Summer has officially arrived, and vacations are being booked, but what a lot of people leave to the last minute is their essentials shopping.
Sure, we get excited about the outfits we’re planning to wear each day and the makeup that needs restocking, but that same excitement can carry over to your essentials. You just need to be looking at the right ones.
To make this easier and let you have fun planning ten outfits for a weekend getaway (we’ve been there before), we’ve put together a list of Cosmo-ME-approved items you need this summer. And trust us, this isn’t a boring one.
Shiseido Suncare Clear Stick SPF 50+
Sun protection is more important than you may think, maybe the most important summer essential. And a transparent, on-the-go sunscreen stick is the most convenient and ideal version of SPF. Not only does it protect against the strong UV 11 we get in the region, but it is also strengthened by heat, water, and sweat. Not only does this help protect against the dangers of the sun’s rays, but it also protects against micro dust and dryness, improving the overall look of your skin.
Shop at shiseido.me.
Aiza Rose Mist Duo
Get yourself an all-day refresh set for your hair and skin! A fine mist created for modern hair problems with a smoky rose scent to give you bakhoor vibes without the heat damage while taming frizz, adding shine, and shielding against heat and humidity. The Face Mist hydrates and energises using rose water, frankincense, and hyaluronic acid. All of this without ruining your makeup. This truly sounds like the perfect duo to keep in your bag, almost too good to be true!
Shop at aiza.co.
Saie Slip Tint™ Tinted Moisturiser
Everything by Saie Beauty truly feels like it was made for this weather. With sheer coverage to battle cakey makeup, hydration to withstand harsh weather conditions, and SPF 35 to protect your skin from UV rays, this is the ideal way to start your makeup routine. Not only does this tinted moisturiser do all that on the day-to-day, but it’s made with liquorice root extract to brighten and refine your skin’s appearance, and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin over time. Unreal!
Shop at saiehello.com.
Ouai Anti-Frizz Crème
Oaui really knows hair care, so if we’re going to have one recommendation, it’s going to be from Oaui. With the humidity we’ve all encountered, one thing is for sure: we’ve probably left the house with a nice fresh blowout and gotten to our plans with a frizzy mess. But, this anti-frizz crème made with upcycled jackfruit, beetroot extract and plant-based polymer is created to give long-lasting frizz control and intense thermal protection. There couldn’t be a more ideal product made for our needs.
Shop at sephora.me.
Nagi “Not a Red Bronze Idea” Tanning Oil
A Dubai-based brand making tanning oil? Oh, you know this is going to be good! This specific product gives you the perfect sun-kissed tan without the heavy feeling most oils leave. It’s lightweight, smooth on the skin, and made without SPF (layer it over your sunscreen!). Like all – actually – good tanning products, it’s made with carrot oil and extra coconut and watermelon seed oils for a good, quick but lasting tan.
Shop at nagixdubai.com.
Chloé Mini Summer Banana Hobo Bag
Whether you’re going on vacation or already live in the vacation spot, this Chloé bag is fabulous and convenient. It’s crafted from paper raffia for a summer feel and shiny calfskin leather trim for an elevated look. This bag is natural, chic, and beachy, making for the perfect addition to your travels this summer.
Shop at levelshoes.com.
Karen Wazen Noa Sunglasses
Sunglasses seem like an obvious essential. But what really matters is which sunglasses you get. Lebanese designer Karen Wazen creates unique styles with 100 per cent UV protection… 100 per cent! That is a detail most designers might miss, but it makes all the difference. This style suits any vibe you’re going for this summer while staying super fashion-forward. Added to the bag!
Shop at karenwazen.com.
Senso Jellie Ballet Flats
What a fun and summery take on the ballerina flats that have been taking over the fashion world by storm. Made from rubber and featuring a net-like structure, they are comfortable, breathable, and stylish, available in many colours to choose from. White, pink, black, and the most striking: Red! The slip-on style and fishnet silhouette really make this the perfect choice for your next shoe of the season.
Shop at ounass.ae.
Havaianas X Isabel Marant Top Ikat Flip Flops
And then we have a classic. What is a summer vacation without a beach? And what is a beach without the right flip flops? Obviously, Havaianas is the reigning monarch of flip flops, and Isabel Marant is the reigning monarch of boho chic. What we get from a collaboration ends up being the perfect summer 2026 flip flop, either in a striking red/pink or a more boho brown/beige.
Shop at levelshoes.com.
Chic Le Frique Adriana Linen Top
At some point in the year, linen becomes the only fabric in your closet. Maybe not by choice, but we can make it a luxury! This top is feminine, classy, summery, lightweight, and drapes beautifully on the body. What makes this even better? The opportunity to pair it with the matching Tianna Linen Bubble Skirt for the full look!
Shop at chiclefrique.com.
Badawii Beach Tote Bag
A canvas beach tote that fits your towel, sunscreen, tanning oil, water, snacks, change of clothes, and basically everything else on this list might be the one thing you need before anything else. You could go on a whole weekend trip with just this tote in hand. The red stripes are just the cherry on top, giving it a fun, summery look that reminds us of having a popsicle by the pool!
Shop at badawiibeachwear.ae.
July Hanging Toiletry Bag
In numerous colours and materials, this hanging toiletry bag is what you need for your next summer destination. Perfect for travel, you can keep your products perfectly organised. The key is always in the details with these essentials: toothbrush tab, durable nylon, refined trims, leak-resistant pockets, hidden hook, and the perfect size to keep your must-haves with you at all times.
Shop at ounass.ae.
Sunnylife Luxe Lie-On Lounger
Okay, you know we had to throw in a fun “non-essential”, but I mean, c’mon… it seems pretty essential to us. With a premium canvas cover, an angled backrest for comfort, and a mesh base panel for water drainage, this sun lounger might have to be at the top of our must-have list. At the end of the day, summer is for relaxation, and what better way than to do just that?
Shop at revolve.com.
Next, check out the fashion deep-dive you need before the World Cup!