Cool For The Summer- Warm Weather Essentials

Cocktails by the beach or relaxing by the pool with a good book?

One of my friends spends the entire summer, every single year, trying to convince me to go down the shore with her (hey girl!). You know, hitting the beach, getting a tan, stopping by the Tiki Bar… As beautiful as the Jersey Shore is…. I kinda, sorta, don’t really……… umm…no. I definitely don’t like going to the beach. Truth is, the only time you’ll catch me sitting by the beach, is when I’m away on vacation. I love warm weather and I love summer- BUT I don’t like spending a lot of time in the sun. Having to constantly reapply sunscreen, worrying if every inch of my body is protected from the sun- having to readjust my sunglasses, my hat- it’s not my idea of a fun time. Being out in the sun makes me sleepy and I am just too paranoid about getting any sun damage on my skin to go to the beach, every single week during summer. Sorry girl.

Oh, and I’m also terrified of water (even though I can swim..). Well, I should be more specific, I don’t like that dark, murky water. Soooo yeah… that doesn’t help..

But hey, just because I don’t like going to the beach, doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy summer. I love sitting by the pool, reading a book, catching up on my magazines (seriously, I have hoarding issues when it comes to those) throwing barbecues, bonfires, playing volleyball- pretty much everything, except the beach. You get the idea.

I love that time of year when I finally put away my sweaters, jackets and boots and dig out a bunch of my warm weather essentials.

Of course, a lot of them are beauty related (duh). Like, a good sunscreen because that’s always my priority during summer- preferably anything above SPF30, if I’m out in the sun I like using SPF50. Moisturizing lip balm with SPF is also a must for me so I always keep a few handy (in my bag, in my bathroom- I avoid keeping them in my car because they can melt easily if the temperature gets too high). Staying hydrated is also important to me (as it should be to you!)- few months ago I got this glass water bottle and I’ve been loving it. It comes in two sizes 250 ml and 1L. I got the 250ml but I’m thinking of getting the 1L one too, because I tend to drink A LOT more water during summer. It’s cute, BPA-free, has a no-leak seal and it’s glass which I really like.

If I am using mascara, I usually prefer using a waterproof formula during summer, like the Cannonball from Urban Decay. Any girl with oily skin understands the struggle of wearing makeup during summer. Of course I love going for light and water-resistant formulas (like MUFE Mat Velvet+ Foundation) and two other things I can’t go without are blotting papers -although when I’m out, I just use a very thin tissue or a piece of toilet paper… I mean we all do that, don’t we?- and a setting spray- I love Urban Decay’s De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray.

Since I like staying away from the sun, I love using self-tanning products (this one is my favorite). When wearing skirts, short dresses and shorts, I love using shimmering oils on my skin too. Some of them can look way too glittery, and I definitely prefer ones that are more subtle and delicate, and slightly bronzing- I love using this dry oil from Nuxe. If you are on a budget, I also really like Olay’s Quench Body Shimmer Lotion– I’ve been using this stuff for years! I try to give my hair a break from the hot tools during warmer moths so a good sea salt hair spray is another essential for me. Aaaannd I can’t forget my favorite body spritz- Philosophy’s Amazing Grace, which seriously, smells like heaven.

When it comes to style, I always keep it simple. I’m not too big on accessories like earrings or bulky necklaces, but I love hats, sunglasses (which I never leave the house without) these cute ones are on sale now and, of course cute little crossbody bags– because who wants to carry a huge, heavy handbag during summer, with sweat dripping down your boobs. Honestly..

Denim shirts and kimonos are also great if like me, you tend to get cold during summer. Some places (like stores, movie theaters, restaurants) take their air-conditioning to another level and I very often find myself shivering when going out, even when it’s 90 degrees outside. Both denim shirts and kimonos are usually very lightweight, but warm enough to keep you comfortable. I like pairing both with a simple tee and denim shorts– this is definitely a perfect outfit for when I’m running errands or doing something fun.

I love wearing heels and wedges whenever I go out, but on daily basis I stick to sandals (I got my eyes on these Rebecca Minkoff ones right now, how cute?) and my Converses. Last year I also fell in love with white Superga sneakers– they’re more comfy than my Chuck Taylors and also go with any casual look- dresses, shorts, jeans, leggings. I always wear them whenever I know I’ll have to do a lot of walking). Chuck Taylors are great, but after a few hours they do start “digging in” in the back of my ankles. No fun. When wearing shoes like these, I also always wear these no-show socks. I don’t like wearing regular socks because they’re not as thin as these I can’t imagine NOT wearing socks with my sneakers.

And, just because I don’t go to the beach, doesn’t mean I’m no fun. Which is why I got this giant beach towel.

How about you guys, what are some things you can’t live without when the weather gets warm?