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  Currently Coveting: Stylish Swimwear

  By Heather | June 18, 2013
  
  
  As I combed through my swimming suits this weekend I realized one thing: I'm coveting new ones. This season's swimwear is rich with color and style. The bandeau is a frontrunner in my book, with its classic lines, convenient absence of tan lines, and this year's twist of fringe and eyelet trims. But I'm also craving that vintage look, from pin-up bottoms to extra piping, sexy one pieces to all-American stripes. Overall, I'm currently coveting all these new trends, but I'm looking to get at least two new suits: one bandeau and one with throwback details. Snap up one of these new suits, your favorite beach tote, and these beach beauty essentials and head for the sand with me!
  
  1. PilyQ Dandelion Eyelet Bikini Top: Sunshine yellow and oh-so-pretty. I love the range of color available in swimming suits, from electric orange to punchy purple. This daffodil yellow suit is cut into a classic bandeau and updated with a very retro eyelet trim. I think it's the perfect mix of sexy and sweet.
  
  2. L*Space Brasilia Audrey Fringe Bikini Top: Speaking of color, this L*Space bikini rocks the waves in watermelon pink. Its plethora of fringe makes it almost a full-on top, and I've seen many a fringed bikini rocked during festival season. Pair with cutoffs and armfuls of charm bracelets for that concert-going vibe at the beach.
  
  3. Juicy Couture Itsy Bitsy Polka Dot One Piece: Juicy Couture goes retro with this polka dot one piece. I'm loving all the vintage feel in swimwear this season. Look for tiny dots, extra piping, sweetheart necklines, and high-waisted bottoms to capture this pin-up girl feel. Oh, and don't forget the wedges, floppy hat, and red lipstick!
  
  4. Zimmermann Wanderlust Underwire Bikini: Molded cups are a big trend, and one that steals from the past. This excellent structure is borrowed from vintage undergarments, and makes for excellent shaping and uplift on the beach and in the waves. The kicky Hawaiian print adds fun to this ultra structured bikini!
  
  5. Robin Piccone 'Penelope' Crochet Overlay One Piece: Crochet...a new way! This one piece is modest, but don't confuse that word for stuffy. This little black suit is anything but boring with its see-through crochet detail and curve-inducing piping. If you're going for basic black, make sure its got fun details!
  
  6. Cynababy Sailor Dreams Swarovski Bandeau Bikini: As most of you know from reading my blog, I LOVE this bikini....and so does everyone who sees me wearing it, which always feels good. All-American style is channeled into this must-have striped bikini. My favorite all season, it's got color pop with its yellow details, classic shape, and just the right amount of bling (see the tiny rhinestone embellishments?). I'm wearing this Fourth of July to Labor Day with my denim cutoffs and beachy waves.
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  Celebrity Style Beauty Secrets

  By Heather | June 17, 2013
  
  
  Ahhhh, Blake Lively. How is it that you celebrities get that effortless glow? that perfect tan? that lustrous hair? It's not without effort, we know, but you guys do have a few secrets up your sleeves. Excellent lighting and a team of stylists aside, I've rounded up a few of my favorite celebrity style beauty secrets. Flawless skin sets the celebrities apart, so I start there with a fabulous eye cream, an oil-free sunscreen, a hydro cleanser, and an illuminating powder. The crowning glory is the hair of course, so a deep conditioning treatment is in order. And sometimes a celebrity glow comes from the details: a trendy, polished nail color and perfectly tan legs. Read on for all my celebrity-stolen beauty secrets:
  
  1. Perricone MD Cold Plasma Eye: Well, hello, bright eyes. This is my absolute favorite eye cream! I noticed an almost immediate change in my eyes when I started using it. I have to fend off allergies, sometimes tired eyes and of course aging so eye cream to me, is no joke. Cold plasma cream guarantees a bright eye...plus reduced puffiness, minimized redness, and shrunken fine lines. Every celebrity knows well-hydrated eyes are the basis of bright eyes.
  
