It’s that time of the year when everyone wants to be their best selves. It’s a season of highlights, golden skin, and sundresses. With the weather getting warmer and events lining up for summer, it’s time to put your best foot forward and have some fun. Whether you’re sweating it out on the streets with your friends or sunning yourself by the pool, hopefully you’ll have a summer that you’ll never forget. So here are some health tips and beauty products to get you started.
1. Clinique Moisture Surge ($39.00 - $52.50)
This is easily the best product I’ve ever used on my face. I know it seems a little pricey, but a dime-sized amount of this crème-gel will make your skin feel baby soft. It’s made for all skin types, and can be used any time your skin needs a little extra hydration, whether you’re fresh faced or wearing your makeup for a night out on the town.
2. Lush R&B ($24.95 - $42.95)
Lush makes all natural products, so it’s great to use on your hair. This moisturizer acts as a leave in conditioner that you can put on wet or dry hair, and you’ll love the results. You don’t need much to revive your hair and control frizz. If your style gets unmanageable when humidity hits the air, you need to try this.
3. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($15.00 - $27.00)
If you’re looking for beachy, windswept hair without actually going to the ocean, this is a great product to help you attain that surfer style. It gives you volume and waves without drying out your hair, and it works without having to blow dry or style. It’s great for days when you don’t have a lot of time but still want to look fabulous.
4. Go to the ocean
If you are able to get to the beach, you should try to go this summer. There’s a reason why so many beauty companies use sea salt: it’s great for your skin. Last year, I was having problems with acne that nothing seemed to be able to cure. One week at the shore had my skin glowing like it was new again. It’s also healthy for you to get away from your daily responsibilities and take a summer vacation.
5. Drink cucumber water
I don’t know about you, but sometimes drinking 64 oz. of water is difficult when there are so many other tasty beverages out there. But on those hot days, it’s important to stay hydrated. Cucumber water is delicious and healthy. It’s good for your muscles and skin, and can help you detox in an effort to get that perfect summer body (not that you have to if you don’t want to).
6. Nars Bronzing Powder ($39.00)
I know spending $39 on bronzer isn’t ideal, but this is an indulgence that’s worth it. If you’re looking for a sun-kissed look without spending too much time in the sun, this would be a great product for you. It gives you a golden sheen to enhance that summer glow.
7. Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer ($23.00)
If you do spend a lot of time in the sun, Hempz is a great moisturizer for your whole body. It’s made from all natural hemp seed oil, and it comes in a lot of scents. I use the pomegranate, and I love it. The bottle is also a good size, and it lasts the whole season.
8. Lush Happy Happy Joy Joy Conditioner ($12.95 - $39.95)
I have very thick hair, and it’s taken me a long time to find a conditioner that doesn’t weigh it down, which is the last thing you want in the warmer months. This vegan conditioner uses orange flower absolute, which is a scent proven to evoke happiness. Every time my hair blows into my face, I can’t help but smile when I get a whiff.
9. Use coconut oil for everything
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but coconut oil is great for your hair, skin, and body. You wouldn’t believe how many different ways you can use it.
10. Put down your phone
Let’s face it: living in 2016 is stressful. With our fast paced, social media powered lives in hyper drive, there’s always something on the horizon prepped to upset us or create anxiety. This summer, try to take some time for yourself to relax. As hard as it is to leave your phone behind, you may find you have a better time without it. Even if it’s just for a few hours to get some air or cuddle up with a good book, it’s important to get away from the Internet for a while.
11. Exercise!
The best thing about summer is that you don’t have to go to a sweaty, smelly gym to get a good workout. You can go for a run or bike ride on a scenic trail, kayak or swim at a local lake, and try hiking in a new location. Exercise doesn’t have to be tiresome and exhausting. It can be an adventure.
So there you have it! Here’s hoping you have your best summer ever.
