August 8,2012
Summer 2012 Beach Must-Haves
I’m sad to say that my vacation is coming to an end. I have had a wonderful family vacation. Work has been the furthest thing from my mind. However, I do love blogging, and I love linking up my favorite things, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite must-haves for summer, especially trips to the beach. It’s a little late, considering most people have already had their vacations, but these products are really great year-round.
Sunscreen
All right, you all know that I’m very passionate about sunscreen, especially natural sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone. I have included some new favorites: Surf-vival Sunblock and Banana Boat Natural Reflect, which were recommended when I did a google search for “best all-natural sunscreens.” And, some old favorites: Eminence Tropical Vanilla is always a splurge, and you’ll understand why when you’ve compared it to other organic, all-natural sunscreens..it’s like butter, I tell ya. I’ve also been really happy with Neutrogena pure & free, which is a line marketed towards babies. Sunscreen is serious business when you’re protecting a family of four.
Makeup
As for makeup, I have to admit, that I still usually do put makeup on to go out. I definitely don’t bother with it around the water, but come time to shop, stroll, and dine, I do try some “beachy” looks that focus on cheeks and lips. I always start the day with a tinted moisturizer SPF 25, and I love to use lots of bronzer, a bright pink lip, metallic brown shadow, a pop of bright pink blush, and mascara to finish it off.
Fragrance
I go through spells where I am lucky to leave the house with makeup on, but this summer, I’m trying to get out of the house with makeup, jewelry, and fragrance. Crazy, I know. I have two favorites for the beach: a new body butter from Victoria’s Secret and Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue Eau de Toilette. Check out the links below.
Jewelry
For jewelry, I did pack a couple of options, but it wasn’t necessary. Everyday, I put on my trusty starfish jewelry from J. Crew. The earrings came from the Factory site, and the necklace came from the regular site. I am so loving these pieces!
Reading
Last but not least, summer reading. I recently acquired a Kindle. I consider myself a purist, so I stayed away from e-readers for as long as I could, but now I’m hooked. The first book I purchased came highly recommended, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is definitely a psychological thriller, one that I eagerly read every spare minute I could find. And, I’m a big fan of having a Kindle at the beach…it takes splashes pretty well, and it remembers its place when you have to put it down a million times to watch your kids cannonball in the pool…again and again.