Everything the Luxury London team has been loving this month
Summer is in full swing – and our team is making the most of it
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
Is it just us, or does this summer feel like one of the longest we’ve ever had? Perhaps it’s because we’re on our fourth heatwave, or that schools have only just broken up for the holidays, but the good news is that we still have at least six weeks left of the sunniest season of the year. Not sure how to make the most of it? Our editors pride themselves on being in the know, so there are few better ways to know where to visit, and what to buy, than reading our carefully-curated monthly guide to everything we’ve been loving. You’re welcome.
Phoebe Eyles, Social Media Manager
The makeup: Refy Water Blush
Earlier this month, I was invited to an exclusive shopping event in the Selfridges Beauty Hall before opening hours – a dream morning for any makeup enthusiast. The team at Refy introduced me to the new water blushes, and despite already owning more blush than I care to admit, I was instantly sold. Infused with skincare ingredients, the lightweight formula melts seamlessly into the skin, delivering a fresh, dewy flush that can be built up with ease. It’s quickly become one of the staple products in my beauty routine.
The swimming spot: Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
Every summer I tell myself I’ll stick to a consistent fitness routine, but between back-to-back heatwaves and a packed social calendar, my good intentions rarely last long. Enter Sea Lanes at Canary Wharf. The 50-metre open-water pool, which launched last month, is the perfect addition to my summer exercise regime. The floating lido offers a welcome alternative to the gym, and there’s something uniquely refreshing about swimming beneath the city skyline.
15 Newfoundland Place, Canary Wharf Estate, E14 4BH, visit sealanescanarywharf.co.uk
The co-ord: Nobody’s Child
July has been defined by yet another heatwave, and while I’m usually a champion of summer dressing, navigating 35°C temperatures in the city is not at all chic. Thankfully, this top from Nobody’s Child has become my warm-weather saviour. I love it on its own, but pair it with the matching skirt to look effortlessly put together. On balmy evenings spent hopping between dinner reservations and outdoor drinks, it’s been my most reached for outfit of the month.
Zoe Gunn, Digital Editorial Director
The scalp saviour: Monpure Clarifying Scalp Scrub
There’s nothing sexy about a red, itchy, flaky scalp but, thanks to the combined effects of sun, chlorine and sweat, it is an unfortunate reality for many of us during the summer. Allow me, then, to introduce you to Monpure’s Clarifying Scalp Scrub. Formulated with stearic acid and biodegradable jojoba beads, as well as nourishing argan oil and shea butter, think of it as akin to a facial exfoliator for your scalp: simply massage in once a week before your usual washing routine to leave the scalp visibly soothed and flake free. A true summer must-have.
The summer suit: L'Agence
US-born brand L'Agence was founded on a mission to offer Parisian elegance with a side of California cool but, if you ask me, there's something about this suit that channels the quintessential British summer social season. As at home with heels at Ascot, Wimbledon or an urban wedding as it would be with Birkenstocks on an East London rooftop bar, its unstructured linen design, soft olive hue and light pinstripe also make it a versatile option for styling as separates. 'Boardroom-to-bar' may be a cliche – but this suit truly has it covered.
The no-makeup makeup: Caia Dewy Drops
I’m not a fan of heavy, full coverage products at the best of times but, when it’s 30°C outside, I frankly can’t imagine anything more likely to guarantee a breakout. Which isn’t to say you have to go without a little complexion enhancement. Founded to bring some Scandi minimalism to your makeup bag, Caia’s Dewy Drops promise sheer, lightweight coverage in a vegan serum-style formula enriched with vitamin E and glycerin that, for me at least, leaves my skin even, smooth and with a healthy glow. Plus, its genius online shade matcher takes all the guesswork out.
Cordelia Aspinall, Branded Content and Shopping Writer
The drinks: Lavazza and Della Vite
My two favourite drinks are coffee and fizz (and I mean the alcoholic tipple). The former is my morning wake-up, a non-negotiable caffeine fix that instantly perks me up. I was introduced to Lavazza’s A Modo Mio collection this month, and it hits the perfect balance of full-bodied and smooth with intense flavour. The latter, meanwhile, epitomises summer: there’s nothing quite like a fizz-fueled picnic, a cheeky tinnie on the way to a concert or simply a spritz in the sun. Della Vite’s range of Italian spritzes provides the most delicious serve.
