In my mind, the summer season is filled with halcyon, sun-soaked, playful beach days and breezy, hedonistic nights spent sipping endless Tinto de Verano (a lovely mix of red wine and lemon soda) while dancing to uplifting House Music (a la Calvin Harris) on a cliffside patio in Ibiza. Reality check: I am in Albuquerque, New Mexico, staying cool in my air conditioned room to escape the blazing Southwestern sun and 100+degree heat.
Nevertheless, no matter where I am, I want to look both carefree and put together. My summer skin care and makeup routine need to reflect the change of season and be effective, easy to use, multi-purpose and travel friendly. I want to enjoy the fleeting time looking fabulous and ready for anything, whether I travel to Ibiza or Trader Joe’s.
I have curated an arsenal of fuss free, multi-purpose products that promise to carry you through the dog days of summer and the seasons ahead.
Hair
When the humidity is high and your hair is frizzy and fly-away baby hairs are relentlessly sticking to your sweaty forehead, reach for Bondi Boost Flyaway Wand ($18.00).
BONUS: May be used to tame feral eyebrows without turning cloudy or crunchy.
For hair that needs frizz control, hydration, and lasting hold, try All Eyes On Me 3-in-1 Hair Styling Cream ($10).
BONUS: it doubles as a blow dry primer, an air-dry cream or a smoothing styler for days when your hair looks like the Bride of Frankenstein. Good for all hair types and textures. Provides UV protection, silicone, sulfate and paraben free.
Face
Sun protection is non-negotiable and for those who want a product that combines makeup, skincare (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane) and SPF, try Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48). Available in 30 shades. Dewy finish, non-comedogenic, light, fluid texture. Best for normal, dry and mature skin.
For problematic, blemish prone and sensitive skin, try Tower28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30 ($32). Available in 17 shades. Light-medium buildable coverage, natural finish.
Show your lips some love. Slather them with mineral sun protection, nourishing hydration and glossy shine with one application of iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Sun Balm Mineral SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Lip Balm ($24). Available in 3 juicy shades: pink, rosy brown and latte.
Pressed for time and putting your face on in the back of an UBER? Been there, too! With one swipe you can have happy hydrated skin, flushed cheeks and popsicle tinted lips by using the Iris&Romeo Ceramide Multi-balm Lip+Cheek Cream Blush Stick ($32). Sheer, dewy, buildable color without shimmer.
Who wants to carry a makeup bag that is bursting at the seams? I can hardly zip mine and I confess, it’s a dirty mess. It’s time to streamline your makeup kit. Start by downsizing with the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials – Longwear Full Face Cream Palette ($88). It’s a multi-use cream complexion palette that is travel friendly. The pans contain concealer, corrector, color (blush), contour and have a shimmer highlighter to keep you glowing. Available in two skin tones. Light/Medium and Tan to Deep.
Nails
Do your fingernails look discolored and raggedy? And you have no time for a time-consuming manicure? I’ve got you, girl. Try Londontown KUR Pink Illuminating Nail Concealer ($20).No need for a base or top coat. This magic offers the perfect balance of color and care to create the illusion of natural, flawless and well groomed nails. Formulated without formaldehyde. Enriched with vitamins and plant extracts.
Body
My legs are happily hidden all winter long and putting on a pair of Daisy Dukes, tends to trigger my dimpled leg syndrome, commonly known as cellulite. Thankfully, I have a solution that not only softens and moisturizes my skin, but blurs pesky imperfections with caffeine, Coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine( an amino acid that supports fat metabolism) and coconut oil. Try Life's Butter Anti-Cellulite Body Firming Cream ($40).
As I finish this article, the song "Hot Fun in the Summertime" by the iconic Sly and the Family Stone just popped into my head, and I am acutely aware that the summer season is joyous but brief. Don’t waste time fussing and overthinking your skin and beauty routines. Streamline, experiment and embrace the freedom that multi-use products can offer…after all, Ibiza is waiting.
The Crush Letter
The Crush Letter is a weekly newsletter from Dish Stanley curating articles & intelligence on everything love & connection - friendship, romance, self-love, sex. If you’d like to take a look at some of our best stories go to Read Us. Want the Dish?
