Wrinkle-Free: Madewell Boyjean in Linen Wash

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A classic laid-back style for summer is white linen pants. Perfect for outdoor BBQ’s and days at the beach, linen keeps you cool but it can also turn into a wrinkled-mess.

A great alternative to the usual drawstring linen pant is Madewell’s Boyjean in Linen Wash. These pants are thin, lightweight and comfortable. They will keep you cool all summer and are a great transitional staple for work and play.

Stay crease and wrinkle-free with the linen-alternative.

RX Summer Skin Secrets: Richie L. Lin MD

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We all need to adapt our skin care routines during the hot, humid summers. Board certified dermatologist, Dr. Richie Lin is here to help. Here are a some of his top tips to maintain and protect summer skin:

1. We all sweat more during a sticky July day.  To keep your face looking fresh, your summer cleanser and moisturizer should be a touch more drying to control oil production. Look for cleansers that contain drying and acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, and moisturizers that are lightweight.  For acne prone individuals, oil control for the rest of your skin is also important so be sure to use a body cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

2. No sunscreen is truly “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” since all sunblocks will dissolve in water eventually.  In fact, these labels will soon be a thing of the past since the FDA has ruled that only the term “water resistant,” with a time limit, can be used on a label.  If you are swimming, exercising, or even just sweating from a day of walking around, you should reapply your sunscreen every 1-2 hours for continued protection.

3. Sunscreens with an SPF below 15 do not protect against skin cancer or premature aging.  The FDA will now require these products to state that they only protect against sunburns, but not against the carcinogenic effects of the sun.  Make sure you pick a sunscreen with enough SPF.

4. Swim shirts and brimmed hats with UV protection are very popular right now.  You see every toddler and young child at the pool or beach wearing them.  If adults are mindful enough to protect their children from large doses of sun exposure, shouldn’t the same rules apply to big people?  Protecting yourself with a swim coverup that contains SPF and a wide brimmed hat means you will be stylish and safe at the beach!

5. During the summertime, sun spots can darken with sun exposure.  Being vigilant about sun protection and using a prescription strength lightening cream containing hydroquinone at night can help keep those sunspots light and your skin tone even.

About Richie L. Lin MD

Richie L. Lin, MD of Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, is a board certified dermatologist with strong roots in northern New Jersey. Raised in Millburn, and a graduate of Millburn Senior High School, Dr. Lin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a BA in music literature. He then returned to New Jersey and earned his doctorate of medicine from UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, during which time he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Lin trained in internal medicine in San Francisco before completing his dermatology residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. During residency, Dr. Lin was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident in the Division of Dermatology. After residency, he joined the faculty at the New York University School of Medicine.Dr. Lin has now returned to Short Hills, New Jersey to practice, while teaching at Columbia University.Dr. Lin has published extensively in peer-reviewed dermatology journals. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He specializes in skin cancer detection and removal, including Mohs surgery, but also practices general dermatology. Dr. Lin also performs non-invasive skin rejuvenation procedures, including Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, laser hair removal, in addition to a wide array of skin laser treatments.

Shop Your Closet: Beach Cover-Up

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Cover-ups keep you comfortable and stylish on the beach. If you do not want to bare all in swimwear, throw on a simple piece for a walk on the beach, dining al fresco or party/BBQ. You can invest in items created specifically as a cover-up, or find pieces in your closet that serve double duty on the beach.

As the sun goes down and it starts to get chilly, cover-up with a light oversized or cropped knit sweater or chambray shirt. The knit sweater will keep you warm and cozy with effortless style. The chambray shirt looks easy breezy worn open or for a bit more drama tie-up the ends.

For situations where you might need a bit more coverage: dining al fresco/outdoor pool party/beach BBQ, cover-up with a simple slip dress or tunic. These lightweight pieces are easy to slip-on over your swimsuit, and if the material happens to get wet, it will dry quickly. Spice it up a bit with some unexpected accessories that wouldn’t normally be worn in such a casual style: statement necklace, bold and vibrant earrings or stacked multi-textured bracelets.

