What I Loved in July: Low-Rise Jeans That Won Me Over, A Glowy-Skin Ritual, and the Secret Behind My Stronger Nails

Plus, a few wellness staples that are giving me life this summer.

towel sweatshirt and cutoffs

Many thanks to Pique for partnering with us on today’s newsletter.

Despite my best intentions, July was not the slow, languid summer month I’d imagined. Final construction was in full swing at the beach house, Sunset Magazine came to photograph it for an upcoming issue (so fun), Adam’s parents stayed with us for a week, and my team flew out to shoot Casa Zuma’s new collection.

There wasn’t much white space on my calendar, but there was a lot of time at the beach with family and friends. We started perfecting our technique with the new pizza oven, and I got to fully step into creative director mode for a Casa Zuma campaign I’ve been dreaming about for years.

Whenever I start getting stressed by the lack of downtime—any other closet introverts feel a little panicky when the calendar fills up?—I try to shift the story from “everything is so busy” to “life feels really full.”

And I’ve noticed that during these fuller seasons, it’s the basics that keep me feeling like myself: taking care of my skin, getting dressed in things that feel easy and good, eating foods that make me feel energized, and sticking with the handful of supplements that actually work for me.

That’s really the theme of this month’s list: the simple things I keep coming back to.

Everything I Loved in July

I’m genuinely shocked by how much stronger my nails are since I started taking collagen two months ago. After years of gel manicures, my nails were weak and peeling so badly I could barely keep strengthener on them. It wasn’t until I started taking Pique’s Carrara Marine Collagen Peptides that I started to see the strong, natural nails of my dreams. Every morning, I add two scoops to my coffee—it has organic Madagascar vanilla and coconut cream that make it feel like a treat.

I know there are a lot of collagens out there, but this one is truly elite: it combines Type I marine collagen for skin radiance and smoothness with Type II collagen to support joints, elasticity, and connective tissue. And clinical studies show it promotes smoother, more radiant skin while reducing the biological age of your immune cells. Think of it as a beauty-plus-longevity approach that is literally making you look and feel better from the inside out.

You can use my link to get 15% off for life—try it and report back: https://piquelife.com/camillecarrara

ICYMI, a few of my most-read posts lately:

The Art of Having People Over

What Finally Fixed My Sleep (After Trying Literally Everything)

The 5-Minute Makeup Routine I Swear By

What I’m Wearing

I’m fully in my overalls era (not sure that’s a sentence I ever expected to say, but here we are!) I wore this soft corduroy pair to the farm stand last weekend and got stopped by multiple people wanting to know where I got them (Outerknown, in fact). They have that relaxed yet intentional vibe I’m always searching for. I also scooped up this relaxed t-shirt that I now want in multiple colors, and a towel-like sweatshirt (pictured at top) that I pull on after beach or pool, and it’s next-level cozy.

My summer uniform has followed a bit of a formula: a super soft boxy tee, a great pair of jeans, and a chunky cotton sweater thrown over my shoulders that I can pull on when temps drop in the evening.

I’m currently wearing my first pair of low-rise in years, and surprised by how much I love them. They’re relaxed, flattering, and so easy. (Code CAMILLESTYLES15 for 15% off Paige).

Also have to mention these elevated flip-flops that somehow look chic with every outfit—if I could only pack one pair of shoes in my suitcase, these would be them.

As I write this, I’m wearing the linen set I always pull on when I want to look chic yet feel like I’m wearing pajamas. It’s the perfect cocoa brown—I sized up for a really relaxed fit.

And speaking of comfort, my heat wave bra—this one feels like you’re wearing nothing yet offers just enough flattering support to look good under everything.

Beauty Drawer Additions

I’ve been talking about the Chebula Active Serum all summer, so this was too good not to share: Nordstrom is currently offering a set of two for the price of one.

This is a true desert-island product in our house. Adam and I both use it morning and night, which means we go through it quickly. If you already love it—or have been curious to try it—this is the moment. (Code CAMILLE15 for 15% off at True Botanicals)

The most luxurious body duo I’ve been slathering on after every shower—really loving body products that deliver skincare-level results. I smooth the firming lotion on from shoulders to toes, then layer the oil over it. It takes about two minutes, feels incredibly luxurious, and leaves my skin looking noticeably firmer and glowier.

New additions to my 5-minute makeup: this blush duo that gives a perfect summer flush (I brush it on the tops of my cheekbones and across my nose for a slightly sunburned look) and a perfectly sheer, juicy lip balm in the perfect shade of nectar.

A few of you have asked if I have a natural deodorant I actually love, so I wanted to report that I’ve been using this one for probably 5 years and it never lets me down. I love all the scents, but this saffron & cedar is my current fave (the body wash and fragrance are also divine).

Wellness Routine

In my ongoing quest to get a solid 8 hours of sleep, I’ve used some form of nighttime stress support for years. I can always tell when I forget it because I’m much more likely to wake up at 2 a.m. with my mind suddenly drafting tomorrow’s to-do list.

This one’s my new favorite—I take two about an hour before bed, and it really helps me wind down and sleep more steadily through the night. The bundle includes two other tools in my daily routine: an Omega-3+ that I take each morning with my collagen coffee, and delicious fiber gummies that support metabolism and a healthy gut microbiome. (Code CAMILLES10 for 10% off Midi).

Slightly random, but melon has become a major theme in my life lately. Every weekend at the farm stand, I buy whichever varieties look best—cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon—and end up eating some version of it almost every day.

I’ll have it in the afternoon with walnuts and blueberries, or serve it before dinner with flaky Maldon salt and fresh mint. So simple, so good.

I also added it to the grazing-board dinner pictured above with grilled sourdough and ricotta. It tasted like all the best parts of summer on one plate.

I’d love to hear what you loved in July. Is anyone reading anything especially good right now? Hope you’re having a beautiful weekend. xo

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