So it’s almost summer. Are you ready?! I absolutely love the summer season but it seems that I am never ready when it arrives. So I decided this year, I would be prepared but in the process, why not share the essentials every girl should have to look fabulous and enjoy this summer? So without further ado, let’s get started! Here is our list:
Skin Care:
1. Face moisturizer
2. Sunscreen
3. Lip balm
4. Lotion/Jojoba oil
5. Exfoliating scrub
Beauty/Makeup:
1. Lashes, lashes & more lashes
2. Mascara
3. Lipstick/gloss/stain
4. Bronzer/highlighter
5. Plush arched brows
Hair Care/Styling:
1. Dry Shampoo
2. Gel
3. Conditioner
4. Hair tie/bands
5. Spray bottle of water
Fashion:
1. Maxi dress/cardigan
2. Jumpsuit/Romper
3. Wide leg pants/gauchos
4. Tank/halter top
5. Denim shorts
Accessories:
1. Wide brim floppy hat
2. Shades (sunglasses)
3. Hoop earrings
4. Oversized bag/clutch
5. Chunky heels/gladiator flats
Now let’s talk about why I chose these items as summer essentials. First, I left the items in listed form so that you can copy and paste or print for use. (You’re welcome in advance lol). So now, let’s think, in the summer we don’t like to be tied down to a whole lot of anything that make us feel weighed down. We like to feel free, right?
As far as skin care is concerned, facial moisturizer is essential for making sure that skin stays healthy during hot months. Just washing your face is not enough, the skin needs to have moisture for great environmental balance. Be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen. I typically use spf45. Be sure to moisturize those lips with a non-petroleum based formula of lip balms. Exfoliating is great for dry skin…follow up with an organic oil, preferably jojoba since it’s closest to the skin’s sebum. Your skin should exhibit an awesome glow!
When I think about makeup in the summer, I can’t stand the idea of caking on products. This is the time to let your natural beauty and skin shine! I typically opt for beauty ENHANCING products instead of altering. So, lashes! Lashes give the eyes a natural pop and open them up. While you’re at it, throw on some mascara. Make sure to really get the mascara on your bottom lashes for that extra lil something something. Be sure your natural brows are groomed and try not to over wax, thread or pluck so that you have full lush brows to balance the face. Use clear brow gel for grooming and keeping hairs in tact. This eliminates the need for eyebrow powders, pencils, etc. Make your lips pop with a bold lipstick, gloss or stain. If you’re opting for a neutral lip, you can still make that lip pop with ombre or just go for that sexy nude lip that JLo is known for. Let your skin shimmer under the sun with a great highlight and/or bronzer. I recommend MAC Cosmetics Whisper of Gilt and Superb, ColourPop’s Butterfly Beach, or any one of Becca’s lovely highlighters.
Let’s talk hair! Beachy waves, bouncy natural coils, and top knots are all calling our names! Get rid of excess product and oil in tresses with dry shampoo. Hair gains volume for big and bold bouncy curls or waves. Use gel, hair ties and bands to create a fabulous top knot or low pony. If you frequent the beach, keep conditioner on hand to reduce breakage from the drying salt water. Use a spray bottle to refresh curls and waves.,when they air dry, they will be bigger and bolder than before. Add a bit of leave in conditioner for a moisturizing effect.
What is one of my favorite things to talk about? Fashion!! Yay!!! Since we have our other essentials, the only thig we need to be an “easy breezy cover girl” is some easy, breezy clothing. I’m a fan of maxi dresses and jumpsuits/rompers because they allow for us to not have to think about what to wear. Cardigans can be a nice cover up or accent to an outfit. For those really casual days at the park, grab a pair of shorts and a tank top. You could wear a cropped halter or just a regular old halter with the short or wide leg pants for a date night. All the fashion essentials can be mixed and matched to maximize wardrobe potential. Top off those outfits with sassy yet basic accessories. Keep the sun out of your face with a floppy hat. Sunglasses can replace the need for makeup when on the go. For a casual look, hoop earrings will always be an “in” thing. Make sure you have both an oversized bag AND clutch to be prepared for both casual and fancy events. Lastly, as a shoe gal, I love a good heel to polish off any outfit. Stick with chunky heels. That can be a conversation piece for any outfit. Single sole shoes can make an outfit look too dressy while chunky heels can look both dressy and casual. Also, chunky heels spell comfort. Speaking of comfort, (yea, cool segway huh? lol) pack some cute gladiator flats. They’re in style and are a great option for those that would rather be cozy. I bought the most adorable pair this spring from Forever 21. They were inexpensive!
Now that you have your list, you can adequately say that you are ready for summer. If you live where it is still cold in the winter, you can still go on vacation and know what to pack.