You’ve got iced matcha, rosé spritzes, and cute sandals (welcome back, pedicures!) on the brain, which can only mean one thing: Summer is finally on the horizon.
To help you maximize your wellness toolkit heading into bucket-list season, we asked Well+Good Council member Candice Kumai to share her go-to items that keep her health and happiness on point from May through August—starting with her skin-care routine.
Despite all that extra time outdoors, Kumai’s regimen doesn’t begin and end with slathering on sunscreen (although she uses a mineral formula daily)—it also means focusing on the health of her skin beneath that UV protection.
Kumai’s skin-care routine starts with zeroing in on essentials that are free of synthetic ingredients, preservatives, or other harsh chemicals.
That starts with zeroing in on essentials that are free of synthetic ingredients, preservatives, or other harsh chemicals, which is why Kumai’s all about boscia’s botanical-based products.
“I love boscia’s botanical approach to beauty,” Kumai says. “Its products are clean and full of natural ingredients that help nourish the skin while creating amazing results: My skin always feels refreshed, smooth, and vibrant.”
Keep reading for Kumai’s fave boscia skin-savers—plus the other wellness must-haves she relies on all summer long.
Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask, $34
Creating that effortless, lit-from-within effect (sans Instagram filter) starts with perfecting your palette. For that, Kumai swears by boscia’s Luminizing Black Charcoal mask, which uses activated charcoal and vitamin C in the peel-off formula to flush out blackheads and minimize the appearance of pores.
“The Charcoal Mask is a must-try for everyone,” Kumai says. “The charcoal helps to purify the skin and leaves this radiant, natural-glow!” No makeup required.
S’well Water Bottle in Bikini Pink, $35
“Summer is the best time to get outside, to be active, and to enjoy the sunshine,” Kumai says. “In New York, I love walking to the farmer’s market for fresh produce like summer squash, corn, and juicy tomatoes, and meeting friends out in the park for a picnic.”
But all those (sometimes sweaty) summer adventures make staying hydrated extra important, which is why Kumai totes her S’well water bottle everywhere she goes for a more sustainable and instantly refillable option.
“I drink 10 cups of water throughout the day to stay hydrated,” she says. “I love adding fresh herbs like mint, cucumber, or citrus to my water as a refreshing, simple, and real summer drink.”
Kintsugi Wellness, $30
Summer is Kumai’s favorite time for wellness practices like forest bathing and enjoying all the seasonal produce, but her new book (which makes a great beach read, BTW) is about learning how to incorporate wellness all year round.
“My newest book is on what true wellness really is: the Japanese art of nourishing mind, body, and spirit—the way my ancestors did,” Kumai says. “Bottom line, I respect myself and treat my body with care.”
Matcha Love Powder, $12
After her herb-infused water, Kumai’s beverage of choice is matcha for its antioxidant powers and vitamin C. Plus, the sustained caffeine boost will power you through long summer days.
“I drink two cups of matcha every morning,” she says. “It’s also a delicious addition to my famous banana chocolate chip cookies in my new book!”
Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer, $38
Hydrating your skin in the summer is just as important as in the dry winter air, but spreading on a sticky serum when you’re already sweating is a big no thanks.
That’s why Kumai’s go-to this summer is boscia’s just-launched Cactus Water Moisturizer, which uses Queen of the Night cactus and aloe vera to deliver major moisture in a lighter-than-air formula that sinks right in. “It’s a fresh new way to moisturize,” Kumai says. “So refreshing and cool!”
Private Party Swimsuits, $99
It isn’t summer without a few pool-side afternoons, and Kumai loves spending hers in cheeky one-piece suits. “I love the sexy-modern twist on the classic ’90s one-piece,” she says. Snag one of these, and an Instagram photoshoot is definitely in your future.
Jade Yoga Harmony Mat, $78
As a California native, Kumai is all about outdoor activities (hiking, walking on the beach, and surfing are some of her faves), but now that she lives in NYC, yoga and barre are her preferred methods of movement.
In the summer—and all year long— she spends plenty of time on her Jade Yoga mat. “It’s the best non-slip mat with tons of support for my daily practice,” Kumai says. “I love feeling good about my body, and those free endorphins are the best after a long and sweaty one!”
In partnership with boscia
Top photo: Candice Kumai
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