  2. Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs: Put your best leg forward (just like Angelina Jolie!). Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs is amazing! It turns your legs into tan, smooth, shiny beams of light! I spray about 12 inches from my skin in the area I want spiffy. Then I let it dry completely. Next I take body lotion and use it to smooth out the makeup and create a sheerer more natural looking finish. Then let it dry before you touch anything. I do this for all my special events. TIP: Be careful because it can rub onto your clothes…but oh wow, you never looked better nude than with a coat of this! f you haven't spent spring break on the islands, this is your ticket to a celebrity tan.
  
  3. Moroccanoil Oil Treatment: Allure says that Salma Hayek swears by it and so do I. I have blonde color treated hair that gets very dried out with especially with too much heat styling.  I use this Moroccan Oil treatment for healthy, glossy, Blake-like hair. It's fabulous smelling, too or so everyone tells me after one flip of my hair.
  
  4. Resurface by Shani Darden Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30: I was introduced to Shani this year and my skin has never looked better! Shani is responsible for the covetable skin of with A-Listers like Jessica Alba and Minka Kelly (who tweeted “Shani Darden Has Changed My Skin!“). We can all agree. The best skincare is preventative skincare, but sometimes it's still hard to slather on that oily sunscreen. But no more excuses...Shani Darden's oil free sunscreen gives us all the benefits of sunscreen without the icky shine. Being in sun drenched Austin,  I use this daily on my face without exception.
  
  5. Clarisonic Mia Skin Care Brush: We might not have the cash for regular facials, like the celebrities do, but this is the next best thing...and we can do it from home! I was told by Jennifer Love Hewitt that her Mia is the secret weapon to her gorgeous, glowing skin. I love my Mia, and you will too! It's a whole new level of clean, and my brighter skin speaks for itself.
  
  6. ColoreScience Pressed Mineral Illuminator: Don't feel like you have that glow? Add it! This pressed mineral illuminator is a glow-giver. My middle sister came for a visit a few months ago and her skin was just glowing. It looked even and flawless...but also natural, and for the most part makeup free. She has sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts so for her to find a makeup that she gushes about it uncommon to say the least. As sister's do, I had to get the scoop on what she was using. She told me it was ColoreScience Pressed Mineral Illuminator. It is whisper light and has great coverage without the "mask-y" look and feel. I ordered some that day and the rest is history.
  
  7. Essie Bangle Jangle: I loved this color ever since I spotted it on Ashley Tisdale a few weeks back. Is if fun and flirty and perfect for Spring. Sometimes that celebrity beauty is just in the details, like the latest and greatest in nail colors. So, polish up those nails with this season's hottest color: lovely lovely lilac.
  
  8. Zaggora Svelt Melt: I've made it no secret on my blogs that I love my Zaggora Viva hot pants. I workout 6 days a week and to me, it's a waist of time if I'm no dripping with sweat afterwards. Gross, TMI, sorry! The combo of Zaggora's trademark Hot Pants and Svelt Melt lotion are the secret weapon of Kristin Cavallari and Stacy Keibler! Smooth out those legs like never before with this amazing technology...and be red carpet ready in no time!
  
  9. Serge Normant Meta Sheer Dry Oil Finishing Spray: Celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant (whose clients include Blake Lively, Gisele Bundchen, and Julia Roberts) is the master at transforming flat hair into big hair in moments. The Serge Normant Meta Sheer Dry Oil Finishing Spray was one of the products used during the Blake Lively Allure photoshoot.  I love the beachy, effortless look...perfection.
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  Currently Craving: Ladylike Shorts

  By Heather | June 14, 2013
  
  
  Fresh, feminine...and yes, oh so foxy. Ladylike shorts are in bloom all over town. Set aside the cutoffs and distressed denim, and opt for something gorgeously girly for sunny summer days. I adore the rainbow of sun-drenched colors and pretty prints that are cropping up everywhere this season! Paired with design details like pleats, slim structure or high waists, these tailored or delicate shorts can be worn morning to night with a swap of wedges for strappy sandals. Get Cameron Diaz's summer style by mixing your color-filled shorts with a printed, dotted or striped top...oversized shades and a tousled pony tail help, too! Happy weekend all!
  
  1. Joie Layana Silk Shorts: Inspired by the sea, these shorts go from reading poolside to sipping cocktails in a snap. Swap your bikini and wedges for strappy sandals and a slim knit for a smooth transition.
  
