Soak Up The Fun With These Summer Living Finds (Seen on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”)
Whether you’re heading to a concert, spending the day at the pool, entertaining dinner guests, or vacationing with the fam, I have some fantastic beauty and lifestyle finds that will help you stay cool, power through long days, enjoy more restful sleep, and look your very best during every adventure. Today on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” I shared some summer living essentials — from non-drying, frizz-fighting styling gels to water-friendly sandals for the whole family and cooling sleepwear and bedding to keep you cool and comfy during hot and balmy nights.
Make sure to check out the segment here and keep reading for details on everything shown on air!
Eco Style Hair Styling Gels
Summer in Central Texas not only means scorching heat, but also sweltering humidity — and, if you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, you’re probably all too familiar with the battle against frizz that reignites every summer season. The right styling products, then, are crucial if you want any hairstyle to look polished — whether you’re flaunting bouncy curls, a slicked-back ponytail, or a braided style. To give those looks lasting hold while nourishing your strands, check out Eco Style, which offers affordable gel options for every hair type — all of which contain no alcohol and leave behind no white residue, flakiness, or crunchy texture.
One of Eco Style’s most popular products is the Olive Oil Styling Gel, which is infused with pure olive oil and provides long-lasting hold while helping to smooth frizz and add shine. Another popular option is the Argan Oil Styling Gel, a maximum hold formula infused with moisturizing, smoothing, and shine-booting ingredients like argan oil, fatty acids and vitamin E. It gives styles long-lasting control that’s still soft and touchable. Lastly, for curls and coils, there’s the Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Styling Gel, which helps to nourish and strengthen strands, protects against moisture loss, controls frizz, and enhances definition.
Not only do these gels offer long-lasting hold without drying strands, but they’re beyond affordable, retailing for $4.84 each at H-E-B stores.
Laduora Bio-Adaptive Barrier System
We tend to think of skin barrier damage as something that occurs exclusively in the winter months, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Plenty of environmental and lifestyle factors can lead to a compromised skin barrier during summer: increased UV exposure, chlorinated pools, air pollution, and over-cleansing (as a result of more profuse sweating) can all disrupt our skin barrier, potentially resulting in inflammation, dryness and flakiness, tightness, dullness and breakouts.
To keep our skin barrier in tip-top shape, we can turn to Laduora’s new Bio-Adaptive Skin Barrier System ($159 on Laduora.com), a science-backed, 3-step system that utilizes traditional K-beauty ingredients like Ginseng, Reishi Mushrooms and Tremella Mushrooms to heal and reinforce the skin barrier. Made in Korea, these products deeply hydrate skin, resulting in plumper, smoother, and more resilient skin in just 14 days. For ideal results, you want to use these products in the recommended order morning and night.
After cleansing and drying the complexion, reach for the Vitality Treatment Mist and spritz onto your face evenly. This fine micro mist instantly hydrates the complexion and preps skin for optimal absorption of then subsequent products in the system. It’s formulated wit bio-active Panax Ginseng to stimulate and energize cells, the amino acid Ectoin to protect against environmental stressors, Coix Seed Glass Skin Water to clarify breakouts and improve skin’s moisture levels, and multi-molecular hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
Next, you can reach for the Bio-Adaptive Cellular Serum, which improves skin’s overall appearance, targeting texture, fatigue, and dullness. Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this serum uses powerful five ceramides to replenish the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, as well as a Bio-Adaptive Amino Complex to strengthen and support the barrier. The formula also includes Reishi Mushrooms, a great source of polysaccharides and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients help to give the complexion a bouncier, more supple appearance.
You can finish your 3-step regiment with the Bio-Adaptive Recovery Cream, which is powered by Tremella Snow Mushroom, an ingredient that holds up to 500 times its weight in moisture and is regarded as a more powerful humectant than synthetic hyaluronic acid (which is often touted as the golden standard). Additional ingredients include a Phyto-Lipid Barrier Complex featuring plant-derived lipids designed to mimic the skin’s natural barrier and Centella Asiatica to soothe skin and reduce visible redness.
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Love high-tech skincare gadgets but can’t imagine traveling with a bulky LED face mask or a cumbersome micro-current device? Well, with Solawave, you can enjoy the benefits of four different technologies in one compact and highly portable device that’s perfect for summer travel. The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is a lightweight, multi-tasking skincare device that combines four different technologies: red light therapy, therapeutic warmth, galvanic current, and facial massage.
