Summer Must Haves

Summer arrived late in Maine this year. I was still wearing my winter coat in MAY! And we won’t even bring up the amount of rain that we had. However July is here (the month of my birth and my wedding anniversary) and so is the sun, heat and humidity! Lets face it, humidity is the devil in the glam world, the sun makes it  hard to look cute while shes is shining in our eyes and the heat makes it hard to breathe. It may seem like I hate summer but I most definailty do not! I love summer! I love the feel of the sun on my face while a nice breeze is coming in. I love to BBQ everything and all that is summer beer! I love playing with the kids outside and watching them and our garden grow during the summer days.  Part of the reason why I can enjoy my summer days is because I have found a few products that help me during these hot summer months.  These are some of  my summer must haves.

*all products were bought with my own money UNLESS otherwise specified*

First things first for my is my hair! For most its the skin but I like to go top to bottom.

UV protection for your hair is so important, you heard me right, even your hair requires UV protection from the sun. The sun can be as damaging to your hair as using hot tools or over processing so it is important that you use protection. My fav is the Style Navigator brought to you by the fabulous Navy Hair Care out of New York City. I first discovered this brand on Instagram (Navy Haircare) and after connecting with the owner Jeremy, I got my hands on some and have never looked back! Style Navigator is free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, phthalates and petrolatum but still providing UV protection and leaving your hair silky and frizz free!You can purchase yours here.

Since I am a flaming red head it is important to me that my color looks vibrate and healthy at all times. I enhance my red by doing a color mask every 2-3 weeks depending on how I have been treating my hair! I recently found this one at the supply store by Maira Nila company out of Sweden. Do not worry even if you do not have flaming red hair, they have options for you!

It would not be summer essentials without some skincare thrown in the mix. Recently I went to Daydream Body Works in Portland Maine and had a dermaplaning facial with a peel. My skin was glowing after! I have never gotten so many compliments on my skin. I was nervous at first because lets be real the person is taking a layer of skin off...but I am so happy I did it! After I noticed that Michaela, the owner, had her own skincare line! She hooked me up with a tinted moisturizer which is now my everyday go to for my face. I do not use foundation most days  because of the heat so this is perfect! It has almost a dry texture to it so it is PERFECT for those who struggle with oily skin! BTW it has SPF 40. I pair the tinted moisturizer with Mehron Skin Prep, this is deodorant for your face! If you have a sweat problem then you NEED this! I don't miss my sweat mustache that's for sure! Then I finish with my new favorite setting spray by Morhpe.

To keep the lips soft I use the Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, Cherry Me. I use the tinted one because I like products that serve more than one purpose and I love that little color to the lip.

This is a no brainier but of course you need to wear SPF everyday during the summer...well year round really! After watching TatiWestbrooks video with Scott Barnes I am now hooked Neutrogena Ultra sheer BodyMist SPF 100.This sunscreen dries down quick so you are not left slimy and of course I use my high lighter on top. Scott you are a mad genius of glam!

So because I use so much sun block I do like to use self tanner to look sun kissed without actually being sun kissed! I know a lot of people are nervous about self tanner because there are some that will make you look like you belong in the chocolate factory! I like St. Motriz it deliveries a good amount of color without being streaky.  It’s important when using self tanner to follow before and after care... I found this video really helpful. Kandee Johnson Self Tanning Video

To give my newly fake tanned body some glow I like using the Wet n Wild Moon Tears highlighter. I could dip my body in it and still have enough for the rest of summer! People, there is so much product in here and this cost me 7 bucks! It has the perfect summer glow and would work on most skin tones. 

I had to throw in my summer scent. Is that weird I like to change my scent based on the seasons? Does anyone else do this? I love this by Victoria Secret. It’s light and floral it’s perfect! 

I have made it a point this year to carve out time to relax and having personal down time. In the past I have worked myself to the point of madness, I was a mess, agitated,cried alot,could not sleep,anxiety attacks and it was because I didn’t take a break. Reading was something I always enjoyed because it helps me use my imagination and escape the demands of work and family life. Sometimes I pictured myself as the lead character, I am a Duchess, a slave, a man, a whore, cheer leader, teacher, bank robber and so much more. Bonus the library had an endless supply FOR FREE. I encourage you to find your own way to unwind and unplug from this world and grow from within take care of YOU first!

Now off to eat some left over birthday cake!

Samantha




Links are provided for easy shopping. I do not make money off any of the links provided.