Last week’s heat wave was just crazy. I love the summer just not at 98 degrees plus humidity. I prefer the temperature to be between 85 and 90 with low humidity. I know that is wishful thinking, but hey I have a right to dream. Right before the summer hits I make sure I have my arsenal of must have items. I am a pretty simple girl and low maintenance during the summer. I want to do as little work as possible when it comes to getting dressed, staying cool, and even applying makeup. So here are my must have items for the summer
Beauty
1. Tinted Moisturizer- I rarely wear foundation in the summer. When it is really hot and I am doing a lot of walking it just melts off. Tinted moisturizer is light and gives you and even complexion with minimal coverage. I am using OCC’s tinted moisturizer and I love it.
2. Bronzer- We all want that Beyonce glow so I use bronzer to get just that. I have like 4 or 5 bronzers but my favorites would have to be Milani Baked Bronzer and Young Blood Lunar Dust
3. Sunscreen- I just raved about the Hawaiian Tropic silk hydration sunscreen. It moisturizes and protects. You can’t get any better than that
4. Oil Absorbing Sheets- I use e.l.f.’s absorbing sheets (you can’t beat $1) and they are great. I mainly get oily in my t-zone so I always have them on hand to erase the shine
5. Perfume/Body Splash- I love The Body Shops Love Etc…- I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it and it is so inexpensive. When I tell people what it is they are shocked. I also love Marc Jacob’s Daisy Eau So Fresh.
6. Wen Deep Cleansing Conditioner- My hair never lasts in the summer. I’m always sweating it out and it sucks. I usually do low maintenance hair styles like buns, bantu knot-outs, twist outs, etc. I wash my hair using Wen Deep Cleansing Conditioner and either let it air dry and do one of the styles listed above.
7. Lip Gloss with spf- Last week I raved about Hawaiian Tropic aloha kiss. It gives great shine and it also has spf. I pair the gloss with any lipstick and I am ready to go.
8. Misting spray- Avene Thermal Spring Water provides the perfect relief from those hot summer days. It also moisturizes your skin.
9. Bold and bright nail polish- Summer time is the perfect time to pull out all of the stops with your nails. So I go for neon pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, turquoise and more!
Fashion
1. Sun glasses! I have tons of sun glasses in all shapes and colors. I love large glasses. I feel like Nicole Richie lol. Sun glasses are the perfect summer accessory- the protect you from the sun and the weirdos on the train trying to make eye contact
2. Tote bag/cross body bag- The tote bag is a necessity because I always carry my life around. It is large enough for some flat sandals, my makeup bag, wallet, water bottle, and just about everything else. The cross body bag is perfect for those spontaneous adventures where a large shoulder bag or tote isn’t necessary. It also forces you to pack light.
3. Maxi dress/skirt- These are the easiest things to throw on and they are so chic. I have dresses and skirts in a variety of colors and prints. This is always my go to outfit choice.
4. Denim shorts- when I don’t feel like wearing a dress I throw on some shorts a t-shirt or tank and depending on the occasion flat sandals or a wedge. You can never go wrong with a pair of denim shorts. Dress them up or down- it really doesn’t matter because they are classic.
5. Cute sandals and wedges- I do a lot of walking in the summer so high heels are out of the question in NYC, unless I’m going from car to chair lol. So I need my sandals to by fashionable and functional. I can strut around the city in a wedge because I get the height of a heel and the comfort of a flat so those are necessary as well.
6. Basics- t-shirts and tanks in all colors and prints. You can never have too many t-shirts or tank tops. If I find a style that fits me well I buy at least 3-4 in various colors. T-shirts and tanks are comfortable and can be paired with almost anything- denim shorts, boyfriend jeans, Bermuda shorts, maxi skirts, body con skirts, a-line skirts, harem pants, cropped pants- you get my drift? They can be dressed up with statement jewelry or worn with a simple necklace and earrings. I couldn’t get through the summer without these.
7. Casual sneakers/flats- I like to be adventurous and go to the park a lot during the summer. I may need to climb a few rocks, you never know so I always have a pair of casual sneakers, like converses or Tom’s handy.
This is my list. What are some of your summer must haves?
