Long-Weekend Must-Haves
Memorial Day weekend has arrived, at long last, signaling the official start of summer. Not a moment too soon, considering the horrid winter that we’ve just endured. Trust me, this summer I’ll utter not a peep in complaint about the heat. If you’re headed for the beach or off to other outdoor pursuits, you’ll want to devote some thought to packing. I suggest lightening up on the makeup while loading up on sun protection — both sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Although enjoying the sun’s rays is highly beneficial in limited doses, getting sunburned is never pleasant, and it’s so easy to overdo it early in the season.
This year I’m eschewing the beach for a tour of Virginia hunt country stables (and doing a bit of riding as well), so I’ll be spending many hours in the sun. Whether you’ll be enjoying surf or turf, here are some items to consider for your beach (or saddle) bag:
I’m a huge fan of the Alba Botanica line of natural sunscreens. For your face try their Very Emollient Sunscreen Facial Broad Spectrum 30. Its light formula provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and protects the skin with antioxidant-rich green tea and grape seed extracts. It’s also highly water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
I like spray sunscreens for the body because they are so easy to apply. Try Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Nourish Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50. This paraben-free formula screens the sun’s rays while nourishing the skin with coconut oil, gingko biloba and ginseng extract.
Another great option is Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil SPF30 for Skin and Hair. Many of us forget to protect our hair from the sun, and this gorgeously scented oil beautifies both your skin and tresses with a blend of aloe and exotic Indonesian nyamplung oil.
To refresh your hair, try Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. This product revives limp locks with oil-absorbing rice and corn powder while oat milk smoothes and protects the hair shaft. I will be using it to counter the inevitable riding helmet induced hat head.
Don’t neglect lip protection, or you will be rewarded with cracking, sunburned lips. I’ve been a bit obsessed with Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 for some time now and carry it everywhere. Needless to say, I recommend it highly. This rich balm moisturizes and plumps the lips with a delectable combination of sugar, black currant oil and polyphenol-rich grape seed oil.
As for color, minimalism is the key here. I just had a “eureka” moment when I tried Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in In Paradise, which is the ultimate shade of coral pink that I’ve been seeking. This is a sunny summer hue that’s so perfect for a quick swipe of color, sans mirror.
I wouldn’t bother with much makeup. Try tight lining your eyes and a touch of mascara (waterproof if you plan on swimming). Achieve a makeup-minimalist summer look with the easy-to-wear colors from Pacifica Beauty’s Solar Complete Color Mineral Palette. Set your makeup with a spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir, and treat yourself an occasional misting throughout the day to freshen your makeup and cool off. The travel size fits nicely into one’s streamlined, long-weekend beauty kit.
In case you were wondering, yes, your nails need sun protection as well. Being a longtime Zoya nail product enthusiast, I heartily recommend their Armor Topcoat and UV Blocker. This topcoat shields natural nails and extends nail polish wear while preventing yellowing caused by sun exposure. Try this over one of their fabulous new summer shades, although I haven’t been able to limit myself to just one! Save your hands from sun damage, premature aging and liver spots with Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn SPF 40. This cream sinks right in, doesn’t leave a white film and moisturizes and protects with sea buckthorn and argan oil.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.