Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Goth Essentials for Surviving Summer


I can't believe summer is already here, it feels like the spring went by so fast! Thankfully here in Orange County it is still relatively cool due to June Gloom (swoon!), but warmer weather has been creeping up on us (it will be in the 80s the rest of the week) and as soon as July hits temps will be shooting up to the 90s and 100s (ugh). I hate hot weather so I do all I can to stay cool while still keeping it spooky during the unbearable summer months.


Below I've collected some summer goth essentials to help you keep creepin' in the summer heat, including pool and beach accessories, some dark but gauzy clothing (I don't care how hot it is, I'm still wearing black), items that will protect your skin from the sun, boo-tiful bags to keep all these ghoulish goodies in, and much more macabre merch to add to your wish list!


A few notes to keep in mind before getting started: I cannot vouch for the quality of all the products listed below since I haven't tried them all. Those I have tried I have noted (and gush about)! I also haven't received compensation for sharing any of the products below, I just think they are neat! A few use Amazon Affiliate links, but those I've included myself on products I wanted to feature. Also, the photos below are sourced via the site's product page (unless otherwise watermarked as one of my photos). The links below will take you to the product page where you may purchase the items if they tickle your fearsome fancy.

Now, let's get started! Here are my picks for Goth Essentials for Surviving Summer:


Coffin Cooler - Perfect for pool parties where you want to keep your drinks and snacks cool in spooky style. Plus you can use it for parties year-round! If I had this I would probably put it on our back patio, fill it with water on a very hot day, and lounge around in it all afternoon, cold drink in hand.


Retro A Go Go Monster Rama Parasol - Keep the sweltering sun off your skin with a pretty parasol like this cute retro monster one! I am so fond of parasols, I really should have more of them.


Blackcraft Cult Planchette Pool Float - Finally, a pool float perfect for darklings. Conjure up some summertime spirits with this rad planchette pool float from Blackcraft Cult and scare all the kids out of the community pool!


Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Mascara in Abyss - You definitely need a waterproof mascara to get you through summer, and I really love Pacifica's products. I usually use their Dream Big Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara in Black Magic for everyday, but when I'm sweating through the summer I need something waterproof and turn to their Aquarian Gaze mascara. Besides loving the "Abyss" name of the shade (it's black, duh), this stuff helps me avoid raccoon eyes and stays put through 90 degree days as well as pool parties! Pacifica products are always 100% vegan and cruelty-free, too!


Black Lace Trim Constellation Kimono - I adore wearing lacy cover-ups in summer, not just over swimsuits but also over regular outfits. I love this one because it is a bit more unique than the standard black ones I usually wear. It has a delicate constellation print covered in moons and stars that appeals so much to my love of the night sky.


Kawaii Ghost Tote - So spoopy! I just can't get over how creepy-cutesy this tote is, and how perfect it would be to carry around my summer reading stack or beach-gear in. It would also be perfect for the upcoming autumn and Halloween season (and pretty much awesome all year round!).


Goth Block SPF 50 - Sunscreen is a must for anyone in the summer, and this one made me cackle a little, so I had to add it! This sunscreen is not only strong enough to protect your skin, but it is also vegan and cruelty-free.


Hurraw! SPF 15 Sun Lip Balm - I love Hurraw's vegan lip balms (they have so many yummy flavors!), but this one is perfect for protecting your luscious lips from the sun. It's made with zinc oxide to protect your lips naturally, packed with pressed oils the moisturize, and flavored with juicy tangerine, vanilla, and soothing chamomile.


Sourpuss Tentacles One Piece Swimsuit - In the past, swimsuit shopping for me was such a pain and there didn't seem to be that many spooky swimsuits to choose from. Nowadays there seem to be a much better selection, like this creepy Cthulhu-inspired bathing suit!


Handbook for the Recently Deceased Purse - I always love getting a smaller purse for the summer, just large enough to fit the essentials for trips to the beach or library (let's be honest, I'm much more likely to be found at the library than the beach). I am swooning over this Beetlejuice-inspired "Handbook for the Recently Deceased" purse, which looks like the perfect size to fit my phone, lipstick, cards, ID, and a few other things.


Pretty Zombie Cosmetics' Lipstick in Dead Roses - This vegan and cruelty-free liquid lipstick is a metallic burgundy that dries to a matte finish. Purple is perfect for any season, and I think this shade is not too dark and not too light, but the perfect pop of color for summertime while still keeping it gothy. I haven't tried this indie brand yet, but I've heard lots of good things about their makeup, which is all vegan and cruelty-free.


