« Vital Radiance: makeup that finally acts its age! | Main | Love these new sunscreen wipes! »
Beach Bound Beauty
My husband and I are headed for the beach in a few weeks, and I couldn't be more excited. A weekend of fresh sea air and sunshine! I absolutely love the beach; the soft sand and the smell of the surf are the siren's call to this beached mermaid! In preparing for our trip, I've found a few wonderful products that make beach beauty a near-effortless endeavor.
Since I like to spend all day outside enjoying the water, I am very careful about protecting my skin. My mother stressed the importance of sunscreen LONG before it was fashionable, and I've been pretty good at following her wise advise (aside from a few unfortunate visits to the tanning salon in high school). When I need reliable sun protection, I am especially fond of two formulas: Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock, SPF 30 and Coppertone Continuous Sport Sunblock Spray, SPF 15
(both are about $9). Both formulas have a continuous spray that makes application a breeze - even on hard to reach areas. The secret is to apply often, especially after swimming or working up a good sweat.
Since hair can become porous and brittle when exposed to sunshine and salt water, it is important to give it a little extra pampering. Forget the hair dryer and straightening iron - heat and humidity will sabotage any straight style! Work with your hair's natural texture, and coax it into sexy, unconstructed waves with a product like Fudge Shaper (100g for $16 at monsterhair.com). You need only the smallest dab of this deliciously scented (think mango taffy) styling paste on damp hair to condition and fight the dreaded frizzies. This product is definitely a summertime staple for me.
Sometimes old school beauty products are the best, like Nexxus Aloe Rid Shampoo (about $10 at CVS). It does a great job of gently removing deposits like salt and minerals, and extra oils from body moisturizers that have "migrated north." Nexxus used to be available only in salons, but I now find it at my local drug and grocery stores, so I think they must have changed their marketing strategy. However, this tried and true formula still works miracles to revive stressed-out tresses.
For a truly luxurious departure, Estee Lauder (with the help of fashion icon Tom Ford) has re-introduced its Azuree Collection. Back in 1969, the original Azuree collection was based on a mythic, Mediterranean destination. Azuree represented a sexier, more hedonistic side of Estee Lauder (even those white linen girls need to cut loose on vacation!). Sun-kissed color palettes, and an enchanting "tiare milk" fragrance bring out the sultry native beauty in any woman. The gorgeous, retro-inspired blue packaging, with signature gold EL cartouches, make it a worthwhile seasonal splurge for any diva who loves limited edition collections. I immediately found a few favorites that I will have tucked in my luggage.
The Cheek Glow in St. Tropee Glow ($28.50) is a perfect alternative to powder or liquid bronzers. The stick form makes it easy to swipe the creamy, lightweight color across forehead, cheekbones, and temples. St Tropee Glow is a soft tan that works beautifully on my pale skin. Paired with Azuree Nude Lipstick ($22) your skin can have a sun-kissed glow without any of the damage!
The Body Oil Spray ($28.50) is my favorite product in the whole collection. The oil is very lightweight - I spray just a little bit on my damp skin after bath or shower, and it disappears almost immediately, leaving my skin feeling very soft and moisturized. The tiare milk scent is to die for: a blend of Tahitian gardenia, coconut, and orange blossom, with undertones of vetiver, sandalwood, and myrrh manages to be fresh and unexpectedly simple. It feels and smells so sexy -a perfect secret weapon for an evening out that you're hoping will turn into a night in.
The Body Tint ($28.50) is a lightweight moisturizer scented with the same beautiful tiare milk fragrance that adds a hint of golden tan color and shimmer. It applies very sheerly, and does a nice job of adding golden glow, and camouflaging those little skin imperfections. As long as I allowed it to dry after application, I had no problem with color transfer - even when I wore ivory.
Azuree is a limited edition for summer 2006, so be sure to pick up a few goodies before the sun sets on this collection.
Hopefully, a few of you have beach getaways planned for a summer vacation. Enjoy the sunshine, because as we all know too well, summer always ends too soon!
- Lisa
find out about this reviewer and more about the panel...
Posted July 17, 2006
« Vital Radiance: makeup that finally acts its age! | Main | Love these new sunscreen wipes! »
contact | subscribe