Beach Beauty Tools

Have you hit the beach yet?  I did a few weeks ago and definitely noticed a few things I should have attended to before strolling onto the sand.  Pale, stubbly and not properly moisturized, that first day in Amagansett was brutal!  The first thing I did when I came back indoors was perform some pruning with my Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle®.  It is a dual ended tool that gets under my arms and legs on one end and has a waterproof bikini trimmer on the other. 

I am headed to Miami Fashion Week Swim in about 2 weeks and will be assaulted by the parade of perfectly tanned and toned, smooth bodies parading down the Raleigh Hotel runways.  The Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle® is perfectly portable and lasts for quite a while on its little AAA battery.

My paleness?  Well, I burn far more quickly than I darken.  I opt for a slow bake with sunscreen that has some shimmer to it that distracts from the milky pallor of my skin.  Bright colors and patterns in my swimwear also help.

Don’t forget to hydrate!  Coconut water is my staple during the summer.  Also, I love my Hydro Coach water bottle which actually monitors whether or not I am taking in enough liquids. 

One of the best vacation gifts my Hubby ever gave me was a crushable sun hat that I can toss into any suitcase and bag.  Make sure it is cute and coordinates well with your outfits!

Don’t forget a cooling aloe lotion or gel for the end of your beach day.  I am always more sun-weary than I expected to be.   You need something to soothe (your exterior at least).  If you are in a tropical climate, you might be lucky enough to pick aloe right off the grounds.  Just an FYI though, the clear jelly like aloe from the plant quickly turns a crusty, dark red brown when it dries.  This is something I learned the hard way when I thought my resort bathroom had suddenly turned into a crime scene…

Did I miss anything?  What is YOUR must-have beach tool?

Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle® enables women to shave, trim and transform themselves with a simple flip of the handle. Achieve a shave so smooth you can skip a day or two with this must-have accessory that gives women the confidence and energy to feel free in their skin. https://www.facebook.com/SchickQuattroforWomen

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle® via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle®.

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Seven Bold Print Dresses for Summer

In fall and winter, I burrow into my wardrobe of black, charcoal, eggplant, navy...  I made it a strict resolution this year to brighten things up when summer came around.  I promised bold prints, bright colors and an attitude that forces me to not take life too seriously!  For the last in Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love summer fashion series, we explore prints.

I found this cute chicken and egg print at ModCloth.  It literally made my Hubby speechless and dissolve into giggles at the sight of it.  He thought it was the most adorable dress he has ever seen (an adult) wear. I guess I'll take that as a compliment.  I paired it with a knit bolero from The Limited and a white/gold picture frame necklace from Bauble Bar.  

If poultry isn't your thing, I found a bunch of other gorgeously printed dresses for summer...  In the top left corner is an Escada abstract dress, the bottom left corner is ModCloth's Kaleidoscope dress.  In the center is a beautiful floral and vintage wallpaper print dress from Jean Paul Gaultier.  Top right is a draped dress from Full Circle, the middle floral dress is from Alice & Olivia and the bottom right is a foil geometric print from Paprika.  

There is a frock for every price range, so you can make a statement no matter what you want to spend.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.

Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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Top Trends of Summer Swimwear

Gone are the days of sack dresses and rubber flowers for proper ladies at the beach.  This summer, swimwear mirrors top trends from the runway.  Poko Pano uses color blocking for bold effect and Lisa Vogel uses watercolor patterns for a sophisticated look in one piece bathing suits.

Cover-ups are designed to be worn out of the pool right into chic soirees.  The big summer item of maxi-dresses are also designed to complement the smallest bikinis.  Designer Mara Hoffman rocks this trend in multiple silhouettes.

For the true beach bunny, there are those suits that were never meant to get wet.  Aqua di Lara's collection from the Miami runway, contained constructed and embellished swimwear that took its cues from the sexiest evening looks up North.  Sequins, corset styling and metallic patterns make these suits perfect for a poolside gala.

So when you're heading for a body of water this season, don't leave your fashion sensibilities indoors.  There is a designer and suit for every trend you follow!

(P.S. Don't forget to protect your bared skin with sunscreen and moisture!   Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration covers both.  Check out the rest of Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love summer series... 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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Summer Skin Savers

When you have beautiful day and summer Fridays, how can you not spend as much time outside as possible?  Sitting in the park for lunch, after-work cocktails and weekends at the beach.  Yay summer!

