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.
The down side to all of the necessary hair removal is, of course, nasty (and painful!) ingrown hairs. To prevent shaving irritation, use a pre-shave oil (try The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, $18) to soften and protect skin. To help further prevent ingrowns after waxing or shaving, use a treatment containing alpha hydroxy acids daily to exfoliate and kill bacteria (try Bliss Ingrown Eliminator Peeling Pads, $38). Finally, remove ingrowns safely with this tool (instead of your fingers): Tweezerman Ingrown Hair/Splinter Tweeze, $14.
Photo 10/11
Summer Must-Have: Sunburn Relief
Painful sunburn? (Did you not see our "Protected Skin" advice?!) Soothe burnt skin with aloe vera. Thick lotions can often be too heavy for a sunburn (it can trap heat and make skin feel worse), so try a gel or light lotion like Jason Aloe Vera 98% Moisturizing Gel, $4.94. For extra cooling relief, pop the gel in the fridge before you apply. And seriously, use sunscreen for cryin' out loud!
Photo 11/11
Summer Must-Have: An Easy, Yet Sexy, Day-to-Night Look
If you already have your quick and easy beach hairstyle and your no-fuss makeup look then it'll be a snap to transition from the beach towel to the barstool come happy hour. If your hair was in braids all day, take the braids out and finger comb hair for a sexy beach-y texture. Or if you did a more slicked back look, try adding a fun headband or hair accessory to dress up your 'do. Or, if your curly hair is still damp from your swim, try gliding a texturizing cream, like Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Texture, $20, on damp hair to minimize frizz and define curls before letting it air dry.
For makeup, something as simple as a quick swipe of lipstick (we're loving bright shades like Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Orange Poppy, $18.50) or a thin line of bright eyeliner on your eyes will give your look the oomph it needs.
New bathing suit? Check. Cute beach tote? Check. Glowing skin from head-to-toe? Ummmm � If you're not quite ready for the sand and swim season, check out this guide. It'll help you look your best, from your damage-free hair down to your neon-polished toes.