Summer Beauty Basics

Summer can be so much fun. It is a time for going on vacations, swimming at a lake or pool and hosting BBQs. However, summer can also spell disaster in the beauty department if you are not prepared. Here are some summer basics (in no order) that should help you stay fabulous as you enjoy an amazing summer.

1. Wearing sunscreen daily should be second-nature by now, but I feel I still have to include this on the list. Make it a water resistant sunscreen if you will sweat or be in water. Reapply if you need to. Always protect your skin. There are some wonderful makeup formulas that include a sunscreen (if you do not need it to be water resistant). Also, protect your lips with SPF lip balm.

2. Exfoliating your skin at least weekly (as long as you are not sunburned) is still important as is moisturizing your skin. Always remove your makeup before you cleanse and exfoliate your face. There are many cleansers that also exfoliate. Try Neutrogena's Wave Duo. It cleanses and exfoliates simultaneously and can be used daily. ***If you have a sunburn, especially if it is still painful, do NOT exfoliate until your skin has healed or until you have spoken with your dermatologist.

3. If your usual foundation is too heavy for the hot and humid summer months, try tinting your moisturizer with a drop of concealer or foundation or use a pre-made tinted moisturizer available at many drugstores and makeup specialty stores.

4. Oil absorbing sheets are perfect for hot summer days when you start to shine in the not-so-camera-ready way.

5. Teeth whitening strips are a fabulous and affordable way to brighten your smile. Crest has some wonderful teeth whitening product options.

6. Summer is the perfect time, or excuse, to wear your hair tousled. Add a splash of salt water to your locks and voila, sexy beach hair created in your own home. It may not be appropriate to wear to the office, but on vacation or on weekends, this look can be ultra sexy, especially with longer strands.

7. Add a silky scarf or ribbon to your tousled hair as a tie around a low pony-tail or spice it up in a bun or add it to a loose side braid.

8. Summer is about fresh, airy and seemingly effortless style and beauty. Think simple, refreshing, light... Insert CoverGirl's slogan, "Easy, breezy, beautiful..."

9. Smile. This is always the number one way to look fabulous and confident. Additionally, smiling is contagious. Just watch the effect of your beautiful smile on others.

10. Think positively...about yourself. Confidence is key. See your beauty inside and out. And I know that summer can bring some added stress if you are uncomfortable with your body. The older I get, the more I have to work at caring for my body and reminding myself that I love my body even when I gain a few extra pounds. Everyone has a different body, and we are all beautiful in our own unique ways. Our differences are beautiful and fascinating.

Have a fabulous day every day, and enjoy your summer, beautiful!