Hello sweeties :)
Summer is just around the corner - I hope, wishful thinking maybe? - and although I really love the fact that we have four seasons where I live (except for when it's more like winter, winter, winter, supershort spring/summer/fall, winter, winter, winter.. :D), it also poses some challenges when it comes to what beauty products you use.
At least for me, the winter and it's freezing cold weather makes my skin cry out for more TLC and more moisture, whereas the summer calls for lighter products that won't feel too heavy on my skin or clog my pores. I still have certain staple items that stay in my regimen throughout the year though. There are, after all, some products that I just don't want to be without and that simply work year-round.
Recently I've been noticing my skin not needing quite as heavy duty moisturizing as during the winter months, so I'm in a transition period of testing just what I should leave out or maybe change to something else and this got me thinking about other small adjustments I need to do to get ready for summer as well, beauty-wise.
This might all sound a bit silly for those of you who live in regions where it's warm (or cold) year-round, but those of you who get to enjoy (and sometimes be frustrated by) all four seasons can probably relate to the transition periods your skin (and hair) goes through every time the seasons change. Suddenly something that has worked perfectly for you for months seems to either be doing nothing - or worse still, making things worse.
So, onto the little reminders. I started this list just as a little memo to myself to keep in mind what I should start doing more/less of now that it's finally looking like summer is ready to grace us with its presence, but I figured why not share it with you guys :) Maybe you have some tips you want to share as well? If you do, feel free to share them in the comment section below :)
Now, I use BB creams rather than foundation year-round - have done so for the past few years - and luckily most BB creams have "built-in" SPF. All of the ones I use have an SPF of 30 or higher, but I know there are BB creams out there with lower SPF than 30 and even some that don't have any sunscreen at all.
As most of you probably know, the sun is a serious culprit when it comes to skin damage and aging, so please make sure to wear sunscreen! You're not only doing it for beauty reasons, but way more importantly, you're protecting your health. I would recommend to use a minimum of SPF 30 on your face, I feel like anything less is just not quite up to par. Sure, having some sunblock is better than having none at all, but if you're gonna wear sunblock anyhow, why not kick it up a notch and stay on the safe side? :)
There are so many ways you can incorporate sunblock into your skincare/makeup. Like I mentioned before, most BB creams have sunblock in them, otherwise you can apply sunblock before you apply your BB cream. Sometimes I apply sunblock before I apply my BB cream even though my BB creams already contain sunblock. There are also primers that have SPF and some other options are powders with SPF or sprays. Find whatever works for you and incorporate it into your "getting-ready-routine".
Note: Remember that your lips need sunblock as well! There are lots of lipbalms that provide SPF out there.
Get the dullness off your face, unclog your pores and welcome radiant, glowy skin! :) This is of course something you do in the winter as well, but I feel like when you start getting rid of the excess layers of thick clothing you're forced to wear in the winter, you want to get rid of the excess junk on your skin as well so that you can feel light, fresh and luminous, just like the beautiful dewy summer mornings at sunrise :)
As for body exfoliation, there are lots and lots of wonderful body scrubs out there, some of which have an added bonus of smelling absolutely heavenly as well. You don't have to splurge on expensive ones, I feel like a lot of times you can find really nice ones for pretty cheap as well.
Or, you can make your own! It's super easy and allows you to know exactly what you're putting on your skin, no added preservatives, no colorants, no extra junk, just natural ingredients mixed into a yummy concoction. One of my favorites - and a super simple one at that - is the coconut vanilla sugar scrub. It really can't get much easier than this! Here's the recipe:
Coconut Vanilla Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and then rub it onto your skin while in the shower, massage for a bit and then rinse. Not only is this a great scrub, but it's very moisturizing as well because of the coconut oil and all its skin benefits. Note: Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts into a liquid form at around 24 C (76 F).
