Summertime in D.C. is hot, humid, and stickier than your fingertips after a meal of cotton candy. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to keep yourself looking and smelling as fresh as a daisy.
NARS Monoi de Tahiti Glow II Body Oil. I have never been to the South Pacific, but whenever I use this product, I start humming Bali Hai. It smells like walking through a Gauguin painting. I apply it after I exfoliate to keep that smooth feeling for a few extra days.
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Lotion. A wise woman once said, “If you must choose between food and Creme de Corps, choose the lotion. It’s that important.” At the time, I thought that she must be exaggerating. But after a few weeks, I am a believer. This lotion absorbs quickly, softens beautifully and doesn’t cause me to breakout. Perhaps the cult of Kiehl’s is on to something after all?
Fresh Sugar Lemon Roll On Perfume. I love the clean, citrusy scent of this perfume. And I am so glad, that Fresh now comes in roll on form. It’s perfect for those mid-afternoon touch ups. Because, let’s face it, it’s hard to stay fresh in the Southern humidity.
If you need to clean up your skin midday, you should also try Herban Essentials Towelettes. Toss one in your purse before outdoor events, weddings or yoga class and they’ll keep you smelling fresh from the shower all day long. They also have aromatherapy properties and are naturally antibacterial.
Psssst Dry Shampoo. Critical. Essential. These are two words that describe Psssst Dry Shampoo. I have tried almost every dry shampoo of the market, and this is not only the best, it is also the least expensive. It’s light enough that it doesn’t way down your hair, but powerful enough to keep it oil free. Use it in the morning when you don’t have time to shower, after the gym, or on any day when the humidity leaves your locks feeling like you forgot to rinse your conditioner. Yuck.
NARS Saratoga Nail Polish. Without a doubt, NARS is the longest lasting, toughest wearing nail polish on the market. I just wish they made a wider variety of colors. This shade, Saratoga, is a shimmering, classic red. It’s perfect for your summer pedicure. Buy a good base coat like Orly Bonder Rubberized Polish and it’ll stay chip free and shiny for weeks.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20. I usually wear a heavier creme foundation, but in the summer, I have to switch. If I don’t, my face turns into an oil slick. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 is perfect for combination and dry skin types. It’s light, but provides enough coverage for ladies like me who struggle with acne.
I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, but perfume can give some people (including myself) migraines if worn excessively in small office (aka House office building) settings. Please don't use it or if you must, just use a little! My head pounds just thinking about it.
Belle – do you use primer under the tinted moisturizer? I use and love Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and I just finish it off with translucent powder, but I'm wondering if I should invest in a good primer to wear underneath for summer…
P- That's true, but I think with a roller like this, it would be impossible to apply too much.
Emily-I use the Laura Mercier primer. I also like CLinique City Block. In fact, in summer, I like it a little better.
I love the nail polish! It might just be me, but I'm not a fan of this summer's trend nail color of army green. It feels so anti-summer. I do love the oranges out now though, I'm sure Nars has a great color for that as well!