The footwear: Jonak Thong sandals
Summer is officially open-toe shoe season, providing toenails remain manicured (of course). For a versatile style that is equal parts smart and chic, suitable to pair with tailoring for the office or a summer dress by the beach, these black suede flip flops from Parisian brand Jonak are just the ticket. Combining style and comfort, they’re the one-and-done silhouette that I will be wearing on repeat this season.
The activewear: Bondi Active
Working out in the heat is no mean feat, and having the right lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking activewear is paramount. Perfect timing, then, for Bondi Active, one of Australia’s coolest activewear brands, to officially launch in the UK. I’ve got my eye on the vibrant tomato red Forma bra and shorts crafted from a buttery soft fabric that looks just as chic as it feels.
Annie Lewis, Deputy Digital Editor
The summer party dress: Wyse Amelie Dress
Green is my favourite colour – so, perhaps unsurprisingly, I fell head over heels for Wyse’s Amelie dress when I was in its Marylebone store recently. Cut from a gorgeous olive satin that is heavy enough to hold its shape, and featuring a feminine lace trim, this fluid, slip-on silhouette is sophisticated enough for summer parties and weddings, but can also be dressed down for holidays and date nights. Plus, at the time of writing, it’s currently 50 per cent off. Now that’s what I call a bargain.
The hair tool: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda multi-styler and dryer
I’m not afraid to admit that for years I had been unphased by the Dyson Airwrap. I was quite content with my budget heatless curlers and trusty Revlon hairdryer. Until I visited the Dyson Beauty Lab on Oxford Street for a blow dry with one of the in-house hair stylists – and I was hooked. As my hair was styled with the new Airwrap Co-anda – which was unveiled last September and features a unique high-pressure air flow that smoothes hair instead of heating it – I walked out of the store looking like I’d just paid £80 for a blow dry. The thought of being able to recreate that at home sold me completely.
It does take practice to perfect, which is why I’d definitely book a session at the Dyson store, priced at £55 but fully redeemable against the purchase of a Dyson tool made on the same day. Suffice to say, I am officially an Airwrap convert – and you should be too.
The beauty box: Regimes Hydrating Morning Skincare Regime
Beauty boxes are, admittedly, nothing new. However, Regimes – founded in 2024 by Adriana Furlotti – is a force to be reckoned with. Eschewing a subscription service for one-off beauty top-ups, Furlotti taps beauty creators to curate each box and I got my hands on the Hydrating Morning Skincare Regime box by skincare guru and blogger, Leanne Page. Worth more than £230 – and featuring a full-size Kate Somerville Eradikate cleanser, Gatineau Plumping Revival mask, Shiseido Infusing Serum (priced at around £90 alone) – this is the best way to discover luxury beauty brands without the price tag.
Richard Brown, Editorial Director
The T-Shirt: CDLP Grey Melange Lyocell T-shirt
In 2019, CDLP, that ridiculously cool essentials brand from Stockholm, launched its first swimwear collection via a campaign shot in and around Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo. I thought it was one of the coldest campaigns I’d ever seen. And confirmed I’m neither cool enough nor lean enough to wear CDLP swim shorts. A feeling that, for years, extended to the label’s signature skimpy Y-fronts and wide-leg technical trousers. But a midweight, regular-fit T-shirt in grey melange, which CDLP has just dropped in high-tech tencel-lyocell, I’m cool enough to wear that, aren’t I? Aren’t I?!
The polo shirt: Love Brand & Co Powell Polo Shirt
I’ve recently gotten back into polo shirts, my once-go-to collection of pique-cotton collared tops having spent years in the sartorial wilderness buried at the bottom of some long-overlooked drawer. Maybe it’s an age thing (it’s easier to find a sympathetically-fitting polo shirt than a T-shirt these days). Maybe it’s the never-ending heatwave (I’m still not overly sold on the appropriateness of T-shirts in the office). Whatever it is, polo shirts are back on rotation. And I’m particularly into this earthy green, camp collar, terry cotton number from British label Love Brand & Co. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s the only thing I’ve worn to the office and the beach. The brand does matching shorts, too. But co-ords are a sartorial train I’ll never be able to board.
Read more: Check mate: How gingham became the print of the summer