  2. LC Lauren Conrad Lace Shorts: Nothing says ladylike as well as lace. If you haven't snapped up a pair of lace shorts, do so now! They work for date night with a tucked in top, same colored or printed. Wear a slim blazer over for daytime affairs and lunches.
  
  3.  Tibi Velocity High-waisted Short: High-waisted wonder! Feature a slim waist and your curves in vintage-feeling high-waisted shorts. A pretty print adds to the feminine appeal. Pair with an easy-breezy silk cami, but be sure to tuck it in to show off that high-waisted cut.
  
  4.  Sea Striped Pleat Shorts: The bold and the beautiful. These high-waisted shorts are both! Graphic black stripes and highly structured style make them the perfect candidate for other basic black pieces like a black tank, peeptoe pump, and structured black jacket. Then use gold jewelry to give these shorts some shine.
  
  5. Rag & bone JEAN Mila Printed Stretch Denim Shorts: I'm swooning over any mini print this season, including these teeny-tiny motorcycles. Pair these "biker shorts" with a sun-soaked yellow top to get Cameron Diaz's cute mix of color and print.
  
  6. Theory Poe Shorts: There's simply nothing more fresh than crisp white shorts for summer. They highlight those tanned legs and they look brilliant with almost anything...from brightly colored tanks to breezy blush-colored tops.
  
  7.  Rebecca Taylor Hibiscus Pleat Shorts: Aloha! Get in a Hawaii state of mind with these coral and hibiscus pleated shorts. Pair back to white, navy or more color and your favorite pair of espadrille wedges for steamy afternoons or early evening breezes. (More beach beauty here!)
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  Guest Editor: Devon Perry

  By Heather | June 12, 2013
  
  
  After having two kids and years of being on the go, my skin needed help. Although I've always been concerned about my skin and active in its care, my skin just wasn't showing the effects of  these years of hard work. Instead, my face wasn't  looking or feeling its best. I went looking for help, and decided to follow the high recommendations of some friends. They told me about Devon Perry, and I'm so thankful! Meeting Devon has changed my life and my skin forever.
  
  That's why I'm so excited to share Devon Perry as this month's guest editor. I've never felt safer and more comfortable with any aesthetician. Devon has always been available to answer any questions I have, both during my appointment and afterward. I trust her opinion and regard her as a true artist when it comes to beauty. I am so pleased with the results. My skin has never looked better, has a youthful glow, and is camera ready without having to apply more makeup (and take more time out of my day). I would recommend her to any of my girlfriends or family members, and that's why I'm sharing her tips and very own skincare line with you today!
  
  Without further ado (although I could gush for hours), here are Devon Perry's tips for glowing, youthful, health-filled skin:
  
  
  "Summer is nearly here, and everyone wants to know how to get that "J-Lo Glow." My answer is to exfoliate and to hydrate...in that order!
  
  Natural cellular turnover slows as we age, resulting in a dull, lackluster, or even flaky complexion. We can combat this process, and speed up cellular turnover, for a brighter, more luminous complexion with gentle alpha hydroxy acids, like lactic acid, and hibiscus flower acids. For a more refining exfoliation, I recommend a manual microdermabrasion with bamboo micro-crystals 2-3 times per weeks I recommend Veritas Pore Perfecting Polish.
  
  Secondly, to increase skin moisture, without increasing oil production, I turn to the Veritas C-3 Peptide Complex, which not only infuses the skin with high potency vitamin C anti-oxidant protection, but also increases collagen production, brightens, and aids your skin in manufacturing its own hyaluronic acid moisture - unlike other skin care products which simply include a synthetic hyaluronic acid for hydration.
  
  As always, most important for optimal skin health, wear a daily sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, which forms a physical sun shield on the skin and reflects harmful UV rays, unlike a chemical sunscreen. This will prevent skin cancer, and the formation of an uneven skin tone, known as hyperpigmentation.
  
  My favorite summer must-haves are:
  
  1. Lemon Water: Stay hydrated! What do many super-successful actors and models have in common? They rely on the power of lemon to help maintain their money-making faces and bods! Magazines reports that Jennifer Aniston begins every morning with a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice to flush out her body.
  
