Low-Key Beauty

I haven't written in awhile...and I realized it's simply because it's been so darn hot outside that I haven't been using hardly any products -- imagine that! Also, with vacation season winding down, and most of my money blown at a number of pricey Vegas casinos, the beauty budget has been the chipper chicken recently. The last purchase was a set of Maybelline eye shadow. And it was just OK. Not very blog-worthy.

One product that has been helping me survive this dreaded Northeast drought is Aveda Air Control Hairspray. I usually stay away from aerosol hairsprays, but the scent of this hairspray is just amazing. And it's not tested on animals -- a big plus!



Here's a little makeup/hair style rundown I've been practicing to beat the heat.
Step one: shampoo and condition like normal. (I've been really liking John Frieda's Root Awakening for dry hair.) Next, apply mousse or Bumble & Bumble's Thickening Spray all over hair, focusing on the roots. Then blast hair for 5-7 minutes on high heat. Stop when hair is about 90% dry. Roll in large Velcro rollers so all of your hair is secured and out of the way. Apply makeup while hair air dries.

For summer, skip the foundation and heavy powder -- it's only going to clog your pores when you inevitably start to sweat. Instead, switch out your normal powder foundation for a tinted moisturizer (Sephora makes one I love) and a bit of translucent powder (Physician's Formula makes one with an array of shades to match all tones.)



Summer is supposed to be fun and exciting so try on a new shade of shadow and eye liner. I like bright turquoise or navy blue for a change. Apply one coat of waterproof mascara, finish with a tinted gloss that contains SPF 20 or higher to help protect your puckers -- try Neutrogena's Soothing Lip Sheers in Fresh Rose.



At this point it's probably time to check on those Velcro rollers. If hair is completely dry, spritz with Aveda's Air Control Hairspray. Yes, while the rollers are still in. If hair is still a bit wet, blast with dryer a few more seconds and then spritz. Remove rollers, flip hair upside down and hit with hairspray one more time. To keep hair out of your face bring along a few bobby pins; they're a summer life saver!

A low-key pretty summer look awaits you!

Enjoy that sunshine, my beauties!