summer skincare

Summer is a time filled with cold drinks, cookouts and zits. Between the killer trio of sunscreen, heat and sweat, breakouts are almost synonymous with summer - no matter who you are.

Since I'm not willing to give up pool days and can't control my body sweat, I've altered my skincare routine to ensure I'm not a greasy mess. 

the good summer trio

• Once a day (should be twice a day, but who's counting?) I use acne wash on my face and chest/back. While this would be a little harsh for my skin in cooler months, it's perfect for Summer because it has salicylic acid in it a.k.a. prevents breakouts. Psst - when washing your chest and back make sure to leave the cleanser on for a few minutes so it can get into your pores since the skin in these areas is thicker than the face.
• A few times a week I use Tea Tree Toner post face-washing and pre-moisturizing. Toner is an important step most people neglect in their skincare routines: it gets all the leftover grime and residue out of your pores that cleanser didn't grab. Tea tree is a natural acne fighter, but the best part is it makes your skin feel amazing.

• Lastly, I switch to a gel moisturizer during warmer months because my skin isn't as dry and doesn't need thick moisturizer combined with the North Carolina humidity. No thanks. It is still really important to use a light moisturizer in the Summer, even if you have oily skin, because it prevents your pores from over-producing oil (and preventing more pimples) - which is more prone to happen if you cleanse but don't moisturize. A gel moisturizer gives the perfect amount of moisture and makes for a great makeup base.

If you want to be super fancy and feel an amazing zingy-ness when you apply your skincare products, store them in the refrigerator. Not only does this prolong the product's life, but makes it feel super refreshing. Make room for actual groceries in there.

How do you change your skincare routine during Summer?

summer in a lipstick

Famous last words: "I walked into Wal-Mart for a six-pack of beer, and came out with that plus a lipstick."

But it happened! Yes, it did.

A few months ago, I was on a hunt for the *perfect* matte, orange/red lipstick and it was a hard time in my life. It consumed all of my thoughts, this perfect lipstick, yet after countless hours spent in Sephora and Ulta I still couldn't find it so I gave up. I thought all hope was lost until I stumbled into Wal-Mart seeking the beer fridge until I saw IT. 

Don't let it's humble packaging fool you

Wet 'N Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Purty Persimmon. I know you're not supposed to do this but I had to swatch the color on my hand to believe what I was seeing (I bought it so it's okay), and it was everything I've been looking for and more! I would have paid a disgusting amount of money for this lipstick but it was less than $2. TWO DOLLARS! 

This lipstick is perfect because:

• It's matte - Matte is younger, fresher, and better for bright colors.
• It stays on forever - I've tried some expensive "long-lasting" lipsticks and they don't come close to this one. 
• The color - This perfect blend of red and orange is what I think of when I think of Summer, and is usually flattering on all skin tones.

Awesomeness

Even though Wal-Mart doesn't have this particular Wet 'N Wild lip color on their website you can find it at Walgreens, and for $2 what do you have to lose?