A model walks the runway at the Coach Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2020 show during New York Fashion Week. Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Summer in New York City is a world of its own. It’s frenetic and humid, characterised by spritzing on rooftops, and lazing about in the park. Oh, and weekends spent somewhere by the sea – The Hamptons? Long Island? Why not both? New Yorkers know the merit in working hard, but playing harder, hence why the city turns into a playground come those sticky, steamy months.

I was fortunate enough to soak up some of the city’s last rays back in September, and ever the opportunist, I made some beauty notes to carry me through all the summers to come. Be it big shades, bare skin, or a bold scent by Coach, look to the below if you fancy a little bite of the big apple for yourself this coming season. Summer in the city and by the sea never looked, felt, or smelt this good.

Coach Floral Blush EDP 90ml, $155. SHOP NOW – MYERSHOP NOW – DAVID JONES

Summer should always begin with a new juice. Coach Floral Blush has all the hallmarks of summer in NYC: fun, frivolity, and a freeness of spirit. The punchy scent (that’s inspired by the iconic Coach Tea Rose) is a fruity, sparkling mix of peony, goji berry, and grapefruit. Sweet and airy, it’s the perfect antidote to sticky city heat. After a while, it warms on the skin, drying down to a musky, woody cloud sure to follow you from sunset to rooftop to whatever comes next.

Kosas Lip Fuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm in Pulse, $26. SHOP NOW

Humans of NYC move at a chaotic pace, so your makeup needs to match. Kosas Lip Fuel is the perfect moisture-come-tint hybrid. And if NYC were a shade? It would be Pulse: a mottled red-pink that gives just the right amount of pigment. Hyaluronic acid and konjac root will keep your lips both hydrated and protected, while the addition of mint will work a treat after that second iced long black.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $34. SHOP NOW

The city that doesn’t sleep has no time for tired, smudgy liner. This Stila formula won’t break a sweat, no matter how many rides you take on the subway (I for one, can vouch for this). Swap black for bright white – it’s fresh, modern, and just a little offbeat.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops, $219. Shop Now

My time in New York was a lesson in how to emulate great skin without too much product because, humidity. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Glow Drops are the ultimate in radiance sans shine. Just massage into clean skin, and use concealer where needed.

Loewe Filipa Oversized Sunglasses from Net-A-Porter, $458. SHOP NOW

The motto “go big or go home” goes for everything in NYC, from pizza circumference to sunglasses. Shield city lights in this huge pair from Loewe. The red and grey frame lend themselves perfectly to the technicolour city.

Hunza G Nancy One-Shoulder Seersucker Swimsuit from Net-A-Porter, $235. SHOP NOW

Given the big apple isn’t exactly coastal, make your swimwear go further by opting for a one piece that doubles as a top. Hunza G is a personal favourite thanks to flattering cuts, durability, and fresh colour palettes. This shade of tangy mandarin feels like summer in swimwear form.

Shop Remy Scrunchies in Barefoot, $32. SHOP NOW

My last haircut was actually in NYC, where I took my lob to bob level. The result was freeing – not only had my hair transitioned to wash-and-go, but my world (namely, neck) felt a whole lot cooler. If you’re attached to your strands, secure them high on your head with a chic scrunchie like Remy’s linen iterations seen above.

 

Prada Buckle Detil Leather Sandals, $1,100. SHOP NOW

These Prada sandals feel like the perfect marriage of Bondi and NYC. The open toe and leather component feels close to home, whereas the chunky shape and velcro closure are perfect for walking upwards of 10 blocks on foot.