Black Asymmetrical Hem Hook and Eye Dress - A gothy black dress is essential for my summer wardrobe, and this one is near perfect! I love the hook detailing that gives it a corset-like look, and the light, gauzy look of its bottom layers. It's a tad shorter than I usually like my dresses, but at least that means it will be cooler.


Zuzu Luxe by Gabriel Cosmetics Water Resistant Liquid Eyeliner in Raven - This eyeliner is my favorite - not only is it vegan and cruelty-free, but it goes on smooth, thick, and dries fast! It doesn't budge all day, even in summer! It isn't waterproof, but it is water resistant and survives all day without budging. I wear it year-round, but it is especially my savior in summer!


DropDeadandWrought's Til Death Sunglasses - Big, black sunglasses are probably my most important accessory every season, and I love these oversized cat eye sunnies adorned with skull and crossbones!


Blackcraft Cult Coffin Goth Beach Towel - Be bold and proclaim to the sun worshippers at the beach or pool just how #gothgoth you are with this coffin-shaped towel. Or use it when you go moon-bathing at night!


Lush Plum Rain Shower Gel - There is nothing better than taking a shower after a hot summer day, and my favorite way of lathering it away is with Lush shower gel. My fave Lush shower gel is Olive Branch, but I am dying to try this new Plum Rain scent, especially since it is a beautiful deep purple and scented with plums and mandarin for a fresh, fruity scent.


Endless Bummer tee - For those of us that loathe summertime, this tee by KMSxCo featuring death catching a wave is amazing!


Big Black Beach Hat - Who doesn't love a big black beach hat for those Lydia-Deetz-at-the-beach summer vibes? This one features built-in SPF sun protection and a wide brim to keep the sun off your pale resplendence.


Loungefly Floral and White Skull Tote Bag - This tote has a dark floral pattern that just screams summer to me, plus some adorable skulls for extra eeriness. It's big enough to stash all your summer essentials plus your favorite book, and it's vegan-friendly!


The Coloring Books for Goths - Sharpen your favorite black crayon and color your melancholy away with this book. It's especially great if you don't plan on leaving the house all summer (like me)!


Kreepsville Bat-tastic Capris - I'm usually not a fan of capris, but how can I resist black capris with bats on them?! I'm imagining wearing these for long twilight walks, to a summertime BBQ, or just to wear around the house.


Death and Decay Perfume - I'm usually not a fan of the fruity or floral scents that are popular in summer, but this unique perfume that smells of funerary lilies, tonka, and a heady mix of overripe jasmine, decaying rose and wilting ylang ylang is one of my favorites.


Sugar Thrillz Eleve Ballet Flats - Forget flip-flops this summer, go for comfy elegance with these strappy ballet flats. These would look sweet paired with a lacy dress or fierce paired with tights or shorts.


Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant - You'll definitely need some deodorant to stay dry and fresh this summer, and this vegan and cruelty-free deodorant from Schmidt's works wonderfully, has a subtle unisex smell, and is a cool dark color thanks to the detoxifying charcoal it's made out of. Check out my review of it here!


Morbid Curiosity Game - If you want to keep yourself and your friends entertained on a hot summer afternoon or evening, then I would definitely check out this card game, that features trivia questions about death through the ages, as well as questions that allow players to discuss their own thoughts and wishes about morality. This game is definitely on my summer wish list!


Haute Macabre and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab Hair Gloss - Haute Macabre and BPAL have collaborated to create two scintillating scents of hair gloss to keep your hair looking luscious this summer. Crafted with a mix of Tahitian Moni, Camelina Oil, Argan Oil, and Karanja Oil, the hair glosses keep your hair feeling silky and glossy even after getting fried in the summer sun. Both hair glosses are shown above along with two of their cemetery-inspired scents (also highly recommended).


Folding Bamboo and Lace Fan - In case you get stuck somewhere without air conditioning, a folding fan comes quite in handy! I always carry mine in my purse for when I'm on-the-go, stuck outside in the sun, or somewhere stuffy. It does wonders and looks mysterious, too.


Poems Bewitched and Haunted - I'll be carrying this collection of Halloween poems with me everywhere I go (it's small enough to fit easily in my purse) this summer. This is perfect reading material for me to idly pass the summer hours as I look forward to autumn and Halloween.

There you have it, my Summer Goth Essentials to get me through this sweltering season.


Now that you're read mine, I'm interested in hearing about your essentials for surviving summertime! Drop me a message in the comments below and let me know what gothy goodies get you through the summer.


Check out previous years' lists on summer goth goodies from 2016 and 2015!

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3 comments:

  1. I'm in love with that constellation kimono. I can't believe it's a Hot Topic find!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy to have just found you. Any advice for the guys?

    ReplyDelete

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