A lesson before melting: some things to help you survive the summer!

I am, admittedly, a bit of a product hoarder (^ that's only a little of it) and I've been meaning to post about beauty related things more often.  Summer is officially upon us and every other day I am melting from the heat.  With that in mind, I thought it may be a good to time share with you some of my favorite products and tips to help get you through the sweaty, sticky and, if your not careful, potentially crispy months ahead.

Now, I prefer my skin as pale as can be - even though, if given the chance, my skin will start to get golden pretty quick. We've been told over and over again: too much sun is terribly damaging for skin (especially your delicate face!).  I shudder to think of the fact that I used to go to the tanning. salon. on the odd occasion in my teens. WHAAAAT!? whyyyyyy!? Thankfully, I have long since gotten over that and my 60 year-old self will be thanking me later.  Paleness aside though, most of these things will suit just about any skin type/shade out there...  

Number one is obviously SPF. Its the first thing I put on my skin in the morning and I keep touching up  religiously through out the day.  A little reminder to my bronzed beauties out there (like, ehem… my dearest little sister...) you should be protecting that flawlessly tanned hide too unless you want to look like this when you are older? Maybe you do… no judgement!  Either way, here are a few of my own personal favorites...

La Roche Posay Melt-in Sunscreen Milk - at SPF 60 it's pretty heavy duty stuff.  Its not the cheapest BUT I swear by it.  It saved my skin the last time I was at the Rose Bowl Flea Market about to collapse with heatstroke. Best of all it is light enough to use on your face and body! (*they make face only formula too).

I love Josie Maran's line and I recently started using the Argan Daily Moisturizer w/ Spf 40 under my make-up everyday. It smells really good and it doesn't clog my pores and its also relatively cheap which is nice.  If you are looking for something even more wallet friendly I've also had luck with Neutrogena moisturizers & sunscreen.   Yet another recent discovery is Mineral Veil SPF 25 by bareMinerals.  I got a sample size with a little mini brush and I keep it in my bag for touchups. I love it!  Its a translucent powder so it also helps keep you shine free.

Next... stay hydrated! Seems like an obvious thing but be sure drink loads of water before you break into that bottle of rose on the terrance (dreamy) or go on a hike or what not.  

Speaking of hydration, another little treasure that I keep near me during this time of year is Claudelíe Beauty Elixir...

A couple of sprays of this magic potion and your skin is refreshed, slightly dewy and gorgeous. I even spray the Brit with it on occasion and then Charlie the Chihuahua always tries to lick it off him.

I also love the Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater - and... you can use it on your hair too!  Of course there is always the old stand by which I've used on and off since I was 11 and I stole it from my moms purse... Evian Mineral Water Spray. 

Next...make sure you wash your face! Well, always do but especially during the summer. All of the sweat and dirt and makeup will clog your pores in no time.  I happen to be a member of the Clarisonic cult but you don't have to have one to get a super clean face. I love Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel.   (sidenote: I have to thank Hannah at xojane.com for convincing me to try their products over a year ago. I'm completely hooked!) This cleanser really gets all the make-up and dirt but leaves your skin soft.  

Lastly... don't forget HATS! Sunglasses! Parasols! What ever you've got! Don't leave it all up to the SPF.  I, for one, love this hat but it's a little pricey.  You can find similar ones at places like target and H&M for about $15. That and a bright summer lip and you are set.

So there you go.  I am by no means a professional. This post is just meant to give you a little insight on what works for me. Incidentally, please let me know if you'd be interested in more or less of this type of post.  I'd love your feedback.  For more of my beauty favorites you can check out this nifty Pinterest board:  Products I ❤


xMeg

PS: Only 6 days left of my Album Kickstarter and I am only at 60%! Consider making a pledge and you will be rewarded with music and other goodies! I'm so excited to head into the studio for another session starting tomorrow!