Wraps are the most versatile way to cover-up your swimsuit. Usually made of a lightweight fabric, wraps come in solid colors and a variety of bright prints. Scour your closet for your favorite lightweight scarf. These are great alternatives for wraps and available in a wider variety of prints, patterns and colors. Simply wrap the scarf around your waist for a skirt cover-up or transform into a strapless tube dress by wrapping it like a towel. Safety pin to secure.

Repurpose these pieces found in your closet for a great day at the beach:

Brandy Melville ~ Kayla Sweater: $60.00

Calypso St. Barth ~ Castaway Cotton Tunic: $99.00 (sale)

T by Alexander Wang ~ Matte Jersey Crossback Maxi: $156.00

Gap ~ 1968 Chambray Tunic: $54.95

Juicy Couture ~ Chevron Striped Scarf: $23.40 (sale)

Sporty Girl: Hurley Phantom Kini

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Sporty Girl: The girl who doesn’t want to go to the beach or pool to lay there and bronze all day. The girl who wants to be active in the sun. The girl who wants to be in the water, swimming, surfing, paddle boarding. The girl (like every girl) who still wants to look good doing it. Enter: Hurley Phantom Kini.

Phantom Technology:

Blessed with the Phantom Fabric (compressed micro fibers woven with spandex to create unparalleled 140% stretch). Infused with ground breaking nano technology and water repellent fabric to absorb less water with the finest quality micro yarns which produce a soft and silky touch to skin. Designed with no inseam, leaving zero restriction in performance while maximizing comfort.

The Hurley Phantom Kini is made with this Phantom Technology. Stretch woven to hug the body and provide support, lightweight and designed to dry quickly. The suits are also finished with bonded seams that lay flat on the skin, which means you won’t have to worry about chafing and constantly having to pull your suit into place.

Whether you are a sporty girl, a mother chasing after your kids or you just want to be more active on the beach – try on a little style with comfort and have more fun in the sun!

Holy Grail: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream

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Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream is my go-to, holy grail concealer. The opaque cream covers everything from acne to tattoos while still feeling lightweight and looking natural.

I initially bought this concealer years ago for the main issue of a bruise on my leg. I asked a Sephora representative what would be the best product and she immediately grabbed for Make Up For Ever. It worked amazingly, camouflaging the bruise and stayed-put all day. Assuming the product was too “hardcore” for the face it wasn’t until later I attempted to use on the face, primarily for redness around the nose and pigmentation issues. It concealed like a dream and did not feel heavy or look cakey on the skin. I now use Full Cover for everything from under-eye concealer to spot treatments. The versatile product can also be mixed with your favorite face moisturizer or sheer foundation when you do not want to wear a lot of makeup but need a bit more coverage.

What sets this product a part from the millions on the market is it’s waterproof properties. It is not going to budge once it sets and can be worn to the gym/beach/pool without it sliding off your face. Keep in mind that because of the waterproof capability, you will have to work the product fast – before it sets.

The 0.05 oz tube packs a highly pigmented punch. A little goes a long way as far as coverage and pigmentation.  Full Cover is silicone-based, and formulated without any oils, so it is great for all skin types. Since silicone molecules are larger than pores, they will not settle or cake. That’s means the product is non-comedogenic, and perfect for acne-prone skin. The silicone also creates a sort of webbing, like a primer, that will not accentuate flakey patches or dry skin.

Summer Bikinis!

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From beach to poolside, keep cool this summer in these cute suits:

Tory Burch ~ Wildflower Bandeau Bikini Top: $75 – Bottom: $75

Vix ~ Odette Bia Tube Bikini Top: $92 – Bottoms: $92.00

Zinke ~ Kristen Bandeau Bikini Top: $88.00 – Electric Eel Hipster Bikini Bottoms: $66.00

L*Space ~ Hippie Chic Top: $95.00 – Forget Me Knot Bikini Bottoms: $69.30

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ Field Stripe Bikini Top: $87.00 – Hipster Bikini Bottoms: $89.00

Weekend Ensemble: Juicy Couture

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This weekend is all about being lazy!

Have a good one!

