about heat waves, bugs and scrambling for a summer job! Whatever the case, sometimes serious pampering is needed when beach weather hits. Whether it’s switching up your skin care routine, cooling down with an iced drink, or indulging in beach reads, self-care rituals are all the more important during this time of the year.

It can be easy to fall into a rut when the weather demands that you feel upbeat all the time. This summer, find your happy place by tending to your needs first. That can be opting for a summer gothic outfit over Coachella chic, reaching for chocolate ice cream over a superfood smoothie, or dancing in your bedroom over an outdoor adventure. As for me, I’ll just be lying in my “hammock” – in reality, my bed – enjoying the air conditioning along with some lo-fi beats.

Here are some tried-and-true self-care rituals to get you through the highs and lows of summer!

What epitomizes summer more than a seaside swim? And what defines summer glam more than a cute swimsuit or bikini? For the modestly inclined, choose between a classic black one-piece with contrast piping, or this tankini combining a ruffled top with high-waist pants. If you’re feeling flirtatious, go for splashy floral tops and bottoms in bright yet easy-to-wear colors. If you’re aiming for vintage girl-next-door vibes, then this plaid bikini set will be right up your alley. Add a straw hat, flip flops and a beach tote, and you’re ready to hit the surf! Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

What I dread most during summer is the constant switch between the scorching sun outdoors and blasts of A.C. indoors, which dehydrates and damages skin quickly. To keep skin in optimal condition, maintain high hydration levels with a lightweight moisturizer like Dear, Klairs’s Rich Moist Soothing Cream that nourishes skin without clogging pores. Also, stick to your regular sheet masking routine. An aloe vera gel can help combat sunburn, while a quick spritz of face mist offers an immediate hit of hydration. Instantly cool skin by indulging in this cooling massager, which is designed to de-puff the face and improve blood circulation.

A new season calls for a nail palette reset! Freshen up your nails with some of summer’s hottest shades, which include not just cute pastels like lilac, aqua blue and pale green, but bright and fun colors like vibrant yellow, watermelon red and cranberry. For extra pizzazz, create your own nail art with the help of some Pinterest inspo and a few nifty tools. Polka dots work well with most outfits and are easy to replicate on nails, as are geometric lines against a solid-toned background, gradient effects in unicorn colors, and minimalistic floral designs.

Lightweight coverage is key during the summer months, because there’s nothing worse than makeup melting or caking in the heat! It’s time to eschew heavy-duty foundations for comfortable-on-skin, non-comedogenic options like MIZON’s Snail Repair BB Cream and KARADIUM’s Collagen Smart Sun Pact SPF50+ PA+++, both of which come with bona fide skin care benefits.

If you used to be a high-glam, matte lippy sort of girl before face masks became ubiquitous, ease back into a lip makeup routine by going for creamy and hydrating formulas in soft, easy-to-carry shades. This MLBB nude with a hint of rose is perfect for transitioning back into bold shades. To seal your look, apply setting spray to ensure your makeup stays flawless in the heat.

Always be ready to add a bold pop of color to your makeup look or outfit – even if you’re a goth at heart! It could be a swipe of on-trend pink eye shadow, some snazzily colored prints, a buttercup yellow cami with vintage vibes, or a brightly colored bag that can lift a normcore look. Just remember not to pile on too many bright colors – the trick is to go bold but not overboard. Create a neutral canvas so the bright colors can pop, and you’ll find yourself making maximum impact.

Salads are a great refresher during the scorching summer months, but I say the occasional indulgence in ice cream or bubble tea is equally essential to cool down on hot days. If the calories in that scoop of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream is a concern, why not opt for a mango sorbet? Similarly, swap boba for fruit tea to get that sweet rush. Extra tip: use cute tableware to boost your mood! Here’s a selection to add a kawaii touch to your tête-à-têtes.

For some gentle exercise, why not opt for yoga at the beach? It’s a nice switch-up from the usual studio space, while allowing you to relax and get close to Mother Nature. Beach yoga purportedly strengthens more muscles in your body than indoor yoga, and breathing in fresh sea air can only be a good thing. To stay stylish while partaking in this wellness activity, choose from a range of snazzily colored activewear, including mint green and violet combos comprising sports tops and pants, bright yellow yoga pants and stretchy yoga shorts.