summer lovin’: my must-have beauty picks this month

Everything feels easier in the summertime. Less fuss, more fancy free. So when the temperatures rise and the humidity kicks in, my beauty routine usually gets a pare-it-down overhaul. Here are a few of my favorite things that are getting me through July:

Josie Maran Argan Oil: A splurge, but with so many uses it’s easy to justify. Every morning when I get out of the shower, I apply this pure oil to my face while it’s still damp, and work the leftovers into my hands and cuticles. You can also use it as a body moisturizer and hair treatment. If you’re not ready to take the plunge on the full-size bottle, scoop up the travel size for $14 at Sephora. 

The Body Shop Almond Body Butter: I’ve been a fan of The Body Shop for years, and their body butters have always been a staple for my dry skin. The almond body butter is light enough to not feel greasy in the humidity, but rich enough to keep my parched skin hydrated. And the scent is yummy.

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector: Another TBS favorite. I bought this for my husband a few years ago for Christmas, and have since kept it restocked. I use it on my ravaged florist hands all year, but recently discovered it’s an equally good foot treatment.  Daily sandal wear can do serious damage to a girl’s heels.

Burt’s Bees Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash: A gentle, natural body wash that wakes me up in the morning with essential peppermint oil.

Bare Minerals Matte: Bare Minerals and I have had a rocky relationship over the last decade. I stray to try other foundations and tinted moisturizers, but in the summer, I always go back to mineral makeup. It’s quick to apply, evens out my complexion, and protects my skin with SPF. I’ve found that the Matte version is less shiny than the original, and stays on all day.

What are your summer beauty picks?