One thing I really love about this particular DIY body scrub - apart from the fact that it's really good for your skin and provides moisture as well as a proper scrub - is that you can go completely green when making it, just choose organic, fair trade products for your ingredients and voilà :)
When you exfoliate your body, you're not only helping your skin be softer and more radiant by removing dead skin cells, you're also helping prevent ingrown hairs when you shave/wax. Keep in mind though that the dead skin cells should come off rather easily, so don't rub too hard or too long, or you might end up damaging your skin. I would say a full body scrub once or twice a week should be quite sufficient, you don't want to overdo it, especially if you have sensitive skin. One thing you can use daily though to keep dull looking skin at bay - and instead welcoming soft, glowy skin - is using a good loofah or a bath mitten when you shower.
As for exfoliating your face, you can of course make your own scrub for that as well, but I have a favorite that I've been using for months now and that I really neverrrrrr want to part with, ever! It's the most amazing exfoliator I have EVER tried, so I'm sticking to that. Oh, and a review on that particular product is coming up as well, so keep a lookout for that. Seriously, magic in a bottle! But yeah, I will post a full review on that later, with information, instructions and tips.
When you exfoliate your face, it makes the products you apply afterwards absorb into your skin a lot better since the dead skin cells that would normally be sitting on your skin clogging your pores and working as a "barrier" are now gone and instead you have fresh, clean skin that's ready to soak up the nutrients and active ingredients in your products. Great huh? So you get more out of your skin care products too when you exfoliate :)
When it comes to body moisturizers, obviously you will be needing them year-round, but I usually don't use the same ones year-round. Some of the ones I use in the winter just feel too heavy and sticky in the summertime when it's hot out. For winter, I often make my own creams, but I do use some store-bought ones as well.
Usually in the summertime I like wearing dry oils. These are great because they absorb into your skin very well and they don't leave you feeling sticky. They're also really easy to apply and glide onto your skin so effortlessly after you shower. Also, a lot of dry oils have the most amazing scents!
One of my favorites is the Moringa Beautifying Oil by The Body Shop. This particular oil contains Community Fair Trade marula oil alongside other oils and has the most amazing scent, I love it! Another oil I like to use is the Monoï De Tahiti Dry Body Oil by Yves Rocher and the Monoï De Tahiti Traditional Tiare Oil also by Yves Rocher. The first one is a dry oil whereas the second one isn't. The traditional tiare oil does leave a tad more shine to your skin and takes a bit more working it into your skin, but I feel it's great for instance to rub a few drops of it onto your legs if you're going out at night, it gives them just a tiny bit of a glow, which looks great especially if you have a bit of a tan. :) Also, if you are into the glowy look, Yves Rocher also has a Monoï De Tahiti Precious Dry Oil product with gold shimmer in it. And as a great bonus to the hydration these oils provide, the monoï oils smell amazing!
As for the facial moisturizers, you might want to keep it a bit lighter in the summertime to avoid "overfeeding" your skin when it doesn't need it. Just be attentive to what your skin tells you and regulate which products you use thereafter. Also, please keep in mind that some skin care products, for instance ones containing AHA or BHA, can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sun exposure so don't forget your sunblock!
As I recently did a post on how to get your hands and feet ready for a shoot or an event or for the summertime, I won't go into that all too deeply, instead you can check that post out right here.
One thing I will remind you guys of though, is that since you might want to walk around bare foot in the summertime and either way you will be wearing sandals, please make sure you keep your feet moisturized because dry/cracked heels are definitely not something you want.
An easy tip for keeping your finger- and toe nails looking polished and pretty for summer is UV gel polishes. They wear for a lot longer than regular polish (usually 2-3 weeks minimum) and if you have them done by someone who knows what they're doing, they shouldn't harm your own nail bed. Granted, not everyone likes gel polishes, but there are options for you as well, you can have fun with regular polishes and try out cute nail art designs with either polishes, stickers or nail wraps.
One thing I would recommend either way though, is to get a cuticle oil that you can rub onto your cuticles and nails, it will make a difference, trust me.
The sun and sea water is a horrible combination for your hair and as summertime usually means at least some visits to the beach, it's important to be aware of how to protect your hair as well. Your hair needs UV protection as well, it's not just your skin. There are different ways you can provide your hair with sunblock, there are leave in conditioners, sprays, lotions and serums that contain SPF and of course, there's always the very good option of wearing a hat or a scarf on your head.