First, it utilizes red light therapy at a 630 nm wavelength to penetrate skin’s mid-dermal layers, boost cells’ ATP energy production and stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. Over time, red light therapy is clinically proven to improve skin’s firmness and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Next, the device head emits a gentle, therapeutic warmth that stimulates circulation and reduce puffiness while creating a soothing, spa-like experience. This gentle heat is paired with soothing, rhythmic vibrations, so that the skincare wand massages skin as you glide it over the skin, resulting in the complexion having a more lifted and sculpted appearance after each session. Lastly, this small yet mighty device delivers a mild galvanic current that helps skin better absorb products, thereby maximizing their efficacy.
This FDA-cleared device is backed by over 750 doctors and medical experts. Each treatment takes just 12 minutes total (or 3 minutes per area), and you want to use it 3 to 5 times per week for optimal results Within 8 weeks, users report seeing smoother, more radiant and even-looking skin.
The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand retails for $169 on Solawave.co as well as ULTA, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
Drift Rest & Relax Home Scent Diffuser
Summer travel, hectic schedules, and later nights can disrupt the ebb and flow of our everyday routines, leaving life feeling a little chaotic. To soak up all the summer revelries but still enjoy a sense of tranquility come nighttime, check out Drift’s new Rest & Relax Home Scent Diffuser.
The ultimate summer wellness find, the Rest & Relax home fragrance combines lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and Dreamwood essential oils to help transform your place into a serene oasis and make winding down feel more intentional. And it doesn’t just make your space smell nice— Drift’s neuroscience-backed fragrance was designed to support relaxation, with 97% of consumers agreeing it helped them feel calmer.
It’s available on Drift.co
Wallace Dry Goods Handbags
Whether you’re rocking teeny shorts and cowboy boots or a flirty dress with block heeled sandals, the right bag is sure to elevate any summer look. Perfect for summer music festivals, brunch dates with the girls, and nights out on the town, these handbags from Texas-born brand Wallace Dry Goods epitomize elevated, reimagined Western style.
Founder Katie Joyner draws inspiration from her family’s legacy in Llano, Texas, which is reflected in how every handbag design nods to the rugged spirit of the American West while exuding the refinement of European luxury. Each Wallace Dry Goods handbag is made from premium European leather sourced from the finest tanneries in Italy and Germany, finished with Italian-designed custom brass hardware, and meticulously handcrafted in New York. Each piece, then, has a unique story that blends Texas grit with elegant European design and American craftsmanship.
Two of my favorite pieces are The Ryn and The Cinch (both shown above). Pictured in the Cashew color way, The Ryn ($2150 on WallaceDG.com) boasts a curved profile inspired by traditional Western saddlery. This sculptural shoulder bag features hand-laced leather edges and custom solid brass hardware accents.
Perfect for day-to-night wear, The Cinch ($925 on WallaceDG.com) is a versatile crossbody bag that converts into a clutch. It’s pictured above in 3 colors: a lively Kelly Green, a sandy Linen, and a Denim shade that reimagines classic American denim in full-grain European leather. Measuring 7.5″ × 4.75″ × 2.5″, this chic handbag is stadium compliant so you can bring it into any stadium concert or game — no gaudy clear bag necessary!
You can find these and more on WallaceDG.com
Arid Blayne Cooling Sleepwear
Even if you lower your thermostat before turning in every night and crank up any ceiling and floor fans, chances are you might still feel a little overheated while sleeping. If you find yourself tossing the covers off at night or waking up drenched in sweat, consider reassessing your sleepwear. After all, many synthetic fabrics can trap body warmth and cause you to overheat — or, in the case of a more breathable but absorbent fabric like cotton, they can soak up sweat and hold it against your skin, making you feel unpleasantly damp. To dress for the sleep you want, check out Arid Blayne.
All Arid Blayne sleepwear is made using a lightweight, ultra-soft fabric specifically engineered to wick away moisture and help regulate skin temperature, allowing men and women to enjoy more restful and comfortable sleep. By controlling how quickly sweat evaporates, this fabric keeps you cooler by up to 3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Not only are Arid Blayne’s pieces designed using cutting edge sleep science, but they’re incredibly comfortable and chic. The best-selling Lasso Pant features a brilliant, patent-pending ankle loop that keeps pants from riding up while you sleep. The Chill Shorts, meanwhile, feature a flat and wide waistband that hugs curves without feeling restrictive. You can pair these with your favorite top style, with options including the Classic Tee, Crop Tee, Scoop Tank, and Henley Shirt.
Prices range from $88 to $125 on AridBlayne.com
Igor Shoes Women’s and Kids’ Sandals
From lattice ballet slippers to platform thong sandals, kitten heels, and fisherman sandals,’90s-inspired jelly shoes are all the rage this summer. For a casual, effortlessly chic take on jelly sandals, look to Igor Shoes, a revered Spanish brand now available to US consumers through JustShoesForKids.com. A family favorite in European households, Igor has been crafting comfortable jelly sandals, rain boots, and canvas sneakers since 1974 in the province of Alicante, Spain.
