The best after-sun products are clean; they’re formulated without synthetic chemicals like parabens and oxybenzone that can harm your skin, and lightweight so they won’t clog pores, letting heat escape your body.

Choose products that are infused with natural and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, hydrating ones like hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidants such as green tea, tiger grass and sunflower oil. Formulations with a cooling effect are a big plus to help reduce inflammation, and those with ceramides are effective in locking in moisture.

Whether you’re looking for lightweight serums for everyday use, soothing creams and balms or refreshing gels, here are eight of the best clean and cruelty-free after-sun products.

See also: 6 Sustainable Sun Hats & Visors for Summer Protection

Boscia Cica Soothing Universal Cream

This lightweight, vegan gel-cream contains cica, or tiger grass, sourced from Korea, which offers antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, helping soothe and repair the skin while reducing redness. The formulation also features lactobacillus ferment, a probiotic that helps rebalance your microbiome, protect against pollution-induced damage and help your skin rebuild its natural defences.

Other ingredients include ginger root extract, another anti-inflammatory that soothes irritations, and ceramides that help lock in moisture. It can be used on the face or body and is naturally scented with an aromatic blend of orange and lavender oils.

Available on Amazon

Coola Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion

This deeply hydrating vegan lotion contains a moisture-locking base of organic agave and aloe vera, enriched with antioxidants and nourishing oils from sunflower, sweet orange and mandarin peel, combined with anti-inflammatory lavender oil and calming cedarwood.

70 percent of this after-sun lotion’s ingredients are certified organic, it’s reef-friendly, can be used daily – and it smells great!

Available at Harvey Nichols

Badger After Sun Balm

This soothing body balm conditions and smoothens parched skin directly after sun exposure, or straight after a shower or bath.

It uses a combination of moisturising cocoa and shea butters, extra virgin olive oil and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory essential oils of lavender, tangerine, tea tree and wild marjoram, plus rosemary and ginger extracts. Meanwhile, eucalyptus and peppermint offer a cooling effect.

Available at iHerb

Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel

This soothing and cooling gel is made from 90 percent aloe leaf juice extracted from hand-selected, organic aloe vera plants. It also contains purslane, a plant rated for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Purslane helps reduce visible signs of irritation and works together with panthenol (vitamin B5) to soothe the skin.

This gel can be used on the face and body and is recommended after sunbathing, waxing or epilation.

Available at Net-a-Porter

Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel

This cooling and non-sticky organic formula is quickly absorbed by the skin and is gentle enough for children and adults alike.

Formulated with 75 percent aloe vera juice, it contains antioxidant and anti-bacterial green tea and arnica which help soothe and repair the skin; hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil to hydrate and lock in moisture; and anti-inflammatory witch hazel and eucalyptus, which provide a cooling and refreshing effect.

Available at Babo Botanicals

Mill Creek Botanicals Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

This moisture-rich, quick-absorbing vegan gel comprises mostly of organic aloe vera extract, combined with anti-oxidant cucumber to help keep the skin protected, while providing relief for skin irritations, sunburn, minor burns and even insect bites.

Other ingredients like comfrey and allantoin further assist the skin’s healing process. As well as being a great after-sun product, it can also be used as a cooling after-shave balm for men and women.

Available at iHerb

Pai Instant Kalmer Serum

Made for hyper-sensitive skin, this vegan fragrance-free serum works to reduce redness and calm the skin quickly with a ceramide-rich formulation that combines anti-inflammatory sea aster, calming oat extract, antioxidant magnolia berry extract and hyaluronic acid to soothe stressed skin while repairing damage.

Pai decided against adding common cooling ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus to ensure this serum can be used by people with ultra-sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema and rosacea.

Available at Lookfantastic

Nuori Sun Repair Serum

This deeply rehydrating vegan serum contains a potent mix of plant-based, bio-fermented sorbitol and chamomile flower that work to reduce inflammatory reactions; natural hyaluronic acid and sucrose complex for hydrating and locking in moisture; and vitamins C and E to neutralise free radicals. Liquorice root extract also inhibits melanin production, reducing signs of photo-ageing.