There are also specific shampoos and conditioners you can use that are meant for sun damaged hair. If you are going to the beach, you might want to give your hair a deep conditioning treatment before the expected sun exposure. You can also put a rich conditioner with SPF in your hair and leave it in, then either braid your hair or put it in a bun before going to the beach, that way there is less of the hair "available" to be exposed to the sun and your hair will get to soak up the benefits of the conditioner while you have fun at the beach :) You can also mix a little spray bottle with half water half conditioner with SPF to bring with you to the beach and spray onto your hair as needed.
Generally products that soak in to your hair (conditioners) rather than just sitting on top of it (sprays) provide more protection from harmful UV rays.
Remember that your scalp needs protection as well, so make sure you put some sunblock where you part your hair to avoid burning your scalp. Don't forget the ears either :)
Obviously, this is important year-round, but especially as the weather gets warmer and you might be outdoors more, doing lots of activities or just enjoying the sun, it's really important to keep hydrated. Water is of course the best source, but you don't have to drink your water plain if you don't want to, add a few ice cubes and some slices of lemon or cucumber, why not slices of kiwi fruit or strawberries and you have yourself a refreshing little summer drink :) Not only is sufficient hydration important for your well-being and preventing dehydration, but it's also very beneficial for your complexion.
For everyday makeup, keep it fresh and simple. Skip thick foundations and heavy texture products. BB creams are great for summer as most of them have built in SPF and they also provide a lighter coverage and finish than a foundation. Of course, if you feel like you really need the heavy coverage, there are options for you as well, some BB creams are very light but there are also those that offer very good coverage.
Lip and cheek stains are great for summer as well, as are lipglosses and other makeup with ligther texture that wear better in the heat.
Of course you can still have fun with makeup and also experiment with bolder colors and styles, especially for evening wear, but during the day time you might want to keep it a bit lighter, at least in texture. Summer is a great time to play with vibrant colors though, the whole keeping it lighter doesn't mean you have to skimp on colors, what I mean with keeping it lighter is just trying to avoid the whole mask-look and instead going for a more luminous, fresh look.
Investing in waterproof products, such as mascara and eyeliner for instance, is a good thing for summer as well! I have some great tips for you on superb mascaras and eyeliners (and eyeshadows) that will.not.budge, so keep a lookout for those reviews coming soon as well.
Bronzers and highlighters are permanent occupants in my makeup bag year-round and they are definitely sticking around for summer as well. Normally I steer clear of the glittery or shimmery bronzers, they're just not my thing. I rather use the matte kinds, since I use my bronzers for contouring (having something light-reflecting and shimmery kind of defeats the whole purpose there). Finding a great highlighter/luminizer is essential for the summertime, as this is when you will want to go for a luminous, glowy (not like light-bulb-glowy, but like healthy-glowy) look. Reviews on great highlighters are coming soon as well :)
Finding a good primer is also essential. Taking the time to apply a primer before applying your BB cream (or foundation if you use that) is really worth the extra step even though it might feel like a nuisance. Let me tell you though, it's worth it. A good primer will have skin benefits, fill in the fine lines somewhat, make your pores less visible, help your makeup go on more smoothly and stay on better. In addition, there are primers with SPF out there as well, so that's another benefit! I will be posting some reviews on my favorite primers very soon as well, so stay tuned for that.
Summer is finally around the corner, enjoy it! :) Spend time with your loved ones, enjoy the warm weather, eat fresh fruits and veggies, enjoy lovely dinners and picnics, read a book in the park, take a walk along the beach, go for a swim and most importantly, smile! A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear, so you should wear it more often :)
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try my best to get back to you ASAP :)
That's all for now lovelies, I hope you all have a wonderful summer ahead of you and remember to love, laugh, smile and stay positive!
xoxo,
Tanja
Summer is just around the corner - I hope, wishful thinking maybe? - and although I really love the fact that we have four seasons where I live (except for when it's more like winter, winter, winter, supershort spring/summer/fall, winter, winter, winter.. :D), it also poses some challenges when it comes to what beauty products you use.