If you want to have a mommy-and-me fashion moment this summer, pick up the Igor Women’s Habana Metal Sandals ($65 on JustShoesForKids.com) and the matching Boys’ and Girl’s Tobby Metal Sandals ($31 on JustShoesForKids.com) in the shade Platino. These playfully stylish sandals feature glossy plastic uppers and water-friendly EVA soles, so they’re perfect for beach or lake days.
To check out more styles, visit JustShoesForKids.com
Breescape Cooling Sheet Set and Cooling Eye Mask
No need to wait until the autumn chill sets in to enjoy a restful night of slumber! This summer, make restorative sleep a reality with Breescape‘s Cooling Sheet 2.0 Set, which delivers an instant cool-to-the-touch feel thanks to a Q-Max value of 0.46 (a top-tier score that outperforms cotton, bamboo, and silk). Powered by BlendTek technology that employs a perfectly balanced blend of high-performance fibers, these sheets are designed for enhanced cooling, breathability, and moisture management, so you can stay cool, dry and comfortable all night long.
Perfect for mattresses up to 18″ thick, the fitted sheet includes side pockets for small essentials like your phone or TV remote. The flat sheets, meanwhile, feature anti-slip grip strips that keep them neatly in place. Each set also includes two pillowcases that will ensure your pillow is, in fact, always perfectly cold on both sides.
And, for more targeted cooling, pick up the Breescape Cooling Eye Mask, which features an ergonomic, light-blocking fit and an adjustable strap that stays in place without slipping or sliding. The mask features an instantly cooling side and a soft, breathable side, so you can customize your experience and wear year-round. If you’re traveling, trying to enjoy some rest while it’s still light out, or you sleep next to someone who reads in bed or watches TV at night, this mask will block out any light without making you feel overheated.
All Breescape products are OEKO-Tex certified and made with skin-friendly materials. They’re available on Breescape.com and Amazon
Lucky Energy Variety Pack
Whether you’re looking for a pre-workout boost or some mid-day pep, reach for Lucky Energy, a delicious, cleaner energy drink that’s designed to provide sustained energy without the sugar crash. Lucky Energy is made with 5 simple ingredients: caffeine, the world’s most commonly consumed nootropic and natural stimulant; maca, an adaptogenic root that supports mental focus and clarity; beta-alanine, an amino acid that enhances athletic performance and reduces fatigue; ginseng, an adaptogenic herb that helps the body resist physical, chemical and biological stressors; and taurine, an amino acid that plays a pivotal role in cellular energy production.
Every 16-ounce can of Lucky Energy contains 0 sugar, 0 calories, no artificial colors, and 200 mg of caffeine.
Available at Walmart, the Lucky Energy Variety Pack features 5 juicy flavors that are perfect for road trips, lake days, and cookouts: Tropical Thrill, an island-inspired blend of pineapple, mango and citrus flavors; Orange Drizzle, an orange creamsicle-inspired delight; Bodacious Berry, a sweet yet tart mix of strawberry, blueberry and blackberry; Red Ryder Punch, a grown-up take on the classic fruit punch flavor, with hints of cherry, tropical fruit and citrus; and OG Luck, which is reminiscent of gummy candy and features crisp green apple and smooth cotton candy flavors.
You can also buy single cans of Lucky Energy in the aforementioned flavors as well as other popular flavors like Mango Pineapple, Watermelon Candy, and Son of a Peach at Walmart, H-E-B, Buc-ee’s and QT stores.
AVIVO Wines
AVIVO is on a mission to reshape California viticulture and help the planet through its regenerative farming model. By focusing on soil health — specifically the vibrant microbiology and the wild yeasts that live there — AVIVO captures unique and complex flavors naturally. You’re getting delicious, organic, and biodynamic wines that are food-friendly and versatile.
Transparency and sustainability are key components of AVIVO’s mission. Every bottle contains only naturally fermented, 100% certified organic grapes and a touch of sulfur dioxide — no added sugar, no artificial colors, and no unnecessary additives. The company’s commitment to sustainability even extends to its bottling practices, which involve using lightweight bottles and corks made from recycled ocean-bound plastics. Moreover, AVIVO’s updated labels prioritize transparency, allowing consumers to know exactly what’s in every bottle — from ingredients to farming practices.
These Mediterranean-style wines pair effortlessly with anything from grilled meats to fresh salads, and they’re both approachable and affordable, making entertaining a breeze.
Each wine is $24, and you can find AVIVO at Specs starting today, July 15th!
To learn more about AVIVO, visit AVIVOwines.com
