Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
We’ve reached the height of summer, which means that our painstakingly curated Pinterest boards can finally step into the limelight. Whether you’re keeping things chill and leaning into the slouchy power of jorts or stepping it up with the refined elegance of a linen co-ord, we’re all about embracing a new look in honor of the sun being out.
Of course, the internet has already packed many of these hot weather styles into highly specific aesthetics. Whether you’re following TikTok’s advice and aiming for a European summer aesthetic (floaty white outfits and pasta sauce, really?) or enjoying the prospect of a nostalgic summer with the return of the skinny scarf (yes, it really happened), we’re loving the stream of summer looks appearing on our feeds.
On the beauty side of things, life is looking just as fun, with glowy SPF skin tints, loose lob haircuts, and brightly colored manicures among the most sought-after looks of the summer.
For a look at everything we have our eye on in the fashion and beauty space this July, click through the slideshow ahead…
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King
You might not want to hear it but it’s been 30 years since The Lion King first graced our screens. In celebration of such a momentous cinematic occasion (and the release of Mufasa: The Lion King this December), luxury French fashion house Balmain has launched a special commemorative collection honoring the film. Including both ready-to-wear and couture looks, the collection is inspired by the film’s vibrancy with sunset hues woven into textured gowns and zebra-print sequin mini dresses. South African painters Nika Mtwana and Cassius Khumalo and Cameroonian painter Enfant Précoce created original prints for the collection’s dresses, tees, and outerwear.
Disney x Balmain Short Two-Tone Zebra Sequin Dress, $, available at Balmain
Cuyana Launches the Mini Paloma Bag
Frequently spotted on the shoulders of celebrities (including Meghan Markle!), Cuyana’s Paloma Bag is so popular that it’s sold out several times in the past. With that in mind, the brand has released a petite version of the piece, the Mini Paloma Bag, for those who want the chic convertible style (the bag can transition from shoulder to crossbody) but don’t want to tote around quite as much. The bag is made in Italy with soft, double-faced leather and retails for $398.
Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag, $, available at Cuyana
Refy Skin Trio SPF 50
In a world of endless products, multi-action skincare is a major win (especially when it provides three separate benefits). Combining a brightening serum, moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen in one, the new Refy Skin Trio SPF 50 is firmly on our radar for high summer. Promising to be friendly to sensitive skin, the hydrating base layer uses a patented non-nano zinc oxide that makes the product more sheer than a traditional mineral SPF. Combined with moisturizing algae extract, squalane, and apple extract, you’ve got a product that quenches skin as well as protects it from UV rays. It’s reef-safe, too.
REFY Skin Trio SPF 50, $, available at REFY
Target’s Relaunched Auden Brand
Target’s popular line of intimates, Auden, is back — and this time it has an expanded selection. The newly relaunched brand offers more than 600 pieces, from bras to underwear and lingerie. And, for the first time, Auden is releasing sleepwear and a “luxury collection” of intimates in more premium fabrics like its “Luxe Stretch,” a brushed, smooth material designed to feel like a second skin. All pieces come in an inclusive size range (bras are from 32A to 46G for bras, while everything else is XS to 4X) and are available for under $40.
Auden Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Top and Cropped Pant Pajama Set, $, available at Target
Kate Spade x Heinz
We’re calling it now: Kate Spade x Heinz — yes, Heinz — is the kitschy collab of the summer. The New York-based fashion brand has teamed up with the condiment connoisseurs for a limited-edition capsule collection featuring pouches designed to look like ketchup packets, tomato-red tote bags, plus keychains, phone cases, and even loafers. Prices range from $45 to $398.
Heinz x Kate Spade 3d Packet Crossbody, $, available at Kate Spade
Iconic London Blurring Blush
Blush is the word on everybody’s lips (or should we say cheeks?) this summer, and it’s no surprise why. Long gone are the days of chalky blushes, with brands ushering in a new wave of creamy, blendable formulas that give just the right amount of flush for al fresco season. Iconic’s new blurring blush sticks fit the bill with a cream-to-powder consistency that’s perfect for easy application and prolonged staying power. Infused with avocado oil for plumping moisturisation, the sticks are available in a cocktail of shades including a pink “daiquiri”, rosy “cosmo” and peachy “mimosa”. Plus, the soft-focus matte is ideal for sweat-proof summer makeup.