At least for me, the winter and it's freezing cold weather makes my skin cry out for more TLC and more moisture, whereas the summer calls for lighter products that won't feel too heavy on my skin or clog my pores. I still have certain staple items that stay in my regimen throughout the year though. There are, after all, some products that I just don't want to be without and that simply work year-round.
Recently I've been noticing my skin not needing quite as heavy duty moisturizing as during the winter months, so I'm in a transition period of testing just what I should leave out or maybe change to something else and this got me thinking about other small adjustments I need to do to get ready for summer as well, beauty-wise.
This might all sound a bit silly for those of you who live in regions where it's warm (or cold) year-round, but those of you who get to enjoy (and sometimes be frustrated by) all four seasons can probably relate to the transition periods your skin (and hair) goes through every time the seasons change. Suddenly something that has worked perfectly for you for months seems to either be doing nothing - or worse still, making things worse.
So, onto the little reminders. I started this list just as a little memo to myself to keep in mind what I should start doing more/less of now that it's finally looking like summer is ready to grace us with its presence, but I figured why not share it with you guys :) Maybe you have some tips you want to share as well? If you do, feel free to share them in the comment section below :)
1. Sunblock!
Now, I use BB creams rather than foundation year-round - have done so for the past few years - and luckily most BB creams have "built-in" SPF. All of the ones I use have an SPF of 30 or higher, but I know there are BB creams out there with lower SPF than 30 and even some that don't have any sunscreen at all.
As most of you probably know, the sun is a serious culprit when it comes to skin damage and aging, so please make sure to wear sunscreen! You're not only doing it for beauty reasons, but way more importantly, you're protecting your health. I would recommend to use a minimum of SPF 30 on your face, I feel like anything less is just not quite up to par. Sure, having some sunblock is better than having none at all, but if you're gonna wear sunblock anyhow, why not kick it up a notch and stay on the safe side? :)
There are so many ways you can incorporate sunblock into your skincare/makeup. Like I mentioned before, most BB creams have sunblock in them, otherwise you can apply sunblock before you apply your BB cream. Sometimes I apply sunblock before I apply my BB cream even though my BB creams already contain sunblock. There are also primers that have SPF and some other options are powders with SPF or sprays. Find whatever works for you and incorporate it into your "getting-ready-routine".
Note: Remember that your lips need sunblock as well! There are lots of lipbalms that provide SPF out there.
2. Exfoliate!
Get the dullness off your face, unclog your pores and welcome radiant, glowy skin! :) This is of course something you do in the winter as well, but I feel like when you start getting rid of the excess layers of thick clothing you're forced to wear in the winter, you want to get rid of the excess junk on your skin as well so that you can feel light, fresh and luminous, just like the beautiful dewy summer mornings at sunrise :)
As for body exfoliation, there are lots and lots of wonderful body scrubs out there, some of which have an added bonus of smelling absolutely heavenly as well. You don't have to splurge on expensive ones, I feel like a lot of times you can find really nice ones for pretty cheap as well.
Or, you can make your own! It's super easy and allows you to know exactly what you're putting on your skin, no added preservatives, no colorants, no extra junk, just natural ingredients mixed into a yummy concoction. One of my favorites - and a super simple one at that - is the coconut vanilla sugar scrub. It really can't get much easier than this! Here's the recipe:
Coconut Vanilla Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and then rub it onto your skin while in the shower, massage for a bit and then rinse. Not only is this a great scrub, but it's very moisturizing as well because of the coconut oil and all its skin benefits. Note: Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts into a liquid form at around 24 C (76 F).