Available at Smallable

Read also: 8 Cruelty-Free, Vegan and Reef-Safe Sunscreens

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When shopping for a summer skirt, my advice is to look for those made from natural materials. Not only are they perfect for the humid weather, but they’re also generally more eco-friendly and durable than synthetic fabrics. 

Here are my three of my favourite sustainable skirt picks, made from different natural fabrics:

See also: 3 Eco Items To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Cass Livia Skirt 

CASS’ Livia skirt is made of hemp, a fast-growing, resistant and renewable natural material that is made to last a lifetime. It grows with little water, without pesticides and is extremely durable, breathable, comfortable and great for skin, thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities. Even with all those benefits, hemp still has one more trick up its sleeve – it’s also considered a carbon-negative raw material, as it absorbs more carbon than it produces.

This skirt design is timeless and I love its simplicity. I’m currently pairing it with a crop top and squared heels for a classy and elegant look, or with a t-shirt and sandals for a more relaxed vibe. 

Available at CASS

Mayamiko Doreen Mini Skirt

Mayamiko’s Doreen Skirt is made from pure rain-fed organic cotton grown in Uganda, and crafted at a fair trade workshop by talented artisans in Malawi. Organic cotton is made from natural seeds, with zero pesticides or other harmful chemicals used when growing the plant.

This skirt is so soft that I get slightly emotional at the end of the day when it’s time to take it off! It’s a great summer staple and I love pairing it with a cami during the weekend or a shirt on work days. I personally wish more brands would follow Mayamiko’s lead and promote fair trade practices, as I believe that the people who made my clothes should be paid fairly for their work.

Available at Mayamiko

See also: Sustainability Defined: 10 Useful Eco Fashion Terms

Linen Handmade Studio Valencia Slit Skirt

Linen Handmade Studio’s Valencia Skirt is made of linen, a strong but lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. It is naturally hypoallergenic and very breathable, making it a great material for warm weather. I love this skirt because the design is so fun, yet it’s smart enough to wear to work when paired with a shirt.

What’s great about this brand is that their designs are made-to-order; with 27 different colours to choose from, you can pick the best shade to fit your capsule wardrobe. Made-to-order business models help reduce waste and minimise surplus stock but are they the future of sustainable fashion? Keep in mind that small businesses like these need your support as they face scalability issues. 

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

This summer, let’s rethink the way we buy fashion. Read clothing labels carefully, take time to research materials and support small businesses whenever you can. Through these small yet conscious steps, we can make a difference in the future of our planet!

See also: 3 Sustainable Mini Handbags To Invest In For Summer

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Want to keep the changing of the seasons distinct and beautiful but still sustainable? Keep reading for 8Shades’ picks of the coolest eco-friendly shades!

See also: 6 Sustainable Sun Hats & Visors for Summer Protection

KNWLS: Yellow Adrenaline Oval Sunglasses

With a slanted oval shape, these sunglasses from the latest it-girl brand KNWLS are one of our faves this season for those sunny days. Not only do they have the most unique silhouette that just begs to be complimented, but they are also handcrafted from 100 percent recycled acrylic!

Available at SSENSE

Bird: Athene Clear Sunglasses

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed, but clear frames seem to be back in fashion and we’re loving how wearable and chic they are! The eco-conscious eyewear label Bird makes its frames with Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate — a naturally derived material made from wood pulp.

Available at Bird Eyewear

& Other Stories: Brown Tortoise Squared Thick Frame Sunglasses

A cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on style, & Other Stories’ rectangle tortoiseshell shades have an unmistakably strong look that simply stands out amongst the rest! We also adore that they’re made from 85 percent recycled polyester, processed from plastic bottles and textile waste.

Available at & Other Stories

Waterhaul: Harlyn Aqua Sunglasses

On the hunt for something bright and colourful to go with summer’s vibrant palette? Well, these ocean-coloured shades are just the thing! What we love most about these round-framed shades though is that they are designed to be saltwater-resistant and are made from 100 percent recycled fishing net recovered in Cornwall, UK.

