My Summer Style Guide: Kiana Murden, Senior Beauty Commerce Writer at Vogue

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Vogue’s Senior Beauty Commerce Writer Kiana Murden knows a thing or two about finding reliable products that won’t break the bank.

What’s your essential summer purchase—and why do you love it?

I know they’re having a bit of a moment this year, but a white maxi skirt is an essential for me every summer—actually, who am I kidding: year-round! I’ve been such a sucker for voluminous silhouettes lately—I find them breezy and more comfortable than pants. Bonus points if there are pockets.

What’s a beauty product that everybody should get their hands on—and why?

My complexion is always top of mind in the summer, as we’re showing more skin and likely wearing less makeup, but I’ve been especially invested in my skin-tinted moisturizer curation. Formulas by Hourglass, Danessa Myricks, and Beauty Pie instantly even out skin tone, layering weightlessly atop sunscreen without pilling. Bonus points if they’re enriched with moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or peptides.

What’s a place you love to visit—and how do you spend your time there? Though I like to say I’m happiest by the water, there’s something about Paris that just enchants me time after time. No matter how long I stay, the city’s romance does something to me. I always plan to have at least 24 hours in the Marais doing a little shopping and stopping randomly for a glass of wine or a café.

What’s the one summer shoe you can’t recommend enough?

A kitten heel sandal—in my opinion, no other summer shoe matters. It’s like my version of a low-heeled black ankle boot in fall and winter—goes with everything, elevates an outfit, and is comfortable enough for commuting. I’ve worn mine to Tokyo, Soho, and everywhere in between without blisters or sore feet.

What’s one accessory you can’t do without—and why?

I cannot live without a shoulder bag. Though I’d love to be the kind of girl who sports a Jacquemus Chiquito mini without a care in the world, I simply need a bag that’s hands-free and fits all my essentials—phone (I have a Pro Max that I jokingly call my “iPad phone”), two lip glosses, lip liner, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, lotion, perfume vial, and wallet. Seriously: I do not leave my house without any of these—ideally stored in a surprisingly spacious bag.