One thing I really love about this particular DIY body scrub - apart from the fact that it's really good for your skin and provides moisture as well as a proper scrub - is that you can go completely green when making it, just choose organic, fair trade products for your ingredients and voilà :)
When you exfoliate your body, you're not only helping your skin be softer and more radiant by removing dead skin cells, you're also helping prevent ingrown hairs when you shave/wax. Keep in mind though that the dead skin cells should come off rather easily, so don't rub too hard or too long, or you might end up damaging your skin. I would say a full body scrub once or twice a week should be quite sufficient, you don't want to overdo it, especially if you have sensitive skin. One thing you can use daily though to keep dull looking skin at bay - and instead welcoming soft, glowy skin - is using a good loofah or a bath mitten when you shower.
As for exfoliating your face, you can of course make your own scrub for that as well, but I have a favorite that I've been using for months now and that I really neverrrrrr want to part with, ever! It's the most amazing exfoliator I have EVER tried, so I'm sticking to that. Oh, and a review on that particular product is coming up as well, so keep a lookout for that. Seriously, magic in a bottle! But yeah, I will post a full review on that later, with information, instructions and tips.
When you exfoliate your face, it makes the products you apply afterwards absorb into your skin a lot better since the dead skin cells that would normally be sitting on your skin clogging your pores and working as a "barrier" are now gone and instead you have fresh, clean skin that's ready to soak up the nutrients and active ingredients in your products. Great huh? So you get more out of your skin care products too when you exfoliate :)
3. Moisturize!
When it comes to body moisturizers, obviously you will be needing them year-round, but I usually don't use the same ones year-round. Some of the ones I use in the winter just feel too heavy and sticky in the summertime when it's hot out. For winter, I often make my own creams, but I do use some store-bought ones as well.
Usually in the summertime I like wearing dry oils. These are great because they absorb into your skin very well and they don't leave you feeling sticky. They're also really easy to apply and glide onto your skin so effortlessly after you shower. Also, a lot of dry oils have the most amazing scents!
One of my favorites is the Moringa Beautifying Oil by The Body Shop. This particular oil contains Community Fair Trade marula oil alongside other oils and has the most amazing scent, I love it! Another oil I like to use is the Monoï De Tahiti Dry Body Oil by Yves Rocher and the Monoï De Tahiti Traditional Tiare Oil also by Yves Rocher. The first one is a dry oil whereas the second one isn't. The traditional tiare oil does leave a tad more shine to your skin and takes a bit more working it into your skin, but I feel it's great for instance to rub a few drops of it onto your legs if you're going out at night, it gives them just a tiny bit of a glow, which looks great especially if you have a bit of a tan. :) Also, if you are into the glowy look, Yves Rocher also has a Monoï De Tahiti Precious Dry Oil product with gold shimmer in it. And as a great bonus to the hydration these oils provide, the monoï oils smell amazing!
As for the facial moisturizers, you might want to keep it a bit lighter in the summertime to avoid "overfeeding" your skin when it doesn't need it. Just be attentive to what your skin tells you and regulate which products you use thereafter. Also, please keep in mind that some skin care products, for instance ones containing AHA or BHA, can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sun exposure so don't forget your sunblock!
4. Hands and feet!
As I recently did a post on how to get your hands and feet ready for a shoot or an event or for the summertime, I won't go into that all too deeply, instead you can check that post out right here.
One thing I will remind you guys of though, is that since you might want to walk around bare foot in the summertime and either way you will be wearing sandals, please make sure you keep your feet moisturized because dry/cracked heels are definitely not something you want.
An easy tip for keeping your finger- and toe nails looking polished and pretty for summer is UV gel polishes. They wear for a lot longer than regular polish (usually 2-3 weeks minimum) and if you have them done by someone who knows what they're doing, they shouldn't harm your own nail bed. Granted, not everyone likes gel polishes, but there are options for you as well, you can have fun with regular polishes and try out cute nail art designs with either polishes, stickers or nail wraps.
One thing I would recommend either way though, is to get a cuticle oil that you can rub onto your cuticles and nails, it will make a difference, trust me.
5. Hair!
The sun and sea water is a horrible combination for your hair and as summertime usually means at least some visits to the beach, it's important to be aware of how to protect your hair as well. Your hair needs UV protection as well, it's not just your skin. There are different ways you can provide your hair with sunblock, there are leave in conditioners, sprays, lotions and serums that contain SPF and of course, there's always the very good option of wearing a hat or a scarf on your head.
