The Summer Beauty Edit
With full bikini weather upon us, there are a few steps I like to do to prep for summer. Beauty is my first love and at the core of that is healthy skin and hair. With summer comes stronger rays of sun, salt water and chlorine, all taking a toll on your body. Ultimately I want tan, smooth, glowing skin. I mean who doesn't, am I right?
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am conscious when it comes to ingredients. It is important to look at labels and see what companies are pumping into their products. Sulfates strip natural oils from skin and hair, leaving everything feeling dry. Hydration is key in the summer. Hence some of the steps I do to ensure you look and feel your best.
First things first is dry brushing. A habit I have adapted recently, but have really noticed a difference. I do this before the shower, starting at the ankles and doing long strokes towards the heart. It breaks up toxins and I have really noticed a difference in keeping skin smooth, but also more firm. I then shower, and if I want an extra boost will use Aromatherapy Associates Body Scrub in the shower. Skin is now extra smooth and ready to go.
I change up routines on a daily basis depending on what my skin needs but I usually alternate between these two steps: Moisture or Self-Tan. If I am just hydrating, I apply an oil and/or a lotion combo. I have been LOVING the Soapwalla Lavender Vanilla Mint Oil. It is subtle in scent and it has such a luxurious feel and it's ingredients are organic and food grade level so you don't feel guilty being extra heavy-handed. I will then top with Eminence Coconut Firming Body Lotion or Kiehls Creme de Corps.
If it is a self tanning day, I have been using Tan-Luxe Hydra Mousse and Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self Tan for the face. They are completely clear in formula, have beneficial skincare ingredients such as Raspberry Oil, and are truly foolproof to apply. I use a mitt to apply all over, wake up the next morning and you have a gorgeous natural glowing tan. I am thoroughly impressed with the technology behind this but also the glowing color it produces from a clear formula!
As for the face I have been enjoying a paired back skincare routine. In the AM, I will simply take a cotton pad with Estelle & Thild Micellar Water to cleanse the face. I will then splash my face with water. Next I will apply Dr. Haushcka Rose Care Light Day Cream mixed with a dime sized amount of their Translucent Bronzing Tint for an overall glow with the final step being SPF and Eye Balm. At night, I have been dying over Pestle & Mortar Renew Gel Cleanser, which I take off with a hot cloth. It is rich so it breaks down makeup, but also has glycolic which really cleans out pores. I then apply either the Pestle & Mortar Retinol Oil or my loyal stand-by Retinol Reform.
My makeup routine in the summer becomes edited. I will then apply a touch of Nars Tinted Moisturizer, conceal any redness with my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, pat Nars Multiple Tint in Alice on the apple of my cheeks for a just-in-the-sun glow, and a final dusting of bronzer. Lastly, I may add a touch of eye gloss, curl my lashes, and mascara and my usual routine of lip liner and balm.