Iconic London Blurring Blush Sticks, $, available at Iconic London
Maje Sport Capsule with Élodie Clouvel
If you hadn’t heard, the Olympics are coming to Paris this July and what better way to embrace the Sporty Spice inside us than with a Parisian athleisure collection? Teaming up with modern pentathlete Élodie Clouvel, French fashion label Maje is embracing all things sports luxe with the launch of the Club Saint Honoré capsule. Featuring cropped striped rugby jerseys, polo dresses, and satin running shorts, the collection leans into the members’ club aesthetic (there are monogrammed tracksuits and rhinestone caps, too). If you’re just after a slice of the athleisure action, the collection also includes studded running shoes, perfect for rushing around the events in Paris.
Maje Striped and embroidered polo shirt, $, available at Maje
Astrid & Miyu Pearl Collection
Pearls’ previously stuffy reputation has been transformed in recent years thanks to cool, baroque shapes and inventive designs. This July, Astrid & Miyu is betting big on the resurgence with a new collection, integrating dainty pearls into huggie hoops and adding iridescent mother-of-pearl to chunky cocktail rings. Offering every style in gold and silver plating, the pieces range from more formal pearl pendant necklaces to pearl drop earrings with aqua gemstones. If you’re looking for something more beach-friendly, the drop includes beaded pearl jewelry, including a freshwater pearl beaded bracelet and matching choker.
Astrid and Miyu Serenity Pearl Charm Hoops, $, available at Astrid and Miyu
Kayali Vacay In A Bottle Set
If a scent can evoke a thousand memories, wearing a fragrance that reminds us of a dreamy location might just be the answer to a long summer in the city. Available in carry-on-friendly minis, the new perfume set from Huda Beauty and Kayali contains four fragrances, including a warm orange blossom scent inspired by Marrakech, and a fresh, sugary lemon scent inspired by the island of Capri. If your tastes lean more towards the tropical, try the ocean-inspired coconut fragrance made with the Maldives in mind, or the sweet banana and pear concoction that smells like sunrise in Maui.
Kayali VACATION IN A BOTTLE Mini Perfume Set, $, available at Sephora
Ba&sh x Saysh Sneakers
When it comes to sportswear, knowing that the gear has been tested by experts is key and Saysh has the backing of an all-time great: US track and field athlete (and 11-time Olympic medallist) Allyson Felix is a cofounder. Ahead of the Summer Games, the performance brand has teamed up with French fashion label Ba&sh to create a limited-edition running shoe. Dubbed the “mom sneaker,” it combines practicality and style, featuring an off-white upper, striped laces, and a chunky outer sole. If you are more focused on fashion than function, know that the shoe comes in two colorways, with your choice of forest green or peach stitch detailing.
Ba&sh Saba Lace-Up Sneakers, $, available at Ba&sh
Chanel Jardin Extraordinaire Makeup Collection
If you haven’t heard yet, it’s a brat summer, and it seems Chanel has gotten the memo. The fashion house has launched a new makeup collection inspired by a fairytale garden, and green is the focal color. From eyeshadow sticks in the shade “Dream Leaf” to a metallic, golden green nail polish, the hues are a nod to nature’s color palette. If you enjoy a more classic beach makeup look, the summer collection also includes two Baume Essentiel highlighter sticks in a glimmering rose gold and bronze solar glow, as well as two blush duos in sunset-inspired hues like terracotta orange and a statement fuchsia.
Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour, $, available at Chanel
Bleu Nour Eau De Parfum Collection
The smell of summer is many things: blooming florals, coconut sunscreen, a salty sea breeze. But on an average working day, it’s up to us to create an air of summer with the power of personal fragrance. For those searching for something fresh, Parisian brand Bleu Nour has finally turned its perfume oils into a full eau de parfum collection. Inspired by the smell of colors (thanks to the founder’s synaesthesia), the collection includes a zesty green mandarin and black pepper scent, an earthy grapefruit and ginger offering, and a cannabis-inspired perfume mixed with sage and white musk. For those who enjoy a deeper and more oudy summer smell, the smoky rose and cardamom-infused fragrance is ideal.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Is This The “It” Bag Of The Summer?
