Summer as a mom is a whole thing. It’s beautiful, chaotic, sweaty, snack-filled, and sometimes—if we’re lucky—a little magical. We’re packing the bags, managing the meltdowns, applying sunscreen like our lives depend on it (because they do), and trying to hold on to a little piece of ourselves in the process.
That’s where my Summer Must-Have Starter Pack comes in. It’s not about being perfect—or even Pinterest-level polished. Summer mom life is a lot. And while I love a good vibe, I’m not chasing aesthetic, I’m chasing ease. This season, I’m leaning into the little things that make me feel good: the snacks that keep my bag stocked, the skin products that help me glow on the go, and the books that remind me I’m still a person—not just a snack-fetcher.
With that being said, if you see me out here looking somewhat put together this summer—just know it’s thanks to this list.
My Summer Beauty Glow-Up Must-Haves
Listen, I love a good no-makeup makeup moment. But I need it to hold up through camp drop-off, splash pad runs, and someone inevitably yelling, “Mom, where’s my . . .” while I’m trying to leave the house. When my skin is doing what it’s supposed to do, I feel like me—even if the rest of my day is a beautiful mess. I’m not aiming for flawless; I just want to look alive, hydrated, and a little glowy even if I’ve only had four hours of sleep and two reheated coffees.
These are my go-to summer skin products that do the most—but make it look like I barely tried. Just swipe, pat, blend, and go.
- Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30: no white cast, no ashiness, and made with melanin in mind.
- Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops: add to your moisturizer or skin tint for a subtle bronzy boost.
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Jones Road Miracle Balm: swipe it on cheeks, lids, and lips. It gives glow without trying too hard.
- Laura Geller Spackle Primer with SPF 30: smoothing primer + SPF = two birds, one product.
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Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint: lightweight and dewy with skincare benefits. Doesn’t slide off your face by noon!
The Bags That Can Handle Mom Life
Summer bags need to do one thing: hold it all together when I can’t. We’re talking backup snacks, sunscreen, juice boxes, extra socks, and somebody’s mystery toy that has to come with us today. These are the bags that take the chaos and carry it—with style. They’re cute, sure, but they’re also tough, roomy, and mom-life approved.
Whether I’m headed to the lake, the library, or three tournaments in one weekend, these are the bags that hold me down (literally). Throw it all in and go.
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Lands’ End Canvas Tote: structured, reliable, and cute enough to double as your day bag.
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Lululemon Clear Belt Bag: hands-free and park/tournament/stadium ready!
- The Original Bogg Bag: oversized, washable, and mom life-proof.
Books That Feel Like a Mini Vacation
Look. I may not be on a yacht this summer, but I will mentally escape to one. Books are how I get a little break without packing a suitcase. Whether I’m reading on the porch, in the carpool line, or hiding in the bathroom for a minute of peace (don’t judge), these stories are giving me life. I love books that are easy to fall into—fun, juicy, sometimes emotional, and always a reminder that I’m still a whole person outside of snack duty.
Grab one of these for your beach bag—or your nightstand. Either way, they’re worth the read.
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Funny Story by Emily Henry: romantic, quirky, and everything you want from a summer love story.
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Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez: light, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt.
- One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune: nostalgic and tender. It’s giving lake house flashbacks and emotional growth.
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The Tenant by Freida McFadden: for when you want drama, suspense, and plot twists.
Wine Down, Snack Up, + Wellness Favorites
This is the section where I keep it real. These are the little things that make me feel like I’ve got it together—even when I don’t. The snacks that keep me from losing it between errands. The drinks that make the backyard feel like a vibe. The wellness staples that feel like actual self-care in a season that’s not always relaxing. These are my small but mighty summer joys.
If you’ve ever survived a summer carpool loop on vibes and protein bars—you’re my people. This list is for us.
Drinks for the Vibe
- McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc: bright, citrusy, and created by two Black women. A forever favorite.
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PRESS Seltzers: my favorite for lake days and patio hangs. Pomegranate Ginger is a standout!
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Yes Way Rosé: light, chill, and easy to sip while watching the kids run wild.
Snacks for Me
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GoMacro Bars: plant-based, protein-packed, and filling enough to sub in as lunch when needed.
- Hippeas White Cheddar Puffs: light and crunchy with a little kick.
- SkinnyDipped Almonds: sweet, salty, and won’t melt in your car.
Snacks for the Kids
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Annie’s Bunny Snacks: classic and cute.
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Seaweed Snacks: yes, surprisingly, my kids love them.
- Welch’s Fruit ’n Yogurt Snacks: sweet, creamy, and don’t turn into mush in the heat.
Wellness
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Buttah Skin Body Butter: Black-owned and rich in shea, cocoa, and mango butters. My post-shower treat.
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Golde Matcha Turmeric Superfood Blend: this latte mix is my go-to for a calm energy boost without the crash.
You don’t have to do a full summer makeover to feel good—you just need a few things that work. A great tote, a solid skin tint, your go-to snacks, and something to read that makes you feel human again. I hope this list gives you some ideas to make the most of your summer, whatever that looks like for you. Whether you’re poolside, courtside, or just catching your breath between drop-offs, you deserve ease, joy, and a little glow.
