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Olivia’s Summer Prep Rituals and Favorite Products 

Olivia McNamara Student Contributor, Sacred Heart University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Sacred Heart chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Happy spring, and almost summer! For this week, I wanted to write about a few of my favorite rituals that I like to incorporate during the summer, as well as some of my holy grail products I have been using leading up to summer to get my glow on point! 

The first ritual I really enjoy doing for the summer is an early wake-up! This might seem simple, but one of my favorite things to do on summer mornings is to sit outside, around 8:30 am with my coffee, and listen to the birds chirp and trees sway. I also like to leave my phone inside while I do this because connecting with nature during the warmer months is so healing and has truly transformed my appreciation for summer. I really encourage people to do it because I’ve found that it not only grounds me but also sets the tone for my day.

Another ritual I love doing for the summer is a sunset shower. Although a shower is super simple and mundane, I love taking a long shower after sitting in the sun all day and using some products that make me feel my best. One of my favorite products to use in the summer months is the Dove Coconut Purley Pampering Body Wash. This always makes me feel like I’m on vacation and leaves my skin super hydrated, which is so important after being in the sun. 

On the topic of feeling like I’m on vacation, I also really love the “Vacation” perfume. It literally smells like I just came off the beach and into a luxury resort, and it is absolutely perfect if you love all things coconut and summer scents. Pairing this with the Dove body wash is my go-to combo for a summer glow and smelling like a tropical island! 

But, as for what I’m doing to prepare for the summer, I highly recommend getting into a consistent exfoliation and moisturizing routine. Some of my favorite scrubs are the Tree Hut Blue Lagoon scrub and even an exfoliation mitt. I find that when I exfoliate at least 4 times a week, my skin is softer, glowier, and ready for the sun. 

In addition to exfoliating, I also love a good body butter that’s lightweight but also feels like my skin is getting a glow-up. One of my favorites is the Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter. I find this to be absolutely perfect for a transitional body moisturizer because it’s not greasy and is perfect for sensitive skin. But, during the summer and after tanning, I am obsessed with the Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter. The scent is absolutely perfect and keeps my tan all summer long. 

As spring peaks and summer begins, I encourage everyone to find rituals and routines that work best for them! Taking care of our mind and body is so important, and something I find even more relaxing to do in the warmer months. So, as you prepare for summer, begin thinking about what routines you want to do, what products you want to try, and even what parts of your day you want to prioritize. Happy spring and almost summer! 

Olivia McNamara

Sacred Heart '26

Hello there! My name is Olivia McNamara and I am a Junior at Sacred Heart University, majoring in communications and PR. I am originally from Branford, Connectinut, which is a small town that I love so much. One of my main passions is writing, which is why I joined her campus! I love all things beauty, wellness, and of course, writing. I love connecting with others and making people feel at home.