My Favorite Summer Activities

For me, summer is a time to recharge, to relax, to have fun, to soak up some vitamin D, and to just take a breath. As Sunday marked the first official day of summer, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things to do during the summer.

What are your favorite things to do during the summer? 

XOXO

Summer Skincare Essentials Part Two - Nighttime

Last week, I shared my Summer Skincare Essentials for the morning. This week, I want to share the products that I love for nighttime. As I mentioned in my last post, my skin can be quite dry (even in the summer!), so I love products that make my skin feel clean without stripping it of all moisture. I prefer to exfoliate at night because it gives my sensitive skin a chance to recover a bit.

First up, I have the Simple Cleansing Micellar Water. This product has been advertised like crazy, but I honestly think it's worth the hype. I just put a generous amount on a cotton pad and it removes makeup without leaving any of the tightness that toners or astringents often do. It leaves your skin feeling like you've washed it, but without losing any moisture.

Second, I have to share my love for the Olay Fresh Effects Dew-Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer. I recently repurchased this moisturizer because I love it so much. Unlike other moisturizers that leave your skin feeling greasy, this one is very cooling and soaks into the skin. I love this for when my skin is feeling slightly irritated, as it has white tea and cucumber to soothe. I seriously love this stuff.

Next, I have the Freeman Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask. The Freeman masks are super affordable and I think they're good quality. This one has a bit of a scrub to it, so it leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed. The tropical smell is also amazing... it's perfect for summer!

Lastly, I have the No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator. This is a great exfoliator for dry skin, as the base of the product is not a drying gel (like many scrubs that are targeted at acne-prone skin). The base is very creamy, with gentle exfoliating beads. It seems to be a great balance for my skin.

What are your summer skincare essentials for nighttime?

XOXO

Summer Skincare Essentials Part One - Morning

For me, Summer skincare is all about feeling fresh while protecting my skin from the sun. I love to spend time in the sun, but unfortunately my skin is very sensitive and will burn if I'm not careful. 

In the morning, I will either use this Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash or I'll just wash my face with a washcloth. My skin is very dry, so I've found that I have to use a very gentle cleanser (or no cleanser!) in the morning to retain moisture. 

Then, if I know I'm going to be spending time in the sun, I'll use my Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen. I like the Sheer Touch SPF 30 for my body - it smells SO GOOD, and it isn't sticky or greasy, it really does just feel like lotion. I like to use the Sensitive Skin Face Sunscreen in SPF 30 because it is light, but I know I'm getting good protection. If you have oily skin you might not like this, but it's great for drier, sensitive skin. 

On days that I'm just chilling at home or running errands, I still try to wear some kind of SPF, but I want something very light. I like this Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Fair to Light (SPF 15) because it is very moisturizing and adds the slightest glow and coverage. Lots of BB creams or tinted moisturizers can be orange-y or add too much of a glow for my pale skin, but this one seems to be just right when fully blended. 

And I can't forget SPF for my lips! I wish all chapsticks had SPF, but sadly, they don't. I love using Maybelline Baby Lips in 10 Peppermint (SPF 20) and Softlips in Raspberry (SPF 20). Both are clear, so they can be worn under any lip color, and both have perfect Summer scents! (Or is it flavors? hmmm...) 

Check back in for my Summer Skincare Essentials Part Two - Nighttime! What are your favorite sunscreens or SPF products? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO