fear or expectations. It's a refreshing and transformative read that will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to take on the world with unapologetic boldness.
• Healing Through Words, by Rupi Kaur: A heartfelt collection of poetry that beautifully expresses raw emotions and explores the healing power of words. Through her simple yet deep verses, Rupi takes you on a journey of self-discovery and reminds you of the incredible impact words can have on our emotional well-being.
• Modern Love, by Daniel Jones: It's a collection of real-life stories that explore the ups and downs of relationships. With humor and heartfelt honesty, Jones shares tales that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the complexities of love.
• Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert: This book talks about the essence of creativity and encourages readers to live a life driven by curiosity, fearlessness, and creativity. It offers insights, anecdotes, and practical advice on overcoming creative blocks and embracing inspiration in your life.

So, whether you enjoy reading poetry, prose, non-fiction, or fiction, we’ve got you covered. And next time you hit the beach, don't forget to pack your favorite book (or download it on your Kindle), it’s definitely a key component of an idyllic summer!

With these summer essentials and tips in mind, you're now ready to make the most out of the season. If you're planning a beach trip, a hiking adventure, or a tropical vacation, these must-have items will help you stay stylish, comfortable, and hydrated under the sun (trust us, you won't want to head out without these five essentials).