Summer beauty essentials

1. Sunscreen

This is an absolute must. Even though the majority of foundations and moisturizers already contain SPF protection, these won't really offer the right protection from a full day's exposure to the sun. Instead I opt for sheer sunscreens like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with SPF 70. It feels very light on skin and I don't have to worry about clogged pores because it's non-comedogenic. Also, the formula is very sheer so it doesn't leave my skin looking shiny. For lips and around the eye area I use L'Bel Protege Expert with SPF 30. After spending time in the sun moisturizing is key so I use Nivea's Express Hydration Gel. I absolutely love everything about it. It has a very fresh minty scent, it absorbs very quickly and it leaves my skin feeling tingly and refreshed.

From left to right: L'Bel Protege Expert, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock, and Nivea Express Hydration Gel

2. Hair products:
Don't fuss about which hair products and tools you should bring along, you're on vacation so you only need the essentials. The hard pool chemicals and sun rays can leave your hair dry and brittle so products that replenish its moisture are very important. You can use UV protecting balms before you hit the water or restorative leave-in conditioners after you take a dip. Humidity will be non-stop so for no fuss hair just apply some anti-breakage serum or leave-in conditioner and style it in a messy top bun or a loose side braid. My favorite products are from the Coconut Milk line from Organix. These products make my hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. Also, I can't get enough of the coconut scent.  The anti-breakage serum is more suitable for straight/wavy hair while the split ends mender suits curly hair.

From left to right: Anti-breakage Serum, Split Ends Mender, and Instant Repair Treatment

My make-up essentials pt. 2

1. Benefit's Posie Tint, High Beam and Benetint Trio


This was a gift from my boyfriend but I know it's a Sephora exclusive. It features sample sizes of Benefit's top selling products. I had always read wonderful reviews about each of the products, but I still didn't want to buy any of the full size products. I must say that I'm delighted with the results and will definitely purchase the full size products. The best part about these products is that a little goes a long way. Just one swipe of Posie Tint or Benetint is enough to last the whole day. The same thing goes for the High Beam. What I enjoy most about these products is that they look very subtle and provide a very natural glow. The only part I didn't like is the applicator brush that resembles those in nail polishes. It's a bit awkward to maneuver when you're going to use it to apply it as a blush so most of the time I just use my fingers.

2. Avon Draw the Line Mini Eye Liners

I also got this as a Christmas present. The size of these makes them perfect for traveling or just storing all of them in my purse. This set includes 4 lovely shades: bronze, purple, smokey grey, and sapphire blue. All of these are true to color and glide on very smoothly. The only downside I see to this product is that they tend to run out quickly and you have to twist them up several times with each use.

3. Urban Decay's Naked Palette

A lot has been said about this palette, so I don't think I need to say much. All of the shades a greatly pigmented and it has a nice variety of matte and shimmery shades. This is perfect for very natural everyday looks and I can't seem to stop using it.