From growing up as the insecure fat girl to maturing into a confident plus size woman, one thing has remained the same… my hatred for summer. She and I never really got along. The humidity sends my curls into a frenzy, the heat turns what began as Instagram perfect makeup into a sea of foundation and mascara, and chub rub never fails to claim the lives of my always kissing thighs. But over the years, with some help from friends and hacks from YouTube, I’ve learned how to embrace summer and how to power through those 90-degree days. Here are my top 3 must-haves for surviving summer.
- Monistat Chafing Relief Gel
There’s a reason it’s #1 on my list… IT’S A GOD SEND. Ladies, say goodbye to those days of uncomfortable and painful chafing. The miracle gel, $5-$6 at the drug store, easily takes me an entire summer to use up and lets me wear shorts and skirts as much as I want! It lasts through miles of walking and stays in tact through sweat. https://www.target.com/p/monistat-chafing-relief-powder-gel-1-5-oz/-/A-14774551
- Coconut oil
I’m sure you’ve heard by now how life-changing and versatile it is and if you’re not already on the band wagon, now might be the time to join. From preventing razor burn and helping to exfoliate to healing dry, sunburnt lips, there’s not much you can’t do with coconut oil. An entire jar, $8-$10 will easily last through summer and into fall/winter. https://www.target.com/p/spectrum-organic-virgin-coconut-oil-14-oz/-/A-17295053
- Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
There’s nothing more embarrassing than having the oily side of your combination skin decide to make an appearance when it’s already blistering hot out (story of my life!). I discovered these in high school when it was the cool thing to have, well before I knew how much of a saving grace they were. Compact and slim, no bigger than a credit card, the sheets run about $4-$5 at the drug store and can last you give or take a month. https://www.target.com/p/clean-clear-174-oil-absorbing-sheets-for-oily-skin-50ct/-/A-11537200
