Summer Must-Haves for 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s

by Alli

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OK – you’ve got to brace yourself for this one! My oldest daughter turned 40 last month! I think it was more difficult for me than it was for her.

I don’t know if I was practicing how it sounded coming out of my mouth or if I was just in total shock. But I kept saying, “My oldest daughter is 40. She’s as old as I am.” Wink.

You Are Only As Old As You Feel

See, I’ve swallowed the whole you’re only as old as you feel verbiage. I’ve said it for so long, that it has become my mantra. I firmly believe that you can have what you say, so I don’t feel a day over 40. But, now my daughter is 40 so I have to do something. I just don’t know what.

There was a time when I’d brag for days when I would be out with one of my daughters and a random stranger would ask if we were sisters.

It wasn’t long ago that my grandson and I stopped by to say hello to my daughter-in-law while she was working. Her co-worker thought I was my little grandson’s mom.

After I left, my daughter-in-law sent me a text saying everyone was still talking about how young I look. I ate it up like a boss. Of course, I had just left the salon and had a bangin’ good hair day. My makeup was on point too.

To celebrate this milestone in my her life, I sent a group text to my 20-something-year-old daughter, my 20-something-year-old daughter-in-law, my thirty-something-year-old daughter and of course, the 40-year-old. I asked them to share their summer must-haves. Secretly, I was wondering if I’ve still got it. Am I hip and cool? I think so.

Summer Must-Haves for 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond

Anyway, back to the group text. I asked my daughters and daughter-in-law what they were loving this summer. It could be one thing, two things, a dozen things. I just wanted to know their must-haves for summer. Man, did they deliver!  A couple of them wrote books. So, here goes!

Favorite Summer Must-Haves

Summer Must-Haves For Twenty-Somethings

Here’s what my daughter-in-law, Dr. Smith (I love saying that) had to say. It’s a family joke that I wanted one of my kids to be a doctor. That didn’t happen, but my daughter-in-law is just like a daughter so that counts too. Right? (I think I disturbed her at work so she only named one thing)

Meet my daughter-in-law, below. 

Summer Must-Haves for 20s and Beyond

Nike Sock Darts – She’s in love with these! I didn’t even know they existed.

My youngest daughter, Caitlin, had a lot to say. She’s the pro makeup artist and shares makeup tutorials on YouTube. You should click here and follow her!

I guarantee there will be something healthy and something skin-care related. Let me introduce you to Caitlin, below.

My youngest daughter, Caitlin

Caitlin is loving not wearing foundation during the summer, good ole’ Palmers Cocoa Butter and making homemade mayo for healthy potato salad. I told you she would sneak in something healthy. Actually, the homemade mayo is my recipe and it’s amazing and Whole 30 Approved. I don’t do Whole 30, I just eat the mayo.

Summer Must-Haves For 30-Somethings

Rebekah is the middle daughter and she’s the mom of four boys and is in her thirties. She made a list a mile long. She’s very detailed. Yes!

Summer Must-Haves for 30 year olds

Apple Watch (can take it to the pool and swim with it)



Black Gauze Swim Cover-Up from Old Navy – This is her favorite cover-up and it didn’t cost a fortune.

First Aid Beauty Ulta Repair Cream – amazing for dry skin!



Bath and Body Works Summer Lotions – Honolulu Sun and Watermelon Lemonade are faves!

Outshine Frozen Fruit Bars Strawberry is a huge favorite and it reminds me of a strawberry daiquiri without the alcohol and only has 60-70 calories per bar.

Sketcher Go Walks (wears them without socks)


Summer Must-Haves For Forty-Somethings

Holly just turned 40 so she told me that technically she hasn’t been 40 long enough to know what 40-year-olds like. I think she’s in denial. Suck it up, buttercup!

Summer Must-Haves for 40 year olds

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – She raves about this stuff so I need to try it!

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle skincare – This stuff is awesome! It’s organic and fruit stem cells are infused into a grape seed base – smells like lemons – yum! I need to try this, too!

Soft White Sheets (very high thread count) and lightweight White Down-Alternative White Comforter

You can find similar sheets here.

Summer Must-Haves include white sheets

Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks – cost a little more but totally worth it because they don’t slide down.

Summer Must-Haves For Fifty-Somethings

It’s my turn! I guess I have to admit that I’m 50-something! Boo!

Apple Watch – OK – so I resisted the Apple watch for several years. Then my son and daughter-in-law gave me one (Rose Gold) for Mother’s Day. I love it because it reminds me to stand up every hour.

This watch reminds me to exercise, counts my steps. It also encourages me to take a minute and take a few deep breaths.

Plus, I can get notifications without having to look at my phone. And, I can answer texts. I look like James Bond (in my mind) when I’m talking on my Apple watch. I like it so much better than my old Fitbit.

Not Your Mother’s Blonde Moment Treatment Condition – This is my go-to conditioner– It leaves my hair so silky and smooth. Plus, it neutralizes brassiness and conditions with violet rice. It’s for natural and color treated blondes and contains no sulfate or parabens.

Summer-Must Haves for 50 years old

Age Rewind Concealer
Summer Must-Haves for women in their 50's - Love it

Hello Sunshine Floppy Sun Hat – I’m in love with this hat and it’s perfect for my upcoming Caribbean vacation. I like to keep the sun of out my eyes and off of my hair. I like this one because you can roll it up for packing in the suitcase. Once you unpack it, it pops back into shape.

I’m Almost Done – I Promise

Stitch Fix – I haven’t given an update since my very first Stitch Fix. In case you don’t know, Stitch Fix is an online styling service that delivers a truly personalized shopping experience.

Fill out your Style Profile and a personal stylist will handpick pieces to fit your tastes, needs, and budget—and mail them directly to your door.

I’ve been receiving monthly shipments for over a year now. Be sure and read 5 Reasons Why I Love My Personalized Stitch Fix.

I won’t lie. There were a few times where I received clothing that did not match my style profile. After three times, I switched stylists and I love my new stylist.

It’s rare that I keep every piece and I’ve learned to try on everything, even if I think I’m going to hate it. One blouse that I just knew I was going to hate has become my favorite go-to top for summer.

If you decide to try Stitch Fix, use my referral link and I’ll get $25 off my next fix.

Vitafusion Platinum 50+ Gummy Multivitamins  – Y’all, I finally bit the bullet and started taking a multi-vitamin. Since I’m a big baby when it comes to swallowing giant pills, the gummies are the way to go. Why didn’t I do this sooner? They taste so good!

Plus, these vitamins contain 200% of vitamins B6 and B12!

  • Supports energy metabolism and the immune system
  • Supports healthy cholesterol levels – for cholesterol already within normal limits

They are perfect for the over-50-crowd. 

Summer Must-Haves for 50 year olds - multivitamin

That’s it for this edition of the Summer Must-Haves for the women in my family! What’s your summer must-have?