  
  2. Green Smoothies using peach and spinach: Have you tried green smoothies? They are healthy and refreshing. I love making them for breakfast. The great thing about green smoothies is that you can add a lot of green to your diet without eating salad. I love salads, but sometimes variety is good! I've also known a lot of people who don't like salad who love green smoothies! They're a treat!
  
  3. Veritas Corrective Cleanser Anti-Aging plus Invigoratin: This Iconic Cleanser rapidly accelerates cellular turnover for a brighter, more youthful complexion.
  
  4. Veritas Corrective with C3 Peptide Complex, Lift plus Protect:
  This powerful, next-generation antioxidant complex combines peptides, plant-based stem cells, and three potent forms of Vitamin-C for a breakthrough in anti-aging and skin regeneration. Our C-3 is ideal for strengthening + improving elasticity, unlocking the skin’s ability to produce hydrating, hyaluronic acid (moisturizing), and creating mature/stable collagen that is resistant to the degradation of proteases (collagenase & elastinase)
  
  5. Veritas Brightening Complex Lighten plus Lift: Reveal lighter, brighter, and more even looking skin in less than 3 weeks. Natural lighteners and bio-mimetic peptides stop the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers the production of brown pigmentation (melanin).
  
  6. Veritas Ultimate DNA Defense Antioxidant SPF 30: This daily-wear, SPF 30 serves as a powerful solar shield, which repels harmful aging UV rays, and protects DNA from damage.
  
  Thank you so much, Devon, for giving me that J-Lo Glow...and for giving that opportunity to all my readers!
  

  
  

  Veritas Bioactive Cosmetics are available exclusively through licensed professionals. To find a professional in your area, or to purchase the Veritas Trial Kit containing sample sizes of the 3 core Veritas products, please visit www.veritasbioactives.com. For individual consultations, product purchases, and Q & A, you may contact the founder directly at devon@veritasbioactives.com

  
  
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  Trending: Casual Pants

  By Heather | June 11, 2013
  
  
  It's not often that a trend is as comfortable as it is cutting edge, but that's what I've found in the trending casual pant. Perfect for the transition for spring to summer, these often cropped pants feature a tapered leg and a slouchy fit. Usually I'm not one for elastic waists and drawstrings (except for on my pajama pants), but these well-tailored casual pants are winners in my book. Printed, floral or basic black, pick a pair in your favorite color and dare to wear a million different ways: over your bikini, to work with a button-up (like Lily Aldridge did), with t-straps and and a tank or all dressed up with a sleeveless jacket and a sky-high heel.
  
  1. Ella Moss Paisley Dixon Pant: Well-tailored, this slim cropped pant works well for keeping office hours. Pair with  your favorite heels and a crisp button-up, layering a statement jewelry piece to polish up the casual nature of these printed pants.
  
  2. MONROW Ditsy Print Vintage Sweatpants: Casualwear at its finest. For bumming about town or lunch with your gals, dress up these almost pj pants with a structured jacket and flats. Finish with all the details: a structured mini bag and an armful of bracelets.
  
  3. Pencey Pajama Pants: I never thought I'd be in love with a pajama pant, let alone be able to wear it out of the house, but I've found the wonder of both realities in Pencey's Pajama Pants. Printed in a delicate pink floral, I'm dressing these up with strappy sandals and a tucked-in tee.
  
  4. Rag & Bone Easy Pants: Make the transition to casual pants an easy one with these simple black crops. They are easy to layer in with your current wardrobe: just substitute these in where you normally wear your favorite black skinnies. I love how the graphic white pops against the black, so make sure to tuck in that top to show it off!
  
  5.  Elizabeth and James Embroidered Gessler Pants: So chic. I wasn't surprised to find Elizabeth and James on the label of this piece. I can definitely see Mary Kate or Ashley Olsen adding the finishing touch of embroidery to these army green pants, then pairing them with nude sandals and a skinny tank.
  
