It’s almost Memorial Day and you know what that means….no more hiding behind winter layers. Also I believe you can officially wear white shoes again. And the Sex & the City movie starts. Lastly, it is my 15th wedding anniversary, for which the traditional gift is crystal. I’ll expect Swarovski gifts from each of you.
But let’s get back to the immediate issue at hand and that is: SUMMER SKIN. It’s a little scary, I know, peeking out for the first time of the season. There’s so much to consider. So much preparation to undergo. So many appointments to make and products to buy. So let’s get right to it.
LEGS are suddenly a very big deal, what with the shorts and skits and summer dresses. Shaving is not just important, it’s mandatory. I shave every day so I prefer the Venus Breeze, which doesn’t require shave gel. That way, I get a quick, close shave every shower. If you find that your skin requires a shave gel, choose something like Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel, which is good for sensitive skin and doesn’t cost a fortune. I like to follow my shave with a quick exfoliation with St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which leaves my skin smooth and silky and ready for the next step in summer skin care.
SELF TANNERS have come a long way, baby. When I was in high school, this one girl, Laura Marx, her skin was orange from using that stuff, and all her books and papers were smeared with orange smudges. But today’s tanners are no longer so messy. Or fake. Or gross. I like the Jergens Natural Glow moisturizers because: 1) they work quickly but subtly, 2) the color is natural, 3) the moisturizer is already included, and 4) again: CHEAP! I love drug store products when they work. It’s important that you exfoliate before using the tanner to prevent streaks. If you’re using a tanner that isn’t also a moisturizer, make sure you moisturize before applying it.
PEDIS will finish off your smooth, tanned summer legs. Please, ladies, for the sake of us all, do not wear sandals without the pedi. Cracked heels and dead skin and white callouses are not too pretty to look at. I know some people get all freaked out at people touching their feet, which I totally don’t get because I think a spa pedicure feels great and is so relaxing, but listen up: You are ruining those cute new sandals with those repulsive feet. So go get your toes done.
FACE it ladies, the sun is not a friend to your face. I once read where a doctor said that if the skin on your body is the thickness of construction paper, then the skin on your face is like writing paper, and the skin around your eyes is like onion paper. No one’s face has ever looked better because of sun damage. So do not leave the house without sun screen on your face. The easiest way to do this is by using a moisturizer with at least an SPF 15. If you must tan the rest of your body, you can make sure your face matches with self tanners (Jergens makes a Natural Glow that’s specifically for your face), tinted moisturizers (I like Laura Mercier’s but Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer is also good.), and bronzers (but don’t overdo it).
So there’s your ABCs to summer skin. What are you doing to get yourself summer-ready?