Available at Waterhaul

Proof Eyewear: Grove Wood Sunglasses

Looking for something way different? We got you. These unconventional sunglasses with a vintage vibe are handmade from sustainably sourced wood, and hand-polished with water- and sweat-resistant plant-based sealant. As it turns out, you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Available at Proof Eyewear

Szade x Impala: Dollin Sunglasses

This one’s for all the Barbie girls in a Barbie world! These matte bubblegum-pink shades with 90s inspired flame decals on the sides are so much more than meets the eye. Szade makes its sunglasses from broken-down and recycled sunglasses collected in China that were destined for landfill — tackling the waste problem at its source.

Available at Szade

Read also: 8 Bio-Acetate Sunglasses to Reinvent Your Summer Wardrobe

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Of course, the climate crisis only contributes to the harshness of our city’s notorious summers, but that doesn’t mean we should just stay inside and miss out on all the fun! Read on for our picks of the cutest sustainable sun hats and visors for a well-protected summer outing.

See also: 8 Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Prana: Genevieve Sun Hat

If there’s one thing we know about the Hong Kong seaside, it’s that things can get incredibly windy – which is when the drawcord of this minimalist sun hat comes into play.

But that’s not the best thing about this floppy darling; made of hemp paper and recycled polyester, the Genevieve Sun Hat from Prana, a “clothing for positive change” advocate, is lightweight, wearable and strong with UPF 50+ protection.

Available at Prana

Bagtazo: Tin Can Beach Hat

Just because you’re going to the beach doesn’t mean you can’t still be classy and stylish. Created by Filipino-American environmentalist designer and founder Coco Bagtazo, this sun hat is an elevated classic handmade from sheer braided hemp, featuring a natural silk tie that keeps your hat in place.

The brand also works with materials from verifiable sources, continually strives towards sustainability and regularly donates to grassroots and mutual aid funds, as well as Planned Parenthood.

Available at Bagtazo

Janessa Leoné: Wes Hat

A short-brimmed bucket style with a tall crown, the Wes Hat is braided and sewn with natural raffia for strength and durability. It comes in three staple colours – chocolate, natural white and black – to go with any summer outfit.

We also love that Janessa Leoné is a brand guided by conscious consumption, especially in terms of environmental impact and sustainability.

Available at Janessa Leoné

Ceremonia: Palm Leaf Sun Visor

This handwoven sun visor is probably the most summery headwear to ever exist! Crafted from palm leaf, cotton and nylon, it comes with a one-size-fits-most elastic band.

This BIPOC, women-owned brand also ensures it is made of sustainable and vegan materials, so we can keep on enjoying those beautiful sunny days without worrying more than we already do about the planet.

Available at Ceremonia

Girlfriend Collective: 50/50 Bucket Hat

Designed with 50 percent Texloop RCOT recycled cotton and 50 percent organic cotton, this classic bucket hat from Girlfriend Collective comes in six different colours to fit any aesthetic. Of course, our favourite is the muted banana yellow – it just screams summer!

The best part is, Girlfriend Collective is a fair trade label and its recycled fabric is Oeko-Tex-certified, so you know they’ve got a conscience too.

Available at Girlfriend Collective 

Caminito: Sombra Sun Hat

Handmade from woven palm leaves and vegetable-tanned leather by skilled artisans in Mexico, this shady sun hat features a hand-drawn sun pattern that is both subtle and unique – just a little bit of fun detail to help you step up your beach game!

We also adore that the San Francisco-based Caminito is a women-owned label and uses sustainable materials to craft its summery collection.

Available at Caminito

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags for Seaside Escapes

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The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ was popularised by British fashion icon Susie Faux in the 1970s. A traditional capsule collection comprises anywhere between ten to 50 practical and versatile pieces of clothing, put together to create an entire wardrobe. 

The great thing about a capsule wardrobe is that pieces are interchangeable, enabling you to build countless outfits from fewer items overall. This concept is even more relevant now in the age of fast fashion and should inspire us to change our consumption habits.

Here are my top picks for three key, eco-friendly pieces to invest in for a summer capsule wardrobe.

See also: 13 Fast Fashion Quotes To Inspire

1. Jeans

A pair of blue or coloured jeans is my go-to weekend outfit. Throw on some jeans, accessorise them with a cute top and a pair of laid-back sneakers, add a belt and matching bag, and you’re ready to go!

