5 things I love about this summer.

1. Braids

For frizz prone hair, braids are sometimes the only solution to the 100% humidity problemo.

It gets your hair out of your face and can potentially look really polished.

If you don't know how to braid... try getting on youtube.com and watching some tutorials, and start practicing!

2. Parasols

Fact: 80% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure

As far as I am concerned, the sun is my worst enemy. So why not get yourself an adorable parasol to shield your pristine skin from it's evil ways. I got mine from Pearl River, which generally stocks a fun selection of hand painted parasols for under $10.

3. Faux Tans

I have been in the practice of artificial bronzing since approximately the 7th grade... and even I still have an occasional user error... But if you must, and sometimes you do... this is by far the best at home product I have tried. My only recommendation is that you wear rubber gloves underneath a wash cloth mit... because it stains your hands like no other... and that is NOT a good look for anyone.

If you want to splurge, Suvara spray tans are like magic.

It was truly a flawless tan that lasted about a week, but the price tag is close to $100 a session... compared to the St. Tropez tanning mousse that is under $40 from Sephora, and you can probably get 10 - 15 applications from it...

4. Alexandra Rothwell Beaded Earrings

I am obsessed with these earrings! I actually own the pair all the way to the right.

Every pair is one of a kind, hand crafted, color consulted... and absolutely amazing.

They are great for all seasons but so much fun for the summer!

Check out her website

www.AlexandraRothwell.com

and oogle over them like me...

5. Retro Swimwear

Old School Bikinis and maillots... I need not say more.

this is mine... which I found at Enz's in the East Village.

Sephora is my happy place.

Note: the only make-up on my face in the photo are the products I've reviewed below with the exception of the Trish McEvoy eyebrow pencil which I love love love.

I've been looking for a new oil control face powder due to the fact that I went through my Peter Thomas Roth on-the-go powder in under 3 weeks. Not cool considering it was $30, or maybe I just used way too much. I really do like the product and will probably continue purchasing it in the summer because of the spf quality. But for now, I decided to try Benefit's Get Even ($30).

So far, I like it but I haven't yet worn it to an 8 hr restaurant shift so we'll see if it does it's job. I will say that typically whenever I buy make-up, I waste no time choosing a shade. I just find the lightest color and buy it. Luckily for me I take pleasure in looking ghostly white. So keep that in mind if you try this one out. I actually may have been able to go a shade darker but I like being ultra pale, so if that's not your thing you might try the next shade.

Face: Benefit's Get Even Pressed Powder ($30), Boi-ing Concealer ($18)

Lips: Sephora Brand Rouge Cream Lipstick ($12)

This shit is DARK. Darker in person actually. But it's nice to have options in your collection. Again, this is a shade that works well with fare skin.

Update: Really like this color, but it's so dark that you really need a lip liner. I looked for one at Sephora but couldn't seem to find the right shade, so I bought Revlon's Color Stay lip liner in Raisin... Seems to be just about right.

Lashes: Maybelline - The Falsies Volume Express $10

I was told that this product was really good, so I thought I'd give it a shot... It's pretty good for a drugstore mascara. I still have a spot in my heart for Benefit's Bad Gal Lash but I guess it's nice to switch it up or to keep something less expensive in your purse. It did make my lashes look really long but not super thick. Bottom line, I'm not blown away but it's probably worth $10.

Update: I really hate this mascara. It's to hard to layer... I vote no.

peter thomas roth.

A couple of weeks ago I was exchanging a few things at Sephora and I found this wonderful product. I'm not sure if I should blame my shiny skin on the NYC summer or just accept the fact that my skin is changing but I wish I would have found this product months ago. It's really easy to use & gives your skin a really great matte look. It's perfect for traveling too because of the cap BUT the best part is that it has an SPF of 30.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear sunscreen. No matter what! I cannot say this enough.

If you must use a bronzer, this is probably not for you. I am very pale so it works well with my complexion, the powder seems to be translucent... but still. It sells for $30 at Sephora.

Because I was so impressed with my first Peter Thomas Roth product, I decided to try out several more. I've been having some problems with my skin as of late and am NOT okay with it. So I picked up this small trial size acne kit from Ricky's the other day and have already seen a huge improvement. I've heard only good things about using beta hydroxy acid, so it was a big selling point... so here's to hoping! This sells for around $35 and you can get it at Ricky'sNYC or Sephora.

You can find any of the above products at

www.sephora.com

www.peterthomasroth.com

www.rickysNYC.com