  6.  3.1 Phillip Lim Draped Pocket Pants: Pair these slouchy pants with a relaxed button-up and flats, just like Lily Aldridge did. I adore the ditsy print, but think it looks best paired with neutrals like black or gray to keep the cutsy flowers in balance.
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  Designer Spotlight: vkoo

  By Heather | June 10, 2013
  
  
  Simply, yet luxurious. Modern, yet timeless. Fun, yet sophisticated. vkoo has struck the perfect balance in its knitwear collections, and the world of fashion has taken notice. Just check out their press page, and you'll be starstruck by all the celebrities who have pulled on a vkoo sweater this spring. vkoo's sweaters are the perfect knit for seasonal transitions. With relaxed shapes and fun colors, any one of their pullovers, cardigans or scarves makes an easy throw-on-and-go with skinnies, leggings, or your favorite pair of cutoffs. Here's a photo album of my favorite celebrity sightings...inspired specifically for weekend wear!
  
  1. vkoo Cotton Pullover: January Jones layered her spring green and white striped vkoo knit over dark denim and a dotted top. I'm in love with the mix of stripes and dots! Her outfit also has me lusting after a structured white leather bag...
  
  2. vkoo Linen Peak-Side Raglan: This clover green raglan looks springtime fresh layered over blue or white denim, just like Alessandra Ambrosio wore it. Layer this slightly sheer linen number with a long necklace and loose locks to get her look.
  
  3. vkoo Cashmere Cardigan: Mom-on-the-run Sarah Jessica Parker wore her vkoo cardigan with same-colored layers and light-colored skinnies for springtime in New York. Pick up the kids, lunch with the girls, or do a little me-time shopping in this easy layer.
  
  4. vkoo Cotton Pullover: Two-time celebrity favorite, the vkoo Cotton Pullover was also spotted on Emmy Rossum who wore it much the same as January Jones. This proves the outfit-making ability of a good knit...just pair it with jeans and go!
  
  5. vkoo The Cashmere Loop Scarf: Jessica Alba is rarely seen without a scarf, whether she's traveling or just out and about with her kids. She's practically worn every piece in the Tolani collection, and now she's added vkoo to her favorites.
  
  6. vkoo Angles Pullover: Halle Berry roughs up her vkoo cardigan with distressed boyfriend skinnies, aviators, and well-worn booties. I love this edgy take on a delicate white pullover, which would also look great over cutoffs and your bikini or with a patterned skinny and sweet flats.
  
  7. vkoo The Cashmere Tunic: A simple black sweater, yes, but the fit and knit are perfection. You'll wear this cashmere tunic endlessly...with jeans, with printed skinnies, with shorts, with everything!
  
  Pssst....any of these pieces would make the perfect Mother's Day gift! Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Mom's Day to all you fabulous mothers! ~Heather
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  Trending: M-Slits

  By Heather | June 6, 2013
  
  
  Yes, we all know that the maxi dress is back for the summer (along with the maxi skirt), but subtle trend changes means I can still shop for a new one (or five). You can get away with the solid trend colors of last summer, but more hot are the prints, specifically graphic, black and white, and boho-inspired. Another huge trend that the maxi world is capitalizing on is the M-Slit. Never heard of it? Let me introduce you. The M-Slit is simply two leg slits in the front of the dress, giving the impression of a letter M with its V of fabric front and center. The beauty of this trend is that you get to show a little leg without overexposing yourself. The maxi still holds its staying power in beach winds and long bus rides, but when a breeze comes up, just the right amount of leg is flirt-ily shown. I've picked a m-slit for every style maven, so choose your m-slit and style for morning to night wear!
  
  1. Blu Moon Two Slit Skirt: A la Vanessa Hudgens. The boho queen herself donned this free-thinking maxi skirt. Perfect for concert-going or over your bikini, it's a throw-on-and-go with any tank and fringed sandal.
  
  2. Black Blue Life Two Slit Halter Dress: Not a boho queen? Channel some sophisticated polish, say Gwyneth Paltrow style, from this LBD (that's long black dress). Just throw on with statement jewelry to show a little leg and a lot of shoulder.
  
