Summer Fun

Sunday, August 14, 2011


Its sort of been a century and a half since I last updated this little blog of mine.  So in celebration of me being alive and well in beauty life I thought I’d update on some of my current favorites.  From mascara to hair products and every worthy mentionable in between, every reader can find something appealing in this post. 

Hair
Let’s start from the top--the hair.  As you all know summer weather, especially in New York City , is very unforgiving to your hair.  The unruly frizz and inability to hold a curl or a polished style are signature hair woes during this season.  After a long battle with products, I’ve found that you should work with your hair rather than fighting it.  Fredrick Fekkai’s wave spray (fekkai.com, $24) is a prime product.  A lovely, light, summery coconut scented spray gently coats your locks and creates a perfect after-beach wave.  To achieve that perfect wave, spray in small sections and scrunch hair with your hands.  Once dried take small sections and wrap hair around your finger in a spiral, this will help define the wave.  To create a tighter wave, spray hair and use a diffuser. 

Now if you’re anything like me, you love a little curl in your hair regardless the weather.  The humidity and strong moisture in the air loves to strip the hair of a pretty curl, leaving it puffy and dull.  Don’t punish your hair because of the heat, just try a different tool.  The Sultra (sephora.com,  $130), and irons of this design really create a strong curl that stand up to the heat.  It might seem a little scary to normal curl iron users but The Sultra and similar irons are easy to use, really cut the time of styling in half and create a lovely more relaxed styled curl.

Face (Skin, SPF)
In the warmer season, the  hair is not the only area extra protection is required.   The skin is more sensitive to sun rays during the summer which makes SPF application a necessity.  Although there is an array of products on the market, there are many that leave a shiny, white film over the skin, ultimately making makeup application a nightmare.  Kate Somerville’s SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen (sephora.com, $45) makes for a perfect product.  A smooth, silky, oil free cream that absorbs into the skin, leaving it hydrated and packed with powerful protection against UV rays. 

Eyes
Minimal makeup is key during the hot months.  The last thing any girl wants is having her face melt off before she walks into the office. But heat should not be a reason to skimp on pretty, defined eyes.  Here’s where you break out the angled eyeliner brushes.  Opt for a chocolate brown shadow rather than a heavy liner.  Using an angle liner brush, softly blend close to the top lash line, slightly flicking it outwards at the end to give it a little shape.  Using shadow still adds definition and drama to the eyes without the fear of having liner run down your face midday. To add a little pop of color you can use a jewel toned shadow and lightly sweep it along your lower lash line.
For mascara, less is more. Use a light, non clumping mascara that still adds length, volume and hold during the day.  My current favorite is Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara (sephora.com, $22).  A newly styled wand provides coverage, major length and volume to lashes all while giving the illusion of false eye lashes.  My trouble during the summer is that mascara flakes on me during the day and this product proves staying quality. 

Lips
Lips are the best part of summer.  However, many forget that they are even more sensitive than the skin and require a layer of SPF protection as well.  My fave is Fresh’s Rose Lip Treatment SPF 15 (sephora.com, $22.50) it glides on and coats the lips in a cute, pinky hue. 
Lips, like nails, often times get the best of summer.  You get to coat them in poppy hues ranging from pinks, to corals to bright reds and subtle peaches all in celebration of the warmth and fun in the sun. 

Hopefully a few of my suggestions will help you the next time you step out in the heat! And I can’t stress it enough, ALWAYS remember to wear a sufficient layer of sunscreen( and reapply) and coat your face and lips in SPF protecting products as well.  AND go wear a bright lip; it’ll brighten up a summer rainy day like today. 

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