I’m constantly jotting down notes of things I want to share, though many never make it into an individual post. They’re simple tidbits of information interesting to me and I hope to you too. I’m wrapping them up in a new series called Quick Notes. EU sunscreens and a makeup product, an important Birkenstock detail, and the sneaker trend I’m seeing are a few of the topics included in today’s notes.
SUNSCREEN: I follow Dr. Ellen Gendler on Instagram and pay close attention to her skincare recommendations. Her recent Instagram story on blue light protection caught my attention—she recommended two standout options: Ducray Melascreen and Avene Sun Intense. I ordered both immediately. The Ducray proved to be the winner for my face with its velvet, matte finish and impressive formula that delivers high protection against UVB, UVA, and blue light while helping reduce dark spots thanks to added Azelaic Acid. The Avene, unfortunately, left me too shiny for facial use, so it's been relegated to arms and chest duty where a bit of sheen doesn't bother me.
I buy all of my European sunscreens from a trio of sites - Care to Beauty, Cocoon Center, and French Beauty Hub. Each has its strengths. Care to Beauty and French Beauty Hub both ship the Ducray Melascreen to the US while Cocoon Center offers La Roche-Posay Anthelios MUNE at nearly half the price of its French counterparts. The shipping policies and pricing fluctuate enough between them that it's worth checking all three before placing an order. There are more European skincare sites, but these are the three I’ve used and can attest to their consistent product quality and reliable delivery.
Another product I absolutely love is the CC Eye Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen from Korean skincare brand Erborian. It blends seamlessly and creates the perfect base for concealer application when needed. Unlike other eye products I've tried, it never leaves the delicate corner skin dry and flaky - an issue that sold me on this formulation completely. The quality impressed me enough to expand into their Super BB Concealer and CC Crème High Definition Radiance Cream, both offering SPF 25 protection. Since I prefer strategic spot correction over foundation coverage, these deliver exactly what I need. Worth noting: while Erborian products appear on US retail sites, many feature different formulations than their European counterparts. My favorite product, the CC EYE, remains exclusive to EU sites.
BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS: The Arizona Buckle Sandal is my go-to for complete comfort. I've learned that subtle details make all the difference in elevating the look beyond typical Birkenstock territory. The smooth leather footbed proves superior to cork - not only is it more visually appealing but infinitely more comfortable since cork tends to be harshly drying on bare feet. The new Arizona Droplet Buckle features a sophisticated, subtle teardrop edge detail and high-shine patent leather that transforms the classic silhouette into something more polished.
SUMMER DRESSES: Earlier this year, I curated an event dress collection on ShopMy that's proven invaluable for readers navigating special occasion shopping. The dedicated page works so well that I've expanded with a separate Summer Dresses collection. While Event Dresses focuses on more formal styles, Summer Dresses spans the spectrum from cocktail to casual day wear. I refresh both collections monthly to keep the selections current and relevant.
SLIM SOLE SNEAKERS: After years of chunky athletic dad sneakers dominating the scene, the pendulum has swung dramatically toward the slimmest possible profile—think retro-inspired styles that sit low to the ground, almost like ballet flats with laces. These sleek silhouettes work beautifully as ballet flat alternatives, pairing effortlessly with skirts, dresses, and softly pooling pant hems for a look that feels refreshingly current. I've been eyeing several pairs and finally committed to this one while it was on sale.
CARGO PANTS: A noted trend continuing into 2026, cargo pants are becoming the most interesting style to watch. The Citizens of Humanity pair above demonstrates their everyday appeal—simply styled with a cropped henley for effortless wearability. For more unexpected styling, I like the contrast of a shrunken tailored blazer with polished loafers, creating a serious-meets-casual tension. Current lightweight options worth considering include Leset’s Yoko Drawstring or Cargo, along with offerings from Tory Burch and the Citizens of Humanity pair pictured above.
TRAVEL SIZE BEAUTY PICKS: I ruthlessly downsize makeup, skincare, and beauty tools when traveling - streamlined efficiency and reduced packing weight make the effort worthwhile. When mini versions aren't available, I consolidate with multipurpose compacts like cheek and bronzer combos, eyeshadow palettes, or cheek and lip duos. Travel-sized heat tools prove invaluable too, from compact hair dryers to flat irons and this mini hot roller set. My non-negotiable travel essential remains a quality eye mask - useful on flights but equally crucial in hotel rooms where I need complete darkness for a good night’s sleep. The Drowsy Sleep Mask's wide side band offers the bonus of subtle noise filtering while keeping AirPods secure during flight.
Love the loafers. Can you tell me the brand?
I like the idea of slim profile sneakers, going to check them out thanks