SUMMER ESSENTIALS: Skincare & Beauty

Summer is already upon us, but in case you’ve been holding off on stocking up on beauty and skincare goods for the season, here’s a friendly reminder.

P.S. sunscreen is for every season, not just summer.

SKINCARE

Frank Body Original Coffee Body Scrub — If you’re spending your days sprawled out by the pool or on the sand, you’ll want to make sure your skin is smooth and toned. I love the smell of this scrub, and it works like a dream.
Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil — I know you’ve had nightmares about streaky, white sunscreen that has that distinctly (bad) sunscreen smell. This is the opposite. Lightweight and fresh. No streaks. And made with CLEAN ingredients.
Dr. Jart Focuspot Micro Tip Patches — I tend to break out in the summer from sweat, makeup…all those fun things that come along with the warmer months. Get rid of blemishes overnight with these incredible patches. I use them all the time and can’t recommend them enough.
Beauty Counter Countersun Sunscreen Stick — I love all of Beautycounter’s products, and this lightweight sunscreen stick is easy to travel with, and applies without streaks. Layer it under makeup to keep your skin healthy all summer long.

BEAUTY

Browfood Tinted Brow Enhancing Gel Fix — I like keeping eye makeup minimal during the summer. I love this product for its
easy application and long-staying formula that creates effortless brows, because summer beauty should be easy, and all about enhancing your glow.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir — Perfect to keep in your bag for a refresh throughout the day. Plus, it smells amazing.
Beautycounter Sheer Lipstick — I’m not a huge lipstick person, so I love how sheer and creamy this formula is. The shade ‘twig’ is
perfect on every skin tone — it’s a nude with a touch of peachy pink.
Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation — Can you tell how much I love Beautycounter? Their Tint Skin is lightweight and
made with clean ingredients, showcasing your beautiful summer glow, without the nasties.
Laura Mercier Colour Infusion Powder Blush — I’m not always wearing blush, but when I am I reach for a peachy color like this one.
Slightly shimmery, apply gradually to cheeks for a beautiful, sun-kissed effect.

ALL THE FEELS: Summer Comfort in Lou&Grey

If there's one style motto I live by, it's "Dress for comfort." And that's what Lou&Grey is all about. Whenever I go into my favorite stores I take time to touch each piece of fabric — feel the weight and texture of it between my fingers to make sure that tee shirt or pair of pants will be comfortable and help me feel my best. Last week I stopped by my go-to Lou&Grey at One Pasadena to pick out some new summer pieces (their Garment Dye collection is amazing!). Every time I shop there, I am always blown away by the beautiful interior, super-soft textiles, and friendly salespeople. And did I mention how cute the dressing rooms are?

While I love the warmer weather, I don't always love summer clothing. I'm just not the biggest fan of shorts, and when the temperature climbs into the 90s (or even 100s), I usually end up feeling uncomfortable in anything I wear....until I found these two beautiful linen pieces from Lou&Grey's Garment Dye collection. The answer to staying comfortable AND on-trend this season is these Linen Pants and Shadowstripe Double V Top. I love how monochrome, lightweight, and simple this look is — both pieces look amazing together, and each can be dressed up or down with simple accessories. For a casual day in the desert, I wore this look with a a couple layered necklaces and a pair of mules. Simple and comfy as it gets. And here are a couple other of my favorite pieces from the collection: The Tie-Up Blouse and Softstretch Linen Pants.

JUNE MOOD

It's been a while since I last made a monthly mood board, but I've decided to get back into the rhythm of posting these regularly. It's nice to have an excuse to surf the internet for creative inspiration, then compile it into a cohesive collage that can perhaps inspire others. 

Although I still have two weeks left in this semester, my mind is already in full vacation mode. I've spent the past weekend roasting under the Palm Desert sun, my wardrobe is being revamped with airy silhouettes and fabrics, and all I want to eat is greek salad and yogurt. 

Stay tuned for a Summer shopping edit going live later this week!

WEEKENDS WHITES

This whole "spring forward" situation has me thinking Summer break is right around the corner, when it's really still three months away. While I wait for sunny weekdays spent brunching and exploring, Sunday's in this off-the-shoulder dress will have to suffice.

Every Spring I go on a search for the perfect white dress to wear throughout the Summer months. This year my search was completed the second I found this off-the-shoulder bow sleeve dress from Poshsquare. I love pieces that incorporate fun details into a familiar silhouette or textile. This dress is understated while also being playful — a minimal sheath cut with an updated sleeve. I kept the styling simple with a pale pink cross body bag and white converse. I don't wear heels too often (it's best to stay away from heels when you're accident-prone, like me), and I liked that the Converse kept this look cool and youthful. 

Because this dress is so clean and versatile it lends itself to being styled in so many different ways! I'm already planning my next weekend out just so I can wear it again. Next time I'm thinking of wearing it with my favorite western-style belt, and a black hat, and some silver-studded ankle boots. The possibilities are endless.

Photography | Mire Yang
Dress | Poshsquare
Bag | Kate Spade
Shoes | Converse
Sunglasses | Quay