Warm Weather Beauty

I know I'm not the only one who equates spring/summer weather with all kinds of lighter layers—both in clothing and in beauty! I like to shed a lot of my makeup when it's warmer and opt for just a few layers of skincare—moisturizer, sunscreen, and a sheer tint, topped off with a bright lip and a hint of a cat-eye. 

If you're irked that all the images I've gathered for my beauty moodboard are blondes, well, hey—I go with what I know! I've always been a blonde but in the summer sun my hair really bleaches out. It takes a lot longer now that I work a desk job and not at a pool (insert nostalgic sighs for summers past here), but I definitely get a white-ish blonde layer on top and I fully expect this summer to be no exception. I'm already prone to letting my hair keep the mind of its own that's developed, but in the summer I really let it go and opt for braids, beach-y waves and tousled tresses as much as possible. Even if I won't be spending this summer on any other beaches than New York's, I'd like to pretend I can fool passer-by into thinking I just got back from a Mexico vacay.

So, tell me—how do you simplify your routine for warm weather?

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Beauty Must-Haves

I don't wear a lot of makeup on a day to day basis, but anyone who knows me is aware of my affinity for Sephora, and even more so of my love for nail polish...but more on that later! I put together some of my favorite products from my favorite beauty store, starting with skin care. Taking care of your skin should always be the first step to looking your best (and this really starts with drinking plenty of water).

I tend to try different brands all the time when I need a new product, but I've been loyally using Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser for three years now. I have very sensitive skin (I've had eczema since I was 12) and this gets all my makeup off in one go without irritating my skin. I received a sample of this Murad Clarifying Mask last year and I loved it so much, I bought the full size tube. I can very literally see a difference in my skin every time I rinse it off. Last on my musts for skincare-sunscreen!!! I spent seven years as a full-time outdoor lifeguard in the summer and I've seen every shade of bad sunburn there is, so I'm pretty adamant about getting proper sun protection. I've switched brands a few times and have finally settled on this Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection for Face SPF 55 PA+++. The higher price is worth it because I can put this on the the morning, let it absorb and put makeup on top within five minutes without any greasy residue & it has a great, light scent. I always make sure to cover my entire face, neck and rub the extra in my hands, even in the winter!

I switch blush back and forth between NARS Blush in Orgasm (a must-have classic) and Urban Decay Afterglow Cheek Tint in Quickie, which I received as a sample through Sephora before purchasing. Both blend like a dream and give the perfect flush, every time.

I don't actually own the Urban Decay Naked Palette yet but I've used a friend's before and I'm DYING to get my hands on one! It's got every shade you need for day or night, any outfit. They also make a great Shadow Pencil, which I run under my eyes or along my top lashes in Delinquent to bring out the green in them. I'm also a fan of Clinique High Impact Mascara, which gives me easy volume and length without clumping quickly.

Lastly, my favorite parts about my makeup routine! As I'm sure you've guessed by now, I'm a huge fan of color in all areas of my style. I change my nails every few days, & this Sephora by OPI in Screen Test is one of my latest picks for a pop of color. If you remember from my post about OCC Lip Tar, I've decided to make a bright pink lip my "thing," & this YSL Sheer Candy Gloss in Succulent Pomegranate is a quick way to add a sheer, bright lip. My other go-to is this NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage, which I wear pretty regularly. I love their matte lipsticks-I have a few other colors, but this one definitely makes it out of my beauty drawer most.

What are your go-to beauty products? (I'm always on the lookout for something new to try!)