Ashling

Featured: Juicy Couture Tropical Print Sweatshirt, Joes Jeans Cut-Offs, Topshop White Paisley Triangle Bikini, J.Crew Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops, Rayban RB3025

Summer Makeup Collections 2012

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Summer Makeup Collections are my absolute favorite. The bright colors and fun, free-spirited nature embody what the summer should resemble. The color-palette in these collections are always inspired by some exotic destination and being swept away to a beach with blue skies, hot sun, pristine white sands and tropical surroundings. The following six collections embrace summer with delightfully sunny shades, bronzed/sun-kissed skin and vibrant bursts of color.

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Summertime De Chanel 2012 is currently available online and at your local counters. Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, replicates the natural glow of radiant, sunbathed skin. The collection includes two bronzers, an eyeshadow duo, eye crayons, lipsticks, lipglosses, and nail polishes (all limited edition). It is saturated with luminous bronze, gold and copper shades with a pop of coral perfection.

Must Have: Soleil Tan de Chanel & Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue (bright coral)

Dive into summer with Yves Saint Laurent Summer Collection 2012. Available online and at department store counters May 2012, the collection features both limited edition and permanent collection items. The collection consists of universally flattering hues that aim to boost the radiance of the complexion and emphasize natural beauty.  The collection combines discrete nudes infused with subtle shimmer and pops of aqua blues.

Must Have: Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue

Dior Summer 2012 Croisette Collection is a magnificent compilation of limited edition and permanent items available May 2012. La Croisette is French for Little Cross Drive, the name of a prominent street in Cannes that stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. This collection is inspired by a walk down the famous La Croisette, the colors of the seaside mixed with the glamour of the French Riviera. The Croisette Collection interlace tranquil aquatic shades with soft pastels and shimmering silvers.

Must Have: 1-Couleur Eye Gloss in Sunset & Tan

Guerlain + Emilio Pucci Terra Azzura Summer 2012 Collection is now available and is exclusive to Sephora and Nordstroms. Guerlain teams up with Italian fashion house, Emilio Pucci for a new color range that is inspired by “summertime on the Italian Riviera”. The collection features a bronzer/blush palette, an eyeshadow quad, a mascara, three lip glosses, two nail polishes, a blush brush and Guerlain’s famous powder pearls (Meteorites Perles d’Azur) packaged in and designed by Pucci.

Must Have: Meteorites Perles D’Azur

NARS 2012 Summer Collection is available now online and wherever NARS is sold. The collection features intensely pigmented earth inspired hues that are spiked with a bit of shimmer to illuminate the complexion and create a healthy glow. From icy peach to terracotta this collection is extremely chic and versatile.

Must Have: Liberté Blush

Thakoon for NARS Founder and creative director Francois Nars has partnered with fashion designer Thakoon Pachnigul to develop a limited edition nail polish collection inspired by Thakoon’s Spring 2012 collection shown at New York Fashion Week. The new polishes include 6 bright colors that were inspired by the spices found on Indian markets – bold, spicy and vibrant.

Must Have: Koliary Nail Polish  (cyan blue)

Set sail for summer with MAC Hey Sailor! Summer 2012 Collection. Available May 24 (North America), May 2012 (International) this entire collection is limited edition. Hey Sailor! is a nautical-inspired collection combining vintage pin-up looks with nautical/aquatic shades. Decked out with stylish sailor-striped packaging the collection features a fleet of eye shadows, lipsticks, lipglass, powder blushes, pigments, Powerpoint eye pencils, Pro Long Wear lip pencils, nail lacquers and a new mascara – Zoom Water Fast Lash. Also featured in the collection are a boat-load of bronzing powders, Pro Long Wear bronzing powders, High-Light powders, MAC to the Beach body oil, Suntints and a new face blender brush 167SH.

Must Have: Zoom Water Fast Lash Mascara

Healthy Hair: Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet

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Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Treatment

External elements of summer render hair dry and damaged. To avoid this try using a deep conditioning treatment weekly to rebalance the moisture of dry hair.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair is one of the best haircare lines out there. Inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony, the Art of Hair beauty ceremony delivers a highly precise and uniquely customized treatment, targeting problem areas. The products feel extremely luxurious and indulgent. After just one use, you will see a significant difference in your hair’s texture and health.

Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Nourishing Treatment for Dry Hair is a deep conditioning mask that creates smooth velvety hair texture. Hair feels soft and smooth and split ends are noticeably sealed. Instantly, hair feels more healthy, vibrant and shiny.

4th of July Essentials

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This 4th of July Weekend, casual is key. Beach, BBQ’s and bikes are on the agenda, so a comfortable style is needed. Have some fun with the red, white and blue color palette. Just about every brand has a nautical theme represented in their design, so these colors are easy to come by. From bright straw fedoras to a coveted Missoni bikini, here are a couple essential items for a fun, long weekend.

Splendid – Striped Cotton and Silk-Blend Tank, Vince Camuto – Edda, Missoni – Antibes Reversible Crochet-Knit Triangle Bikini, JADEtribe – Nicole Tote Bag, JBrand – Cut-Off VixenWhite Shorts, Ray-Ban  – RB3362, Eugenia Kim – Max 7 Raffia Fedora, Nordstrom – Rolling Bangle Bracelets

Beach Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote

A great alternative for this summer’s beach bag is purchasing a shopper tote. Made primarily of waterproof materials, shopper totes will protect items from environmental damage.

Shopper totes can be found everywhere and almost every designer makes one. From low to high-end brands, the beauty of this product is they are all affordable. Available in an assortment of colors and patterns, these bags hold just the right amount.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote is colorful and bright. The sunny style will be a vibrant accessory for a day at the beach/pool. Coupled with an ‘itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini,’ you will be ready to shine.

5 under $50: Summer Sandals

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Available in an assortment of styles and colors, a fun pair of sandals can perk-up any ensemble. Like an accessory, this item can enrich a look, simply and affordably. Sandals can take the place of a flip-flop to refine a casual outfit or beautify a more polished look. On trend for this summer, choose bright colors, from neon to pastels. Or adopt a pair of sandals with quirky and flirty embellishments like beading, studs, tassels or rope. With so many options, a lovely pair of flat sandals can define your style personality. Here are a couple choices all $50 and under:

Topshop Hatty2 Tellow Bow Sandals – $50.00

Rip Curl Gladiatress 3 Sandal – $38.00

Forever 21 Mosaic Leatherette Sandals – $19.80

Mia Plaka Braided Sandal – $44.50

Alloy Bella Sandal – $29.90

5 under $50: Rompers

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On trend for this summer is the Romper. This item is a current favorite due to it’s versatility, easily reborn from day to night, as well as from casual to upscale. A Romper can be worn as a cover-up to the beach or simply out running errands. Pair with a fitted blazer or sequin jacket for nighttime as well as ankle boots or a great set of heels. The most practical way to accessorize a Romper is with a belt. Choose from thick waisted belts, men’s leather belts, tassel belts or chain belt, each one with create a whole new look. These one-piece wonders come in various fabrics, patterns, styles and fits. Here are a few great buys all under $50.oo.

Tillys Full Tilt Ruffle Romper – $19.99

Forever 21 One Shoulder Romper – $22.90

Volcom Ready to Romp Romper – $29.99

Delias Khaki Floral Tube Romper – $27.50

MATIX Generosity Womens Romper – $28.97

Weekend Ensemble: Mara Hoffman

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Mara Hoffman Embroidered Dashiki Cover Up

This Memorial Day Weekend is all about fun-in-the-sun. A flashy cover-up is all that is needed for long beach days and outdoor BBQs.

This cover-up by Mara Hoffman adds a little flavor to simple swimwear. The pink neon hue will certainly be noticed from miles away. The draped openings at the arms and pleated racerback detail add comfort and style. The mint/black/white embroidered panel at the bust-line provides an alluring contrast. The tribal pattern and pop of color adds an enticing garnish.

This see-through veil will be primarily worn over swimwear. Casual and cool, pair with Havaiana flip-flops or decorate with wedges or espadrilles for a bolder statement. A ton of colorful bracelets and cuffs will polish off this weekend ensemble.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Ashling