Unspun

Hong Kong-based brand Unspun has a really sustainable business model, selling only made-to-order, custom-made jeans. I’ve been wearing their light bootcut jeans over the last few months; I love that they’re curve-flattering and their high-waisted silhouette gives my legs a boost. You can simply pick the design you like and scan your body measurements through their app. In about a month’s time, they’ll send you a pair of jeans that’s been 100 percent tailor-made for your body shape.

Available at Unspun

Kuyichi

My other summer go-to are Kuyichi’s Lisette cream-coloured, super high-waisted, 70s-inspired flared jeans. They are made of organic cotton and eco-friendly Tencel Lyocell, which keeps me cool in the summer heat. They go perfectly with crop tops and I love pairing them with a linen blazer or light trench coat. 

Available at Kuyichi

2. Crop Tops

Summer simply calls for crop tops! No matter what body shape you have, a crop top is a lady’s best friend.

Honest Basics

I am currently in love with Honest Basics, a brand from Germany. They’re on a mission to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone, while paying everyone throughout their supply chain a fair wage. Here, you can find quality basics that are essential for building a capsule wardrobe – like this black spaghetti crop top. 

Available at Honest Basics

Rifo

My other go-to summer crop top is from Rifo. Their Nora knitted crop top is made with a yarn crafted from recycled old jeans. Rifo estimates that this top has been recycled from two to five pairs of jeans, consuming only 80 litres of water throughout the production process – rather than the 3,000 required by an identical virgin cotton garment. 

Available at Rifo

3. Blazers

Blazers add instant spunk to any outfit and work for many occasions. For instance, I’d throw on a blazer in Hong Kong summer whenever the indoor temperature gets too cold!

@White By Gosia Orlowska

My @White By Gosia Orlowska pink blazer is made from deadstock silk in Hong Kong. It’s perfect for work occasions or weekend brunches and the silk material makes it extra breathable and soft to the touch – and I love the pink colour!

Available at @White By Gosia Orlowska

Linen Handmade Studio

Linen is the perfect material for hot, humid Hong Kong summers as it’s so breathable and versatile. My Colette lavender grey linen jacket was made-to-order from Linen Handmade Studio; its classic, timeless design is just perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe. I also love that this brand has 27 colours to pick from for each design, and most items are made-to-order for your size, which minimises waste.

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

Remembering the manta of “buy less, buy better”, a capsule wardrobe is the best way forward to remedy the ills of our past consumption habits. Let’s all try to minimise our environmental impact through small, conscious steps that make a huge difference for the one planet we all share!

See also: 3 Sustainable Swimwear Brands to Wear This Summer

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Read on for our diverse and sustainable picks of the coolest shorts to sport in the warm season — from the office to the beach, there’s bound to be something that tickles your fancy.

Stefania Vaidani: Ilios Recycled Shorts

Made of recycled fabrics, these adorable shorts are just what you need for the season. The brand has been certified by Oeko-Tex, which means its materials are free of harmful chemicals and safe for human use. Of course, we love the light-hearted yellow and white stripes too — the perfect summer staple for any occasion!

Available at Stefania Vaidani

Sézane: Lucky Shorts

French atelier Sézane creates most of its collections with organic cotton, certified materials and recycled polyester. These high-waisted chequered shorts, for instance, are made of 100 percent natural linen and have a flattering flared leg. Just watch as their bright colour and casual-yet-classy look carry you from the boardroom to the boat party!

Available at Sézane

House of Dagmar: Tatiana Shorts

Looking for an easy yet stylish summer staple? You’ve come to the right place. The soft twill linen shorts from Swedish sustainability-focused label House of Dagmar are among the brand’s ‘Good Choice’ items that consist of at least 50 percent sustainable materials and have the most wearable and comfy silhouette. Just peep that elastic waist — we love a stress-free look! We’d wear this to an all-white party, but the possibilities are endless.

Available at House of Dagmar

Boyish: The Leon Shorts

With a novelty belt detail and wide relaxed leg, these high-rise pleated denim shorts are the definition of versatility; dress it up or down, it’s up to you! The best part is that the Los Angeles label Boyish uses ethical and sustainable practices in its manufacturing process, and these shorts are made of organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled cotton.

