What's in My Bag: Beach Bag

So now that it's officially summer and I'm leaving in two days for the beach, I figured that a beach bag post was in order. While I don't carry anything too ridiculous or special, I enjoy reading about what others take with them to the beach. I thought that maybe someone would be interested in what I take, as well.

Like I said, nothing too out of the ordinary, but I wouldn't be ready for a day on the beach without it.

The most important and instrumental part of this post is the bag! Previously, I've used the freebie bags that I've gotten from Victoria's Secret or Lancome... I decided it was time to step it up and purchase a bag for the beach. Before spring break, I bought the Lilly Shoreline Tote, which I absolutely love! It's a great size for the beach, but I also use it as my "carry on" personal bag when I travel. It's big enough to load up with anything that didn't quite fit in the suitcase.

Most of my bag is full of skincare products. I'm a redhead with freckles, blue eyes, and fair skin. I never use a sunscreen less that 15 SPF and usually it's more like 30. I love the Australian Gold Sunscreen, because it has a built-in bronzer that I swear gets baked into your skin! I started using this my freshman year and it gives me a nice bronze glow that redheads usually don't experience. I wouldn't recommend that on your face though, as it's pretty oily. Instead, I use Maybelline BB cream... I know, I'm obsessed! But it's got a 30 SPF which protects my face. Just for fun, I bring along these Evian Mineral Water sprays. They are refreshing and help to rejuvenate the face from the sun. They're kinda pricey, but they're a splurge that I wouldn't want to go without.

Besides skin care, my bag typically carries a book and some sunglasses. For the beach, I make sure that I also have my Cotton Snaps on- nothing like losing a pair of Ray Bans to the ocean. I also like to take my most versatile pair of sunglasses, which is usually my aviators and my tortoise shell wayfarers. These two work with brown or black and can work on the beach or out to dinner. Pack smart! I also like to keep a hat in my bag, usually a Ralph Lauren hat in either navy or pink (since these two colors go with most of my swimsuits) to keep my face shaded and keep my hair from drying out in the sun. 

Of course, what better to do on the beach than read and people-watch? I used to be the type to put in my headphones and just lay there, but that's no fun and nobody wants to disturb you. With a book you can hear the ocean, chime in on conversations, and cute guys may feel like they can approach you to play a pick-up volleyball game :) Book-wise, there are a few books that I've already posted that I plan to read this summer. Naturally, the list keeps growing and I've now got three books from Amazon on their way! They're all about the British Royals- mostly William, Harry, and Catherine-, which I think will be fascinating to read! First on the docket? Kate. She is so inspiring and I think this will be the perfect beach read.

Now that my beach bag is all packed and I'm imagining laying out, listening to the ocean, I want these next 48 hours to pass quickly!

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

The best part about summer is flaunting your natural beauty!

For an already low-maintenance type of girl when it comes to makeup and hair, summer is a wonderful time for me! I get to spend even less time primping, meaning more time in the sun! Don't get me wrong though, I still make sure that I feel confident about how I look and I do still wear makeup. The thing is, the heat and the sun already gives me a tan and my skin isn't as dry so I don't have to use as many moisturizing products. Most days, I spend 10 minutes on my hair and face and am out the door! 

Here's how I do it:

I start off with 1. BB Cream. Each person has their own preference on how they want themselves to look, so your choice of BB Cream may be different than mine. But, I have been a fan of Maybelline's since day 1! It's good on my wallet as well as my face and having that extra SPF 30 in there is awesome! BB Cream is my go-to and then if I want to look a little more done-up I'll add some blush and bronzer. 

My eyes come second. I typically don't have to do a lot with my eyes- they're blue so I like the way they look as-is. Since I'm fair skinned and light haired, I have the world's lightest eyelashes! I wear mascara every single day whether I'm going to the gym or to a party. I love Clinique's WaterProof and Smudge- Proof Volume Mascara. It won't budge all day, but comes of easily with makeup remover. It gives my eyes enough oomph to stand out but not so much that I look like Barbie. If I were going out to dinner or to an event I'd probably add liner to my waterlines and gold eyeshadow. Otherwise, I stay simple with just the mascara.

Since I stay pretty simple with my face and eye makeup, I like to play up my lips. I really like my lips, so I like to make them stand out. Lately I've been using Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb. It's the perfect summery red/ pink that doesn't look too dramatic. I like to wear lip moisturizers like this during the day to keep my lips soft and protected from the sun. At night or if I had specific plans, I'd probably opt for some sort of lip stick. 

Lastly, nails! I'm a huge fan of Essie and am currently wearing Essie Fifth Avenue. It's an awesome bright red that looks good with everything. Summer time is the best time to pull out colors ranging from red and pink to orange and coral. 

How do you embrace your natural beauty in the summer?

Beauty Essentials: Spring

I'm pretty simple in my daily beauty routine. I usually only take 20-30 min to get ready, and most of that is picking out an outfit! Now that it's spring, I figured it'd be a good idea to post about my favorite beauty products at the moment. 

It's a 10 

This product is basically the number one essential for hair! At $30, it's kinda a pricey investment, but it pays for itself almost immediately! Let's just say, the last hair appointment I had was in November... yeah! Because I use heat on my hair, I make sure to get to miracle oil plus keratin, but there's a cheaper product without the keratin. Basically, I put one drop onto the ends of my damp hair and blow dry. Wha-la!! beautiful, unsplit ends and healthy, shiny hair 6 months later! 

Marc Jacobs Daisy

I believe that I've written of my love for Daisy before, but it becomes borderline obsession in the spring. It's such a light, flowery scent that is perfect for spring and summer! If I could shower in this stuff, I would... it's that good. They just came out with a little rollerball version of Daisy, which is perfect for on-the-go or travel! 

Maybelline BB Cream

So, I know that there are so many wonderful, expensive brands that make BB cream. When I first went to try BB cream, I figured Maybelline was a cheap way to try it out. I had no idea how much I'd end up loving this stuff! I've tried more expensive brands, but I always come back to the light, dewy Maybelline. It feel like a tinted moisturizer, covers like foundation, and has spf 30 in it, which is always good for sunny spring days! The price and quality is just right. 

eos Lip Balm

Honestly, you can't go wrong with a brand called "evolution of smooth." I put this lip balm on before bed and first thing after I wake up and brush my teeth. It leaves my lips silky smooth and conditioned. I love the mint for at my vanity, but it also comes in other yummy flavors like lemon, watermelon, and mango!

Yves Rocher Moisturizer

I got this stuff in Paris and fell in love! My mom, sister, and I picked up some sample packets of this to do a facial night one night, and we all woke up in amazement at our skin! So smooth and even! Of course, the next day we headed right back to the store and bought up everything they had! This stuff is by far my favorite. It's a very thick moisturizer that I glop on my face each night (yes, glop. I use a very generous amount). When I wake up, my face is soft, smooth, and evenly colored. It's not expensive stuff, yet works like it is! Perfect!

Going into spring and summer calls for less maintenance and time in front of the mirror, which I love! But, no matter what, there are a few products that I'd probably die without! These go with me on every trip to the beach, long weekend, or just daily routine. 

What products can you not live without?