Summer has finally arrived, it felt as though it may never come with our spell of dreary days as of late, but the season is upon us. To be perfectly honest summer is one of my least favorite of the seasons due to the difficulty it brings with dress (I am not a sundress, shorts, or sandals kind of gal but we will get to that in a later post) and with beauty (my makeup seems to slide and smear right off almost immediately upon going outdoors). But I think I have it figured out this year. I am keeping at as simple as possible and getting by with a little help from these beauties:
(Top: Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose, Middle: (from left) Arcona Desert Mist, Illmasqua nail polish in Alarm, Lancome Teint Miracle, Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, Bottom: Byredo Gypsy Water)
Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose: Korres Lip Butter is slightly more emollient than your average balm and the “wild rose” shade leaves the prettiest deep pink tint (a la Benetint). It’s ultra hydrating shea butter formula trumps most other balms I’ve tried as of late. Occasionally I wear this on top of a matte lipstick to summer-ize my look.
Arcona Desert Mist: I love this product, I really really do. I’m sure everyone I know gets sick of hearing me wax on about Arcona and specifically the Desert Mist. I have super sensitive, reactive skin, especially during the summer. Desert Mist works as a pollutant/environmental barrier as well as a light supplement to your morning moisturizer. This is not a mist, more like a thin liquid veil, the texture takes some getting used to (if you use too much it can get quite sticky). It is chock full of antioxidants and vitamins like C and E to help seal off your skin against environmental damage… and it actually works.
Illmasqua Nail Polish in Alarm: I am not usually one for “fun” or bright nail shades. I don’t have much of a sense of humor when it comes to beauty to be honest, but I have found that this punchy neon coral-orange just makes me happy (only on my toes though).
Lancome Teint Miraclein Ivorie 2C: You can’t really call teint miracle a foundation, it is a foundation tinted moisturizer hybrid, just a touch more coverage than your average T.M. Lancome calls it “lit-from-within” make-up, which is exactly what it is. Teint Miracle is kind of like Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclat for your entire face, it provides luminous, natural coverage and that makes it my new go-to base.
Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray: On the days when I don’t want to set my hair ( what’s the point in the summer anyways when it will fall immediately) I look to Bumble & Bumbles cult classic surf spray. I do favor more of an undone look on most summer days and this (in combination with my other B&B favorite, Undressing Creme) delivers that. I spray a bit allover while my hair is damp and then blow it dry, I also use it throughout the day to refresh my style (just spray and tousle).
Byredo Gypsy Water: I could go on and on about this beautiful scent (and I did, here, in this review). It is the most beautiful light, cozy, creamy fragrance. It is comforting and familiar and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of it.
Couture et Cuisine 