* A weekly newsletter about fashion, beauty, and shopping Wednesday, May, 17, 2023 * |
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* A weekly newsletter about fashion, beauty,
and shopping Wednesday, May, 17, 2023 * |
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I make a conscious effort not to sweat the small stuff in the summer. Though I can't help it literally (it's hot and I'm human, but this deodorant is a must), the mindset is relaxed and I'm maximizing for fun and leisure.
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take a tropical girls' trip with my mom and sister, and it was exactly what the doctor (my therapist) ordered. While we were away, I unplugged and practiced being present—and it was pure bliss. The trip was well-timed, too, because I used it to trial run the summer-vacation packing list that will be my blueprint from Memorial Day through to Labor Day Weekend.
I'm Team Carry-On, so all of my beauty products have to be travel-sized. Through years of practice, I've discovered that I can get away with less skin care during a five-day trip: a moisturizer I trust to hydrate adequately (I use Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream in the travel-size), face sunscreen (mine is Supergoop! Glowscreen), a small pack of biodegradable makeup wipes to take everything off at night, and a few micro dart pimple patches in case of a breakout.
Now, let's get into the making of good travel makeup. For me, foundation has to be a serum consistency and glide over the skin like a veil, only evening skin tone rather than covering freckles. I love the Glowy Super Skin by Saie, which I apply with a fluffy brush. My favorite summer concealer is also by Saie (the Hydrabeam), which is creamy and light and doesn't crease under my eyes. Instead, it helps to hide dark circles brought on by exhausting travel (though good sleep and water are much better for that). I have used the Chanel Cream Bronzer for a good while and it's now almost gone. It does take up a bit of space, but it's worth it for the most believable, dewy, bronze glow. My blush is a stick by Westman Atelier in Petal and my highlighter is the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand, both of which are portable.
For brows, it has to be this clear semi-stronghold formula by Joey Healy, a NYC brow expert. (That reminds me, I always pack a tweezer, too.) The benefit Benetint Lip Stain is all I need for my lips. I've also taken to the TikTok trend of using a lip stain in place of a lip liner to slightly overline the lips and make them look fuller naturally. A curl of the lashes and blink of brown mascara (find the new, brown version that gets me so many compliments below) and I'm good for the evening.
A little pre-vacation prep helps, too. I just got a semi-permanent anti-frizz hair treatment, which gives me a perfect air-dry, even in the humidity; I know it's expensive but I cannot recommend it enough if you're someone who has toyed with keratin treatments in the past. This is a super light version, which is vegan and gentle on the hair but still shields humidity for a full five months. A fresh manicure is also like a security blanket and makes me feel vacation-ready. The day or two before I leave, I'll book a gel manicure at the salon because I can trust that it will last the entirety of my trip without chipping. If you're in need of inspiration there, I highly recommend "vanilla chrome" nails, they're fun and still neutral. (If I want to play with color, I'll do it on my toes.)
Lastly, I can't forget holiday entertainment. For pleasure reading, I recently devoured the #BookTok trending Every Summer After by Carley Fortune (a former R29 editor!). The love/coming of age story spans one young woman's late teens into her early thirties, punctuated by idyllic summers spent in a sleepy, summer town. Trust me, it will take you all of a long weekend to finish. Wherever you go and whatever you bring, take a load off—you deserve it!
Happy summer, |
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Eyeko Black Magic: Cocoa Edit Mascara in Brown, $24 |
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I always get compliments when I wear this mascara. I'm surprised every time because it is the most natural-looking mascara I've ever used—very your-lashes-but-longer. Eyeko specializes in eye makeup and the mascaras are the real heroes of the label. This one is a fiber formula, which means that it never smudges or clumps. The wand is super skinny, which helps you reach and lightly coat every lash. I'm really into brown mascaras recently—I find the tone more flattering against my light-colored eyes than a jet black, and this is the best one I've ever tried.
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Dermstore x The Skin Cancer Foundation Sun Protection Kit, $65 |
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I require multiple forms of sunscreen. This Dermstore kit has the best of everything you need in a beach bag: face sunscreen, spray sunscreen, stick sunscreen, a powder brush sunscreen, a sunscreen for your hands, and an SPF lip balm. Yes, it's a little pricey at $65, but it's valued at over $200!
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Ellis Brooklyn Su Fruit Eau de Parfum Travel Spray, $32 |
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This is the only perfume I want to wear when it's hot out. It's fruity without being overly sweet. There's a sunniness to it that gives it energy and makes me feel like I'm about to have the best day ever. It's such a popular fragrance, Ellis Brooklyn recently put it in a body oil, too.
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Maaji Free Spirit Crush Ruffle Triangle Bikini Top, $51.80 |
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Last summer I bought this bikini on sale and I'm so glad I did. I love the floral pattern—on both sides, it's reversible—and the tiny ruffles on the straps. The material is good quality and holds up in the chlorine and salt water. When I'm on vacation, I'll wear it with cutoffs or sport shorts, a baseball hat, and an oversized white button-down.
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