Available at Boyish

Whimsy & Row: Valentina Shorts

What can we say? We’re suckers for cool abstract shapes and neutral colours. These linen Valentina shorts are bound to be a crowd-pleaser no matter where you are. Just pair them with a plain basic and go! Whimsy & Row has lowered its carbon footprint by producing locally and continually strives for zero-waste by recycling its materials and only cutting limited quantities.

Available at Whimsy and Row

The Odder Side: Rive Shorts

Still looking for a pair of work shorts? These pure cotton shorts might just be what you need — the ruched waistband, belt loops and turned-up hem give a tailored feel, while the beige colour is a safe and easy-on-the-eyes choice for any room. Not only is The Odder Side certified by Oeko-Tex, but they also made these shorts with a plastic-free dedication to the environment.

Available at The Odder Side

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags For Seaside Escapes

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Why? Because there’s nothing worse than makeup melting in the 40-degree heat and 80 percent humidity, messing up that glowy, dewy look you were going for – the one that perfectly matches your favourite swimsuit, beach hat and cover-up, relaxing microbead-free salt scrub and virgin pina coladas.

With spiking temperatures – and we know how this feels given Hong Kong’s recent hot weather warnings – the key to looking fresh is to swap out your foundation with a light, hydrating, tinted moisturiser that won’t weigh you down, delivering the coverage you need while giving your skin a breather.

Tinted moisturisers can save a lot of prep time too, as the latest formulations also double up as skincare, incorporating ingredients that can fix imperfections, enhance your complexion and boost hydration, all while protecting you from sun damage. Some address specific concerns like oily or dry skin, with continued use resulting in better skin.

So for all the outdoor frolicking you’ve got planned this season, we’ve selected eight of the best-performing vegan and cruelty-free tinted moisturisers, which are also all free of parabens, silicones, phthalates, PEGs and sulfates.

See also: 8 Cruelty-Free, Vegan & Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30 is a multi-tasking tinted moisturiser. This liquid formula is blended with niacinamide, plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid to help nourish, balance and moisturise skin. It goes on light and adjusts to your natural colour, resulting in a radiant complexion.

Available at Net-a-Porter

Tarte’s Maracuja Tinted Hydrator

With 20 shades available, Tarte’s Maracuja Tinted Hydrator delivers sheer, buildable coverage while infusing skin with up to 12 hours of hydration, thanks to an oil rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C from the maracuja super fruit. Easy to apply with your fingertips, this product helps visibly even out skin tone and minimise the appearance of imperfections. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen and turmeric root extract, a soothing ingredient that helps reduce redness.

Available at Sephora Hong Kong

Bare Minerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

BareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF30 boasts a 24-hour hydration boost that increases skin’s moisture levels by 215 percent with just one week’s use, based on the average results from a US independent clinical study. With buildable sheer to light coverage, the formula visibly evens skin tone and blurs imperfections, creating a dewy, healthy glow – plus it’s oil- and fragrance-free.

Available at BareMinerals

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

The Ordinary Serum Foundation with SPF15 is a lightweight formula that glides on effortlessly, pretty much like a regular serum. It comes in 36 different shades, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every skin tone. There are additional shades for silver and gold highlights too, which are infused with metallic effect pigments to add a luminous effect to skin (look for shades that end with S or G).

Available at The Ordinary

Huda Beauty’s Glowish Multidew Skin Tint

Huda Beauty’s GloWish Multidew Skin Tint is ideal for giving dry skin an all-over glow. This creamy, fragrance-free formula has the coverage of foundation, with the lightweight texture of a tinted moisturiser. Available in 13 shades, it also features moisturising and antioxidant functions, thanks to hydrating plant-derived squalane, Damascus rose oil which soothes and clarifies, and red bell pepper extract, which protects the skin against digital blue-light pollution.

Available at Sephora Hong Kong

Kosas Tinted Face Oil

Kosas Tinted Face Oil is a clean, weightless foundation formulated with six nourishing botanical oils such as avocado and meadowfoam to moisturise, plump and improve skin’s appearance. Soothing red raspberry and meadowfoam oils calm the skin, while camellia and rosehip seed oils work to balance and brighten your complexion. With a serum-like consistency, the oil gives a natural, dewy finish; in a consumer study, using it for 28 days resulted in brighter skin, a more even skin tone and reduced blemishes.

