Forget that boring old pony! There are so many other chic styles that will keep your hair out of your face. Try a French-braid headband (this video will show you how) or if you have short hair, this slicked-back look is perfect (you can even use sunscreen or deep conditioner to slick it!).

With the heat and humidity you won't want to wear a full face of makeup this summer, but that doesn't mean you can't look polished. One way to instantly look put together: well-groomed brows (whip them into shape with tweezers, like Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $20, and keep them in place with clear brow gel like Tweezerman BrowMousse, $9). Perfect brows showcase eyes -- no makeup necessary!

Other ways to lighten the makeup load are to use a tinted moisturizer with SPF in place of regular foundation (try Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizers, $40) and a tinted lip balm with SPF, like Benefit Benetint Lip Balm SPF 15, $20, instead of lip liner and lipstick. A quick swipe of blush and waterproof mascara (check out the best ones here) and you're good to go! Just be sure to keep blotting papers around to sop up any shine, they're less messy than powder.

We'll just say it again: you must, must wear sunscreen, especially if you know you'll be outdoors. Use at least an SPF 30 for prolonged exposure, and be sure to reapply every couple hours and whenever you come out of the water and towel off. Check out these top-rated sunscreens or take this quiz to find your ideal product.

If you're wearing sunscreen correctly, then you won't be getting any color from the sun. But that doesn't mean you have to look pasty all season. Use a gradual tanning lotion, like Coppertone Gradual Tan Moisturizing Lotion, $8.99, to build color or use a self-tanner like Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Sunless Tanner, $22 to get faster results. (These tips will help you get the perfect application.)

Summer is officially sandal season (at least to us!). And that means your toes will be on display. Keep them -- and your hands -- looking flawless with regular manicures and pedicures. You don't have to go to a salon though, just follow this how-to guide.

You can also take the easy way out and try CND Creative Nail Design SpaPedicure Mini Tote, $60 for an everything-you-need kit, just add a cute file (like Tweezerman Zip File, $5.50) to shape nails to perfection. No matter what method you choose, finish up with a fun polish (brights are "in" this year), try CND Creative Nail Design Nail Lacquer, $5.49, in Hot Pop Yellow or Tutti Frutti.