There are also specific shampoos and conditioners you can use that are meant for sun damaged hair. If you are going to the beach, you might want to give your hair a deep conditioning treatment before the expected sun exposure. You can also put a rich conditioner with SPF in your hair and leave it in, then either braid your hair or put it in a bun before going to the beach, that way there is less of the hair "available" to be exposed to the sun and your hair will get to soak up the benefits of the conditioner while you have fun at the beach :) You can also mix a little spray bottle with half water half conditioner with SPF to bring with you to the beach and spray onto your hair as needed.
Generally products that soak in to your hair (conditioners) rather than just sitting on top of it (sprays) provide more protection from harmful UV rays.
Remember that your scalp needs protection as well, so make sure you put some sunblock where you part your hair to avoid burning your scalp. Don't forget the ears either :)
6. Hydration!
Obviously, this is important year-round, but especially as the weather gets warmer and you might be outdoors more, doing lots of activities or just enjoying the sun, it's really important to keep hydrated. Water is of course the best source, but you don't have to drink your water plain if you don't want to, add a few ice cubes and some slices of lemon or cucumber, why not slices of kiwi fruit or strawberries and you have yourself a refreshing little summer drink :) Not only is sufficient hydration important for your well-being and preventing dehydration, but it's also very beneficial for your complexion.
7. Lighten up your makeup!
For everyday makeup, keep it fresh and simple. Skip thick foundations and heavy texture products. BB creams are great for summer as most of them have built in SPF and they also provide a lighter coverage and finish than a foundation. Of course, if you feel like you really need the heavy coverage, there are options for you as well, some BB creams are very light but there are also those that offer very good coverage.
Lip and cheek stains are great for summer as well, as are lipglosses and other makeup with ligther texture that wear better in the heat.
Of course you can still have fun with makeup and also experiment with bolder colors and styles, especially for evening wear, but during the day time you might want to keep it a bit lighter, at least in texture. Summer is a great time to play with vibrant colors though, the whole keeping it lighter doesn't mean you have to skimp on colors, what I mean with keeping it lighter is just trying to avoid the whole mask-look and instead going for a more luminous, fresh look.
Investing in waterproof products, such as mascara and eyeliner for instance, is a good thing for summer as well! I have some great tips for you on superb mascaras and eyeliners (and eyeshadows) that will.not.budge, so keep a lookout for those reviews coming soon as well.
Bronzers and highlighters are permanent occupants in my makeup bag year-round and they are definitely sticking around for summer as well. Normally I steer clear of the glittery or shimmery bronzers, they're just not my thing. I rather use the matte kinds, since I use my bronzers for contouring (having something light-reflecting and shimmery kind of defeats the whole purpose there). Finding a great highlighter/luminizer is essential for the summertime, as this is when you will want to go for a luminous, glowy (not like light-bulb-glowy, but like healthy-glowy) look. Reviews on great highlighters are coming soon as well :)
Finding a good primer is also essential. Taking the time to apply a primer before applying your BB cream (or foundation if you use that) is really worth the extra step even though it might feel like a nuisance. Let me tell you though, it's worth it. A good primer will have skin benefits, fill in the fine lines somewhat, make your pores less visible, help your makeup go on more smoothly and stay on better. In addition, there are primers with SPF out there as well, so that's another benefit! I will be posting some reviews on my favorite primers very soon as well, so stay tuned for that.
8. Smile!
Summer is finally around the corner, enjoy it! :) Spend time with your loved ones, enjoy the warm weather, eat fresh fruits and veggies, enjoy lovely dinners and picnics, read a book in the park, take a walk along the beach, go for a swim and most importantly, smile! A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear, so you should wear it more often :)
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try my best to get back to you ASAP :)
That's all for now lovelies, I hope you all have a wonderful summer ahead of you and remember to love, laugh, smile and stay positive!
xoxo,
Tanja
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