Available at Revolve

Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint

If you think your skin needs a bit more hydration plus anti-ageing ingredients, Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint SPF15 comes infused with the brand’s unique Hyaluronan Complex that boosts moisture levels, while tightening the skin and filling in wrinkles. Coming in 12 shades, its lightweight creamy texture – think whipped cream – offers medium to full coverage, while pearlescent pigments provide a luminous glow.

Available at Hourglass

Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser

Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser with SPF15 is a three-in-one formula that provides hydration, sun protection and foundation-like buildable coverage. A unique blend of thyme and butterfly bush extracts offers powerful antioxidant protection, while hyaluronic acid seals in the moisture. It’s a great product to use if you have concerns with blemishes and discolouration, with a velvety smooth texture, and it comes in eight shades.

Available at Chantecaille

See also: 8 Waterless Beauty Products for Summer

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With that in mind, when shopping for a sustainable bag, remember to keep an eye on the provenance of its main material. Handbags are often made of leather, with the leather produced for bag manufacturing being a key driver behind deforestation in the Amazon.

See also: World Leaders Promise To End Deforestation By 2030

Luckily, more and more brands these days understand the impact of their business on people and our planet. There are increasing numbers of sustainable options for us to look good, feel good and do good in – so here are my favourite sustainable mini handbags for summer!

Labienhecha Hortensia Bag

Handmade in Malaga, Spain, Labienhecha only uses recycled leather, certified by Global Recycled Standard and Oeko Tex Leather Standard. Their use of pastel colours across their collection is especially enchanting – after all, it’s all about summer and wanting to make the most of the season!

I carried my small Hortensia, which means “shopping bag” in Spanish, throughout my most recent business trip to the US. I love its quality and versatility; it came with me to the gym and my business meetings alike. An all-woman team lies behind Labienhecha, something that I find compelling when purchasing from boutique sustainable brands.

Available at Labienhecha

Brunna.Co Sumatran Tiger Clutch

Brunna.Co offers unique, limited and collectible handmade bags crafted by local artisans in Indonesia. Their multitude of designs is meant to represent the biodiversity surrounding us. More importantly, their bags are often made with a specific conservation effort in mind.

My Sumatran Tiger Clutch was designed to raise awareness of critically endangered Sumatran tigers; currently, there are less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild due to deforestation and poaching. Brunna.Co donates the proceeds from each Sumatran Tiger Clutch purchased directly from their online store to tiger conservation projects.

Available at Brunna.Co

Bottle Top Bellani Mini Enamel Bag

Bottle Top takes the mantra ‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ to a whole new level. They make their bags from recycled bottle tops from Africa and certified-Amazon Zero Deforestation leather. Their atelier in Brazil employs more than 20 mostly female artisans, with a salary 45 percent higher than the Brazilian industry average.

My Bellani Mini Bag is more than just a bag – I would go as far as to say that it’s a piece of art! It takes Bottle Top’s skilled artisans a whole day to make one of these beauties by hand. All my summer necessities fit perfectly inside – and to literally top it all off, bottle tops do keep me cool in the summer heat, all puns intended!

Available at Bottle Top

Let’s rethink the way we buy this summer. Where we spend our money does shape the future of our planet… And yes, let me say it again, let’s all try to minimise our environmental impact through small, conscious steps that will make a huge difference for the one planet we share!

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags For Seaside Escapes

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It never seems to get easier coping with our humid, subtropical urban jungle — but whether you’re summering elsewhere or battling through the Hong Kong heat, we can all do with some cute footwear to brighten up both our mood and our wardrobe! Here’s our pick of the hottest sandals to kick this season up a notch.

Brother Vellies: Bike Shoes

Nothing says “hot girl summer” like strappy heels in some blindingly bright colours. These chic heeled sandals from Brother Vellies – who are dedicated to keeping African artisanal techniques alive by creating and sustaining ‘fair labour’ jobs across the continent – come in four different neon colours… But we think orange is the new black.

Available at Brother Vellies

Aera: Gina Sandals

Looking for something a little more comfortable and down-to-earth, but still pretty enough for your holiday getaways? This pair from Aera is vegan, incredibly soft and perfect for sunny days that blend into romantic nights.

