Summer Beauty Prep: Miss Cheeky Chic's Favorites

Summer is right around the corner & I figured what better time than to share with you all, my tips & tricks when it comes to transforming into a bronzed goddess! One question I get asked so frequently what are my favorite beauty products & application tips- today I will share what I have learned for easy Summer Beauty Prep... 

First & most important- I know you guys love my hidden gem secrets to fresh, clear skin, so here is one that I cannot live without! This winter I introduced you to Coconut Oil. This summer- Apple Cider Vinegar. Plain & Simple. As the temperatures rise, coconut oil tends to be too heavy for my skin for this weather. Instead, I opt for a natural toner & use this stuff! Personally, I dip a q-tip in the vinegar & dab on to problem areas on my skin (blemishes, uneven skin tones, etc...). I have found it to be too extreme for my face to use as an all-over toner on a cotton pad, but try for yourself & see what works best for you.  When I first began using this, I diluted it to 1 part apple cider vinegar, 1 part water, but as my skin adjusted, I am now able to use it as is. *Another bonus tip- use with your shampoo once a week! It strips your hair of product build up & leaves you with clean, silky smooth strands. I use this on my hair, once a week on Sunday nights. Affordable, multi-versatile product....

Don't toss out your Coconut Oil yet! Like I mentioned earlier, it may be too heavy for your skin as the weather gets warmer, but keep a jar in your shower for days that you got a little too bronzed! I was recently in Colorado & forgot all about being closer to the sun which equals= pink, burned skin.  I was able to calm my burns by applying this liberally in the shower & letting my dehydrated skin soak in the oils. The next morning I woke up to not only my skin feeling relieved, but also the pink tones had virtually faded...

OK! Now on to the fun stuff! These 9 letters, this 9 lettered 1 word, this 9 lettered 1 word all in CAPS, seems to get the best of me every time I walk by it. But I like to believe I am 'purchasing & sampling to find the best stuff for my readers'...

Let's start at the very basic. Prep your skin the right way. I have been using a Clarisonic for about 18 months and I cannot imagine my skin nowadays without it. For those of you that are not familiar, a Clarisonic cleanses your skin with the deepest, most gentle form of exfoliation, which allows creams, serums, moisturizers, cleansers- ALL to do their job better when your skin is better cleansed & prepared for them. Make the splurge ($145-$225) you will not regret this lifelong purchase...

This LaMer Gel Cleanser is my ultimate favorite cleanser. It seriously deep cleans your pores & leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Although on the spendy side ($65 per bottle) I have had my bottle for almost 2 years with 1/4 left still.  Ask for a sample & I can promise you'll be back the next day to buy the bottle...

Now that your skin is fresh & clean, the most important step of your entire routine comes next. Spf, Spf, Spf. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.  I love Laura Mercier tinted spf moisturizer ($45) because it's like 2 steps in 1 & I trust the level of spf that I am getting with it, which is very important to me.  If you attempt to prolong wrinkles like me, my mother would say, "well stay out of the sun!" But I would say, "then take very good care of your skin from early on!" Start here...

The best part about summer makeup is that it is so easy with a beachy glow! No more caking on the makeup- instead apply a light mineral finish to emphasize your golden hued skin! I really like MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Powder ($29).  It's lightweight, easy to blend, & contours to your natural skin tones.  In the Summer, I rarely use foundation because my mineral make-up covers so well on my already bronzed skin...

This little duo- I could not live without.  I have been a huge fan of Nars Casino Bronzer because it is seriously my go-to compact during summer.  But when they came out with this duo, I decided I would try the partner to the bronzer that everyone obsesses over, appropriately titled, Orgasm. So now they make this duo of Nars Orgasm & Casino ($41), and it truly is the best compact for summer.  Even out your tan with the bronzer & bring a pop of color to your cheeks with the blush! Buy.this.now.

Ok, so I spent a little time at the Nars counter, big deal. But she totally had me hooked & I was kind of distraught that I haven't been shown these products before!? This product is Nars Highlighter in Albatross ($28)- perfect for Summer! Lightly brushed under your eyes, above your cheekbones & along your hairline, which gives an all over glow & highlights the shape of your face. Find out what you have been missing out on...

I was also introduced to this product which is very similar to the Nars Highlighter, but it is liquid.  This is MAC Strobe Liquid Lotion ($45). My skin does not do well with mixing liquids & powders, so I tend to steer away from liquid makeup.  But I will admit to owning this & I keep it in my beach bag to dab on my cheek bones for a dewey finish while on the beach...

Now you have that Chic Beach Finish as your foundation for your overall summer look...

From here, I really like to keep my eyes & lips simple. No heavy eyeshadows, No thick cream eye liners, just 1 simple product for your eyes- Bobbi Brown Black Ink Liner ($28) which is the best that I have found while having it all in 1 AND with a super fine tip (which is crucial)...

I get it, you're probably thinking I'm girl crushing on LC, which I kind of am, because she does this whole beach chic look, flawlessly. So I did the homework for you guys & I figured out how she does the perfect simple black cat eye here!  Watch the quick tutorial- she really is my favorite go-to girl right now...

So I know I told you guys to keep your eyes & lips simple, but I am majorly obsessing over matte plum lips.  I recently bought this Nars Matte Lipstick in Valparaiso ($25) & I know it looks extreme, but after you apply it, blot blot blot & then you will understand my obsession. It leaves your lips with a pretty plumish-pink hued lip stain- perfect for days in & out of the water...

We are almost done with your Summer Beauty Prep Make-Over! What is summer without shaggy wavy strands?! I have stood by this product since my days in High School.  Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray is hands down the best when it comes to natural waves. My advice is always, after you get out of the shower, do NOT comb your hair, rather tousle it to your natural position & spray away with this beachy goodness & let it air dry! Perfect to add to your beach bag & to spray in your hair when you get out of the water...

Lastly, a few finishing touches.  Nothing screams summer more than bright nails & bronzed skin! Lucky for you, Essie's new summer collection, 'Poppy Razzi' ($8) has you covered with all the greatest bright pops of color for your fingers & toenails!

And of course, don't forget to add a little all over sparkle ;) Lancome Star Bronzer ($33) again, is perfect for your beach bag, but also a handy little all-in-one brush & bronzer in which I use to add bronzed sparkle to my neckline & chest...

Now that you have spent your entire paycheck your money wisely on quality products...

... get to work transforming yourself into a Beach Goddess!!

xo, kjl