butter up

A six-month hiatus from the sun followed by a straight week of sun-worshipping is bound to have consequences, otherwise known as "The Week After Spring Break."

After generously coating myself in sunscreen last week during an unbelievable spring break in Jamaica, I still got sun burnt. Not that I'm surprised that my pink, freckled, Polish skin would burn even with SPF 50 (thanks, Mom). Now, a few days after my burn has settled in, I am peeling in some spots and generally dry all over my body - not comfortable or pretty. 

Whether you burn in the sun or or tan flawlessly it is SO crucial to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The sun, pool and salt water zap all the moisture out of your skin and make it appear dull and feel less soft due to dryness, regardless of how much you think you're glowing with that new tan.

Moisture Cocktail - body oil, body lotion and Body Butter

In order to help itching, prevent peeling, and keep your tan lasting longer, apply some form of moisturizer at least three times a day (morning, post-shower and night) for at least a week. It may seem excessive, but this is the best way to prevent your skin from looking lackluster and feeling dry.

Showering with warm or hot water is also extremely drying, so consider using a moisturizing shower wash if you're prone to dry skin. If you have a lot of free time on your hands, you can also put on some body oil (or lotion) before showering to prevent your skin from drying out as much from the hot water - the oil will provide a thin layer of moisture protection even through washing.

There are few things I love more than a new Body Butter

I prefer to use Body Butter from The Body Shop because it is incredibly moisturizing but doesn't leave a greasy residue on my skin - it sinks in. Sometimes I opt for body oil or regular lotion - it depends on how dry your skin is plus your personal preference.

DON'T neglect your face, hands and lips with moisturizer because they need to be soft and radiant too - if not more so than the rest of your body. Even if you have oily skin it's great to moisturize because your oil glands are most likely overproducing oil to compensate for dryness, and therefore your skin is oily. Interesting, huh?

As for peeling on your scalp (like me), it's probably a good idea to NOT put body oil or lotion all over your scalp - unless you want your hair to look greasy.

A week of intense moisturizing will not only make you feel better, but look better too. Your body is thirsty for a Moisture Cocktail whether you realize it or not!

sick therapy

Despite trying to be a responsible college student by getting the flu shot this year, I spent the entirety of this past weekend on the couch. With the flu.

For three and a half days I did not go outside at all (pathetic and true), so I had zero motivation to put any effort into my appearance. Even if you aren't lucky enough to stay at home when you're sick, you still shouldn't worry about putting on makeup because chances are it'll make you look worse rather than better.

My three sick beauty musts are:

1. Sleep. Sleep!!! Beauty sleep is a thing, people. This will not only make you look better but feel better, too. Sleep as much as possible.

2. Water. This will also make you look and feel better -- your skin gets dehydrated when you're sick and can turn dull quickly. Drinking water, and splashing a bit on your face before bed, will help prevent your skin from looking as lackluster and sickly.

In sickness and in health, I love this stuff. Sorry for the bad joke.

3. Moisture. Yep, the dehydration issue again... It's super important to continue to apply moisturizer on your face and lips, especially if you're constantly blowing your nose and irritating your skin.

These were the only things I was concerned with in terms of my beauty routine for the past five days. Staying bare-faced while sick plus resting and hydrating is the absolute best thing you can do for yourself besides watching hours of TLC and eating soup by the pound (no, really).