Summer has arrived, and so has the sun, sweat, and those wonderful days by the ocean. As we lean into the red, white, and blue of Fourth of July festivities, it’s also a good moment to show a little extra care for our skin and hair. I’ve rounded up a few of my summertime essentials, including two new launches we’re especially excited about at ANHQ.

H A I R   &   B E A U T Y

S K I N C A R E : Our skin can become dehydrated and more susceptible to sun damage this time of year. And although we’re pretty good at stopping for an iced matcha, some chilled water or a smoothie to cool down, we need to ensure we keep our skin nourished and protected throughout the day. 

T H E   M O I S T U R I Z E R: Because we’re focusing on skin hydration, I’m starting with one of our newest products, and the ultimate moisturizer - holi (water) creme. Lightweight, silky and formulated to hydrate, this just melts into your skin to visibly improve texture, even tone, fade dark spots, and soften the signs of aging - all while strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing your skin’s natural plumpness. I selected each ingredient for its potency, purity, and ability to restore radiance at a cellular level:

• Chronoglow™ - a bio-fermented botanical that works with your skin’s circadian rhythm to boost radiance, hydration, and barrier repair - both day and night.

• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C) - a stable, non-irritating form of vitamin C that fades dark spots, evens tone, stimulates collagen, and protects against environmental stressors.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - visibly improves texture and tone while refining pores, calming inflammation, and reinforcing the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

• Manuka Honey - a pure savior for hydrating and soothing, which supports a balanced skin barrier with its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Botanical Waters (Cucumber, Rose, Lavender) - these calm, hydrate, and refine skin while restoring pH balance and reducing puffiness.

• Antioxidant Extracts (Rock Rose & Dragon Fruit) - these neutralize free radicals, smooth fine lines, and support collagen and elasticity.

Each of these ingredients works synergistically to hydrate, correct, and restore - to leave you with smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. And the Chronoglow™ works from the inside to re-activate youthful gene expression, helping skin cells behave like they did when they were younger. For best results, include this as part of your skincare regime with holi trinity - holi (water), holi (c) and holi (oil), applying it just before you use the holi (oil). 

T H E   S U N S C R E E N: Your finishing touch this time of year should be sunscreen - so follow the steps above for holi trinity and holi (water) creme, then apply holi (soleil) firming & plumping mineral spf 50 sunscreen as the final step. This sheer, skin protecting drop is formulated with hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and SPF 50+ so it blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB radiation. The formula is non-toxic, the antioxidants protect against free radicals and blue light radiation, plus the silver ear mushroom extract holds up to 500 times its weight in water. That’s why it soaks into your skin leaving no white caste, just a healthy, dewy complexion.

H A I R   C A R E: Whatever your hair type, we all need a little extra protection when we’re out in the sun or spending time cooling off in the ocean, and we need to be extra gentle with our hair if we’re spending time in the sun or sea over summer. Here’s how you can lavish some love on your locks, and avoid dry, damaged or breaking hair: 

T H E   S E R U M: Grab some holi (locks) - our bonding, detangling, anti-hair fall serum and apply this - most importantly - to wet hair before you get in the ocean. When you’re working it through your hair, make sure you saturate before contact with sea water, so that you create a protective barrier to reduce salt penetration and minimize any dryness or breakage. Containing Redensyl™ - also known as the “human hair galvanizer,” - this is specifically designed to help grow thicker, fuller, and stronger hair while reducing shedding and breakage. So it conditions, nourishes and protects even brittle hair with its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid-rich pumpkin seed, strengthening amla, and shine-inducing bhringraj. You’ll also notice how it helps smooth cuticles and fights frizz  - that’s down to the Passiflora edulis seed, a natural alternative to harsh silicones, and linoleic acid- and vitamin E-rich Kalahari.

T H E   B R U S H: Find yourself a gentle, detangling brush - I love the Tangle Teezer which has been designed specifically for salty sea hair because sometimes you need to brush it through while it’s still wet/damp. My other go-to hairbrush is this Le Bonne brosse N. 01 Small Shine & Care Hair Brush in  pale blue for gentle day to day brushing and styling when my hair is dry. 

T H E   T O W E L: If you’ve never used a microfiber hair towel before, it’s a game-changer! Not only does it reduce frizz and breakage, it will cut your drying time in half, and it’s really gentle on the hair - way more so than a regular towel.

S U M M E R   M A K E  U P: When the heat is on, we all need something with lasting power, and we want peace of mind knowing we’ll not be having to apply then reapply over and over. 

T H E   F A C E   P O W D E R: This mini matte powder from Simihaze Beauty is one of our must-haves for summer days. A setting powder that is a perfect finishing touch to your makeup routine, locking in moisture and giving a gorgeous, blurred finish. The mini compact fits perfectly into all my tiny little bags.

T H E    L I P: As you know, I love a matte lip and this vibrant red Rouge Dior Forever Liquid in 999 delivers optimal coverage, stays vibrant and it doesn’t transfer, smudge or feather. 

W A R D R O B E

T H E   D R E S S: While I’m in the mood for red, a color that always gives me energy, I really love this incredible Dolce & Gabbana red terry cloth mini dress. It’s so perfect for warmer days, as the outer is 100% cotton and the lining is 92% silk and 8% elastane. And that red lip would work a dream with it!

T H E   A C C E S S O R I E S: I’d choose a vintage silk headscarf to wear with the dress - here’s a little inspiration, something cute and similar and finish with these classic Prada oval sunglasses in black and a chic Goyard raffia tote for the beach.

W E L L B E I N G

G O O D   V I B R A T I O N S: If you haven’t already got one, now is a great time to make your own cute summer playlist! Whether I’m driving, working out, or walking through the park with my dogs in the sunshine, I find myself smiling when I listen to some of my summer favorites. High up on my list is Madonna's True Blue album, especially Live to Tell. 

H E A L T H Y    S U N    T I M E:  Basking in the morning sun isn't just a pleasant way to start the day; it's a powerful mood enhancer. Early light exposure stimulates the production of serotonin, often called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, which is vital for stable moods and overall happiness. This natural boost can significantly ease feelings of stress and anxiety, and even alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Beyond its mood-lifting effects, morning light also helps regulate cortisol, our main stress hormone, leading to a natural increase in energy throughout the day.

That’s why spending time in natural sunlight - particularly before 10 am - is a safe way to get your fix of vitamin D too, without the risks of sunburn so often associated with stronger, midday sun. I love to grab 15 minutes of sun every morning, with no sunglasses, just letting my retinas absorb some vitamin D. We wrote about this and some additional benefits like increasing melatonin, reducing insomnia, improving alertness and improving eye health in this longer read.

T H E   S U P P L E M E N T: This month our featured supplement is a teaser for our newest arrival - holi (mag) which we’re releasing July 11th. You can probably guess from the name that this is the much anticipated magnesium supplement I’ve been promising you and I could not be more excited! There is not one mag supplement on the market like ours because of the different forms we have combined: 

• Magnesium L-Threonate - best for brain health, cognition, memory

• Magnesium Malate - best for energy,  muscle recover and chronic fatigue

• Magnesium Citrate - best for constipation, muscle cramps and general absorption 

• Magnesium Taurate - best for heart health, blood pressure and calming the nervous system

• Magnesium Bisglycinate - best for sleep, relaxation, PMS and mood

• Magnesium Orotate - best for heart health, mitochondrial function and athletic recovery.

We know how much you love the holi (calm) packaging in single doses so we’ve done the same with holi (mag). And let me tell you this has a gorgeous taste too - key lime pie! So it’s great alone or refreshing with sparkling water over ice.

Love, Jena x