  3. Lovers & Friends Pandora Silky Slit Maxi Skirt: Moving onto another style, I'd call this skirt rad. Its purple, green and black pattern make it an easy pair to other basic black pieces. A skirt like this is great to travel with...break up your basic pieces with an insanely gorgeous print!
  
  4. Topshop Jigsaw Double Split Maxi Dress: Pair the m-slit with another summer must-have: graphic black on white prints. There's something so 80's glam about this dress that it has me reminiscing. Pair with other black on white pieces this summer, then wear it with booties and leather come fall.
  
  5. Stone Cold Fox Silk Lisbon Gown: No matter what your personal style, this dress can be styled to suit any fancy. The tiny dots are pretty preppy with flats, the low back is summer sexy with heels, the natural waistline begs for a boho belt, and you can always edge it up with leather and studs. My personal favorite!
  
  6.  Flynn Skye Tie Back Dress: Another choice for the bohemian princess, this dress really capitalizes on the free-thinking trend with its lace-up back and vintage-inspired print. It makes for a romantic choice for date night or easy outfit for Saturday morning strolls through the market.
  
  7. For Love & Lemons Heart of Gold Dress: Cast a spell with this leopard printed maxi. I can definitely see Rihanna wearing this dress to her liking with lots of jewelry. The mini dress underneath is made all the more sexy with its seductive sheer overlay and m-slits. Va-va-voom!
  
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  Get Beach Ready

  By Heather | June 6, 2013
  
  
  This morning I'm dreaming of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and fruity drinks. In the midst of paperwork and phone calls, emails and meetings, my oasis has been the thought that even though spring break season is over, summer beach season is right around the corner. I'm inviting you to come along today in dreaming, and maybe a little shopping. All the products on my list are for getting beach-ready, and there's nothing better for getting in a summer state of mind. Whether you head out for a candy-colored pedicure or just pick up a summer-ready perfume, these little purchases will get you beach ready. Aruba...Jamaica...Oooo I wanna take you...Bermuda...Bahama...Come on pretty mama...
  
  Pretty Pedicure: Think sweet pastel pinks and fiery corals
  
  1. Essie Pansy: Prance through the pansies, or in this case, beach boardwalks. Pastels and soft pinks are big in nail polish, for your hands and your feet. This delicious color reminds me of a juicy piece of watermelon.
  
  2. Essie Chubby Cheeks: If bold beach is what you're after, ditch the pink and go fiery coral, coral verging on orange. I love how this color stands up to nautical navy, crisp white, and tropical turquoise.
  
  Freshen Up Your Fragrance
  
  3. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Capri Eau Fraîche: Be a bronze goddess. Spritz on this lovely new fragrance from Estee Lauder and be swept away into a new season...it smells like a tropical beach with a citrus twist.
  
  
  Kick Cellulite to the Curb
  
  
  4. Natural Glow Miracle Gel: More heat means more skin. Kick cellulite to the curb with this miracle gel...as well as fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and scares. It contains anti-aging peptides with white and green tea extracts, and really gets the job done. I use this twice a day everyday. I slather on my legs before a workout with my Zaggorra hotpants and have had great results!
  
  Ramp Up Your SPF
  
  5. Resurface by Shani Darden Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30: The best skin secret any dermatologist will give you is this: sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen. There's simply no better skin saver than skin protection.
  
  Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
  
  6. Natural Glow Anti-Aging Moisture Lock: A moisturizing body shot! Lock in  moisture, lock in your youth. This moisturizing formula extends the life of your spray tan with Matrixyl, an ingredient that also works on fine lines and wrinkles. It restores radiance for younger-looking skin.
  
  Go Bright With Your Lipstick
  
  7. Nars Schiap: Eye-popping pink. This fresh-faced color is youthful and fun, so pucker up with something pink. Ramp up any beach-going ensemble with this finishing touch.
  
  Save Your Hair
  
  8. Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12:In all the excitement to get to the beach, I usually forget to protect my hair. This Redken system provides a layer of SPF protection when you spray it on.
  
  Splashproof Your Lashes
  
  9. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara: I never go anywhere without a coat of Great Lash, beach included, but I swap my usual formula for this wave-proof waterproof when heading to the surf 'n sand.
  
  (Psst....more swim season beauty secrets here...)

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