However, al fresco events quickly take their toll on your skin if you don't prep properly... For the third post in my summer essentials series, here are my picks for keeping fresh and sun damage-free.  This group isn't fancy at all, but they all do the job you need...

Even if I don't plan on extended periods of time outside, I start with Aveeno's Ultra-calming daily moisturizer with SPF 15 every day.  I have particularly sensitive skin so the cooling properties are nice and freshen me up in the morning.  It's not greasy at all and if I need to spend extended time in the sun, I can add another sunscreen on top.

When I went to school in Paris, I always saw the chic French women pull out these tiny Evian Spritz bottles out of their purse to cool themselves (you never do see them sweat!).  A quick spray and they always looked perfect.  You can buy them Stateside and do the same...

For real outdoor plans, Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration has up to 50 SPF (for UV-phobic freaks like me) as well as shea butter and silk proteins to really keep skin soft against salt, sand and sun rays. I have been carrying this bottle around with me every weekend so far this summer.

If you burn easily despite your diligent efforts with sunscreen, you still have a chance to save yourself. Prevent peeling, sooth redness and pamper your fried senses with a good dose of aloe gel.  I keep a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Cool Aloe After Sun Burn in my refrigerator.  I pull it out for an icy treatment every time I accidentally fall asleep outdoors midday.

Summer is the time to relax and renew! Make sure your skin gets refreshed as much as you do.


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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What to Pack for a Summer Getaway

Summer Fridays, warm weather escapes, the next few months are meant for a getaway.  These are  my travel must-haves for Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love - Summer Edition series.  I keep my mini travel bag packed at all times just in case there's a spontaneous trip to be had.  (Hubby on the other hand calls it lazy because he thinks I just don't bother to unpack). Whether you are headed for the beach, off to the country or travelling overseas, don't forget these top essentials.

Sonia Kashuk makes these cute printed cosmetics bags that are perfect for taking on a plane.  They have two removable clear bags that are easy to pull out for airport security.  It is big enough for my IPad (loaded with e-magazines, books and Angry Birds).

Little versions of haircare products.  L'Oreal's Ellnet comes in a mini bottle and Frizz-Ease fits airport security specs as well.  Ellnet has a fine mist that doesn't get too sticky in humid or salty beach air.  Frizz-Ease sheer solution keeps my hair sleek in the frizziest conditions.

I can't live without sunscreen and skin moisturizer.  Luckily, Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration can count as both.  It goes up to 50 SPF and has shea butter.  I feel like I don't have to pack an extra skin lotion if I have this with me.

Little Calvin Klein black knit dress.  I can ball it up and squish it into the smallest spaces in a bag.  Basic enough to be casual, but easily dressed up with jewelry (that you purchased on location) or topped with a cardigan for cool nights.

Last, an inflatable neck pillow is a comfort saver.  It folds down to nothing and  makes a huge difference on a long flight.  More importantly, if you are stranded somewhere waiting for a flight/bed/buffalo crossing, it makes life much more tolerable.

Are you ready to go? Bon Voyage!


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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Summer Beach Essentials - Hamptons, Montauk, Amagansett

There is nothing I look forward to more when the weather warms up than my weekends out on Eastern Long Island.  For some, that means the Hamptons, but I like it quieter in Amagansett and Montauk.  The beaches are never crowded and you're not under too much pressure to look perfect.

My essentials for the beach?  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  That means bringing lots of drinks (vitamin water, champagne...) and products to moisturize everything else.  Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration lotion has shea butter and silk proteins to keep skin soft.  I slathered this stuff on everywhere and never felt greasy (big pet peeve of mine).  I used the 50 SPF version because I burn fast in midday sun.  My hair turns into a mess near the ocean, so I like Fekkai's Summer Hair masque.  It cools my tresses down after frying in the sun (no frizz 'fro for me).  

Fashion wise, Tory Burch tunics and maxi dresses seem to be the uniform around here.  I'm wearing one of their cotton dresses with beaded cuffs and neckline.  I have a bunch more in the closet.  My fun flower ring was from a wholesale jewelry store on 28th street and my sunglasses are from Nautica.  

If you're planning a romantic picnic on the sand, my favorite treats are cheese from Lucy's Whey in East Hampton, cookies from Levain Bakery, and Lobster Rolls from the Seafood Shop in Wainscott NY. 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.   Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

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