Summer Vibes All Year Long

Sighs... By the time I return from my honeymoon, the local pools and beaches will be closed to the public. If that isn't THE sign that summer is over, I don't know what is.

And I'll admit I'm a little bummed in about a hundred ways... The winter was too long. The spring too short. The summer too rainy and cool. I could go on and on and on. I love the summer because I love the activities that accompany its presence. Picnics in the park, drinks on the patio, beach hangs by the lake... It's glorious and the opposite of winter and snow and cold and being trapped in my house. It's also the time of year that my skin glows! Really glows. I know a lot of this is probably in my head, but just a touch of sun and I'm bronze-kissed and glowing. I obviously don't condone bouts of tanning or any other type of activity asking for sun damage, but a little bit of sun on my skin after a long, dark winter is a blessing. Despite the layers of SPF, I still end up a bit bronzed and feel like a million dollars. So I made a vow that I'd find something to hold on to this magical dewey glow with beauty products through the winter to keep my spirits up. Even if I'm not sun-kissed, I'm getting scents of coconut with my scrub, dewey skin with my body oil, and well-rested eyes with my cream. It's a win and a sure way to beat the winter blues.

BODY: Goe Oil

This stuff is AMAZING. It's completely natural - plants, fruits and flowers! Plus, because it's a concentrated oil/butter, a little goes a LONG way. (I justify its price point because 1) it's natural, and 2) lasts forever!) It has the softest floral scent that warms me up just rubbing it on.

EYES: Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Corrective Eye Cream

Everyone I asked seemed to recommend this cream for the eyes when I was desperate to find something that would help with dryness around the eye and those darned dark circles. Admittedly, I hesitated for quite sometime because of the price tag, but am happy to report that it's worth every dollar! Allergies caused my eyes to appear worn out, dry, and flaky. Nightmare! I'm not kidding when I say I go out with this stuff on instead of makeup because it instantly makes me look doe-eyed and dewey. Plus, my dark circles have almost disappeared! Win.

HAIR: Poppy Austin 100% Argan Oil

Because my hair is pretty fine it appears damaged with the slightest provocation. In an attempt to stop dyeing my hair, I recently visited a salon and had an ombre look applied in order to allow the root growth to happen without looking horrific. However, this tiny bit of bleach really killed it despite the fact that I rarely blow dry or use hot tools on my hair. The stylist recommended 100% argan oil to be applied lightly on my ends after every shower to keep them hydrated and healthy. I went with Poppy Austin instead of the more well-known names because they're a small business and it's organic. Fragrance is nutty and glides on. I use it on my ends and when I need to tame fly-aways. Oh, that SHINE!

FACE: Triple Oxygen Facial In A Box by Bliss

Holy hell! I got acquainted with the triple oxygen kit a couple of years ago when I read a post on Design Sponge and none other than THE Grace Bonney was talking about how she LOVED the stuff. While I did like it, the price point was a little high for what it offered so I gradually let it slip off the radar. BUT during a restock trip to Sephora, I noticed these little packs for $12 dollars sitting near the check-out (that's where they always get me). I decided to nab one and give it a go. OH MY! I love it. The pack offers two facials making it perfect for travel, and gives you an opportunity to try the goods without investing an arm and leg. (Note: Users should avoid being out in the sun for extended periods of time after use). Great for gift-giving or for pampering yourself! Think GLOW!

LEGS: Secret of the Island Salt Scrub

Funny story: I found this at a restaurant at a beach in Florida when I was visiting with my girlfriends. We fell in love with it, I purchased a mason jar full of it, and dropped the damn thing trying to open it in the shower. It shattered. I screamed. J came to the rescue. Thinking about it a year later, I was longing for a salt scrub I knew would leave me moisturized but also take me back to those long beach days. I couldn't remember the scent I loved most, so I went with the five mini-jar deal, to sample some I knew I hadn't tried before. The stuff lasts a while so it's a great way to stock up, plus you can travel with them!! Big win. With scents like coconut, bamboo and grapefruit, and hawaiian ginger, I couldn't resist. The only sad bit is that they're not completely natural, and while I love the feeling of my legs after use and the fantastic smell, I'd love to find an alternative that is.

That's it. I'll be glowing all the way into January! Or February... Or March... (you get the point)

 What are you favorite skin care routines? 

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