I finished finals last week, which means its SUMMER TIME!!!!! In honor of it being summer, I thought I would share a roundup of my favorite summer essentials. I love all of the following products and I am sure you will too.
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So here is my list of summer essentials:
Lotions
Jergens Natural Glow
This stuff is AMAZING! I used it last summer to even out my tan for my sisters wedding and it worked so well! On the bottle it shows you a time frame for the length of use and the color that you will become. I recommend following the instructions for use and only using it up to two weeks at a time. I use the lotion once a day every other night after my shower when my skin is still damp. This lotion is great if you don’t have money for a spray tan or time to sit out in the sun for a natural tan! This should be on everyone’s summer essentials list!!
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing
On the days that I’m not using Jergens, I use Gold Bond. I love using this lotion for everything. I love that it is unscented because I am able to throw it on as I’m walking out the door and not have to worry about my perfume and the lotion combining weirdly. I also mix this lotion with some aloe vera on the days that I have a bad sunburn. It provides moisture to my skin with the cooling effect of the aloe.
Nuetrogena Face Lotion
I have used this face lotion for yeeaarrrssss! I stick to the oil-free product but they also have a sensitive skin line as well as a sunscreen/moisturizer combo. It is important to moisturize all year, but especially in the summer when sun exposure is increased. This is another product I use right after I get out of the shower or in the morning as part of my skin care routines.
Tanning Lotion
I love Maui Babe Browning Lotion. This is a thicker lotion that instantly makes me feel tanner. It also doesn’t smell bad like so many other brands. When you have the time to lay out in the sun, you should definitely consider this a summer essential.
Beauty Summer Essentials
A lot of people question whether their products are summer-proof or a good fit for summer. I have found a few favorite products that I have used for some time now that I swear by. It is important to keep a beauty routine going, especially in the summer when we just want to be lazy or carefree.
Foundation
I have been using the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation for about two years now and love it. The finish is flawless and it seems to last all day. There is the option for Matte or Dewy finishes\ depending on your preference. There are also many shades!
Mascara
I have used this mascara for as long as I can remember. It lasts through evverrrythingggg!!! Not only is this mascara waterproof but it makes your eyelashes extremely long. I swear by this stuff and doubt I will be wearing any other mascara for as long as I live.
Setting Spray
Obviously summer is hot which means we sweat more than usual. I love this Urban Decay setting spray. Just using two sprays sets your makeup for the entire day and you won’t have to worry about your makeup slipping off your face in the heat of the day. If you want to stay fab all day in the heat, add this to your summer essentials list!
Hair Ties
These are great to keep your hair up on a hot day. The no crease bands are awesome if you want to wear your hair up during the day but let it down without having to do anything to it for a night out! This tops the list of summer essentials in my book! I always have hair ties on my wrist for whenever I might need them.
Shave Cream
I never even considered shave cream until last summer. I thought it was a waste of money and the body wash I already had worked well enough. Then my friend recommended trying this Eos shave cream and I have been hooked ever since. There are three different scents but I am hooked on the classic vanilla one. After shaving my legs are completely smooth and moisturized before I even add any lotion. So worth the money!
Body Wash
I am loving this body wash line from Bath and Body Works. Whether you need energy for a long day in the sun or to relax after a long day in the sun, they have a product for you. I love the stress relief simply for the smell, but it seems to help as well!
Sugar Scrub
I also love the aromatherapy line for sugar scrubs. I have been using this one for a few years now and can’t bring myself to try anything else. Although, as I stated above, there are many options! Exfoliating is a necessity for summer so this scrub should make it on all summer essentials lists!
Other Summer Essentials
There are so many other essentials that you could obtain for summer but in order to make this a post and not a book, I will only list a few of my favorites.
Hats
I like to switch off between this one and this one. If I am running errands or going to a game, I wear the first one. This option is much more fashionable and there are so many options for “dad hats” right now. The second one is much more protective and I wear it for times that I am in the sun for an extended amount of time. This option is great for a trip to the lake or the beach when you have more of a glare and need some shade.
Sunglasses
I am loving these right now, but I am not set on one style or brand. I’m pretty hard on glasses and often lose them so I usually stick with cheap pairs. In the end, they all protect my eyes from the sun no matter how much I spend on them.
Bathing Suits
What is a summer of fun without the perfect bathing suit? Pick one out from your favorite store or explore your options here! I am loving this style right now! I always struggle picking the perfect suit because there are sooooo many options. Keep in mind to wear what you’re comfortable in and never feel like you have to wear a certain style just because everyone else is. Be yourself and let your bathing suit reflect your personality!
Sunscreen
This might seem obvious but it is very important. Always make sure your sunscreen is up to date and not expired. I am guilty of using sunscreens from past summers and suffering major burns after a day at the beach or by the pool. ALWAYS protect your skin! The type you get depends on your preference. If you like spray sunscreen, I suggest this one. If you like lotion, I suggest this one.
Face Sunscreen
Additionally, it is important to protect your face! If you don’t like to spray down your face with sunscreen or use the lotion that you use on the rest of your body, get one specifically for your face. I love the Nuetrogena Ultra Sheer product. After application, it is completely dry and you can’t even tell it’s there!
Pool Floats
For the last two summers, these seem to be a bigger and bigger trend. I love that there are so many options! This one is by far my favorite! Pick out your favorite and hang by the pool all summer.
Shop my favorite float now!
Whether you like one of the products listed above, or all of them, be sure to have a great summer! Stay healthy and hydrated and live every moment to the fullest!
What are your summer essentials? Let me know what you love and how you plan to use them this summer in the comments below!