Available at Aera

Simon Miller: Ghost Wedges

A major cool girl moment, these wedges are lined with vegan leather for the utmost comfort and have a 10-cm “ghost” heel that elevates your summer fashion game to a whole other level. We love them paired with a white dress.

Available at Simon Miller

Maison Métisse: Adria Sandals

One of the more affordable kicks on this list, these sandals are nothing short of divine. Channel your inner Greek goddess with these godly heels with gold straps that are made from pineapple leather.

Available at Maison Métisse

Pīferi: Miranda 125 Platform Sandals

Live your best vintage Barbie life with these beautiful platform sandals in vegan satin. We adore the cherry red – it’s making us want to look hot, go dancing and be flirty… Just the thing for gaining a few inches while you conquer the party!

Available at Pīferi

NAE: Jackie Blue Sandals

These vegan sandals are also giving us major vintage vibes, but they’re a little more on the cosy, cottagecore side. Wear these with a pastel floral or gingham dress and imagine yourself on a strawberry farm, far, far away from your problems…

Available at Avesu Vegan Shoes

Nanushka: Mahalia Chunky Sandals

Don’t always feel like dressing up super girly? We gotcha. These chunky sandals are tough on the outside, but vegan on the inside. Pair them with whatever, for one of those “whatever” days — but you’ll still look effortlessly cool.

Available at Nanushka

Camper: Match Sandals

Made with 100% recycled PET straps, these sandals are perfect for those outdoor days when you want to look cute, but don’t want to compromise on comfort and security — and you shouldn’t ever have to! This white-and-yellow combo is already brightening up our world like nothing else.

Available at Camper

See also: 8Shades’ Top 5 Natural, Reef Safe Sunscreens

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Before we immerse ourselves in Mother Nature’s warmest season, take a look at our list of eco-friendly and sustainably made beach bags that are both functional and adorable!

Beach’d: Half-Moon Crossbody

Searching for something dainty for bringing only the essentials to the seaside? Look no further than this half-moon crossbody bag, made responsibly by fair-trade weavers. Whether you choose the natural or black colour, it’s the cutest and easiest accessory for all your memorable summer outings and photo ops. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s so wearable, you can reuse it for city days too!

Available at Beach’d

Kayu: Astrid Oversized Woven Straw Tote

Like to be well-prepared? This bag is big and soft enough for all your essentials and more. Handcrafted by women in Southeast Asia using indigenous techniques from sustainable and durable jute, the Astrid tote is functional and elegant. Aside from providing them with a sensible living wage, Kayu also makes sure their cultural heritage is preserved and promoted.

Available at Kayu

Mar Y Sol: Odette Crossbody Bag

We love this slouchy bucket bag for its “effortless but I’m still cooler than you” vibe. Crafted from woven straw made locally in Madagascar, complete with durable cotton lining and a pair of tassels, this Odette crossbody is simple yet unique, and we can’t wait to flaunt it under the bright blue sky.

Available at Shopbop

Maison Métisse: Katy Beach Tote

Handwoven with dried Buri leaves by Filipino artisans, each of these square-shaped bags is hand-painted individually in a playful aesthetic. This tote from the Philippines’ Maison Métisse is the perfect summer fashion item to shine at the beach. Wear it with a sweet playsuit, a floral dress or even just your summer fits as you’re out and about — the sky’s the limit when it comes to this one!

Available at Maison Métisse

AAKS: Tia Blush

Stand out and brighten up your beach look with this intricate statement bag from AAKS. Handcrafted in Ghana with woven raffia, this colourful top-handle bag is the best prop for those Instagram stories and posts, and is guaranteed to get you loads of compliments from the beach to the brunch!

Available at AAKS

The Dharma Door: Jumbo Hemp String Bag

Who doesn’t love a string bag in the summer? Especially when it’s an upgraded fashion version! Knotted and tied from hand-spun hemp fibres by fair trade artisans in Bangladesh, this strong and versatile bag can accommodate any situation you can think of. The thick handle looks tough but is actually soft… just like our hearts when we think of the beach!

Available at The Dharma Door

See also: 8Shades’ Guide to a Sustainable Beach Day

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The post 6 Sustainable Beach Bags For Seaside Escapes appeared first on 8Shades.