Let us all breathe in a collective sigh of relief. The harsh months of winter are over, along with an unusually frigid spring for those of us who are lucky enough to reside in the great white North East. With this welcome change in seasons comes a change in style, as well as a dramatic overhaul of your daily beauty routine. For many, this equates to a simpler, lower-maintenance beauty regimen. It’s summer and you’re constantly on the go: swanky soirees next to the pool, glam boat parties, and Sunday brunch with the girls (oh, and work too). There is way too much fabulousness going on in the summer to be messing around with cakey makeup and goopy hair straightening serums in 100% humidity. It sounds tempting, but we would prefer a more au natural approach for the steamy summer months. Below are six summer beauty must-haves, or as we like to call them, “beauty non-negotiables.” These essentials are sure to keep you looking, feeling, and smelling fresh all the way through Labor Day weekend.
Heavy-Duty Exfoliator
The first step to a fresh-faced look and feel for summer is getting rid of all the dead skin winter left behind. Prepping for bathing suit season means eliminating that flaky, scale-like skin and revealing your inner ready-to-be-sun-kissed goddess. Exfoliating on a weekly basis doesn’t only prep your skin to finally see the light of day. It also helps banish breakouts and prevent those pesky ingrown hairs.
We recommend a product from the world-renowned European Wax Center. Their product, The Exfoliate, is the epitome of a heavy-duty exfoliator, yet it’s gentle enough to be used anywhere on your skin. A small dollop of this miracle cream, which boasts EWC’s trademark “comfort blend” of antioxidants and aloe vera, ensures an enzymatic action that brings all of that flaky dry skin to the surface to reveal your smoothest skin ever. You can purchase The Exfoliate at any EWC location near you for $38.00. It’s definitely a beauty splurge, but trust us, it’s more than worth it.
Tinted SPF Moisturizer
Ladies, it’s time to nix your cakey foundations and powders for good, or at least until next winter. After all, there’s nothing worse than feeling your makeup run down the side of your face as you chat up your summer crush in the scorching heat. We strongly suggest trading in your favorite maximum coverage foundation for a tinted SPF moisturizer. Why? Tinted moisturizers are fabulous for two reasons: they offer seamless coverage, while at the same time protecting your skin from the harsh summer rays. (anti-aging, anyone?). In short: minimal coverage and maximum protection.
The options are endless when it comes to tinted moisturizers. If you’re looking to splurge, we recommend Sarah McNamara’s Miracle Skin Transformer. This antioxidant-rich formula boasts a hydrating base, as well as a powerful SPF 20 protection that literally transforms your skin in the blink of an eye. You can purchase the Miracle Skin Transformer for $48.00 on the Sarah McNamara website (http://shop.miracleskintransformer.com/). Pinching pennies to afford your summer share? No worries. Most budget-friendly make up lines offer tinted moisturizers in an array of shades that are perfect for your low-maintenance beauty regimen.
A fresh, fruity scent
A fresh scent that matches your flirty mood is the perfect way to seal your summer look. Many well-known fragrance brands feature summer-inspired scents, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem. Your mission is to sift and sample your way through the endless array of options and find a summer fragrance that is perfect for you. Keep in mind, your scent should mimic the season. You want something light and fresh, with a touch of fruitiness. Our favorite is Ralph Lauren’s Romance Summer Blossom. It’s perfectly fruity and divinely floral, with romantic hints of vanilla and coconut. You can purchase Romance Summer Blossom in high-end department stores for $74.00.
You can read about all of our summer beauty must-haves on Page 50 of our June/July Issue at http://magazine.clichemag.com.
