A Solstice Reset

Sunday inspiration to celebrate warmth and my favourite sunscreens

Yesterday the sun officially reached Its peak here in the Northern hemisphere, the summer solstice. This is a truly magical time of year and tbh one of my favourite “holidays”, well not technically a holiday unless you live in Sweden (like me) and celebrate midsummer. What I’ve been reflecting on is that the solstice feels like a deep breath out, like one of those exhales they make you do at the end of a vinyasa class (There’s no real pressure to perform or prepare or actually do anything, like for New Years, or Christmas or even Easter). Instead It’s a time to simply be and just enjoy the arrival of Summer in whatever way delights you most: laying in the grass, taking evening walks, drinking a chilled beverage of your choice whether your an iced matcha girl or a more of a aperol spritz.

It’s also the perfect time to acknowledge that we made it through half of the year, we survived and we’re ready to welcome the second half of the year, perhaps even with a touch more openness than we felt in January?

So in the spirit of the Summer solstice, here are a few things that are inspiring me right now from all the images I saved this week, to the sunscreens I actually love wearing, to an outfit I’m dying to recreate.

We all know and have been informed countless times that SPF is a non-negotiable, having grown up in Australia and experiencing my fair share of nasty sunburns that made my Celtic skin resemble a neapolitan ice cream. I didn’t have much choice but to master the art of applying sunscreen religiously. It’s taken me a long time to find formulas that don’t feel greasy, sticky, or make me look even more like a ghost, until I fell in love with multiple Korean skincare brands who all make A-grade facial sunscreens that conveniently happen to be elegant, effective, inexpensive and soothing enough to make me want to reapply, frequently.

I wanted to share with you my favourites that I’ll be reaching for this summer:

1. Benton Air Fit UV Defense SPF 50+: My ride-or-die, Romy kindly introduced me to this one and I’ve never looked back. Lightweight, soothing and the green tint seems to even out redness.

2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh SPF 50+: The OG has reached cult status but this new variant is better for my combination skin and melts like a dream when applied, leaving no white-cast.

3. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia SPF 50+: This roll-on version is ideal for on-the-go reapplications. I throw it in my bag and swipe it on every hour if I’m out and about. Also good if you hate getting your hands messy.

4. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+: If you’ve got dry or barrier-compromised skin, this is a top-tier option. It’s juicy, hydrating, and gives a soft glow.

Also special mention goes to this non-Korean (but still great) sunscreen that I use for the body. Which as it’s an oil, can conveniently be used to spray your hairline and scalp.

Lastly, I can’t stop thinking about these very chill but very chic looks on Zoe Kravitz. It’s the perfect example of that effortless, I just threw this on and may or may not have gone to pilates vibe that the Olsen twins also seem to get just right. The bike pants matched with grey t-shirt (currently obsessed with all things grey), flip flops, a head scarf, unidentifiable chic water bottle and black, slighted rounded sunglasses.

Here’s some shoppable items that I found inspired by this look: fancy flip flops or my favourites, grey set, headscarf, earrings, sunglasses or option 2 and water bottle. I can’t wait to recreate this ensemble when the temperatures allow. What summer looks are you dreaming of? I would also love to hear your sunscreen recs if anyone has a favourite!

Alice <3