Summer Favorites: Blush

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In the summer, bright and vibrant shades of cheek color is a surefire way to look younger and healthy. Use these products to emphasize a tan, create a youthful flush or mimic a lit-from-within complexion.

Start by choosing the right shade for your skintone. To find your go-to blush shade, pinch your cheeks and then pick a color that mimics your natural flush. This trick will ensure that you’re choosing the most flattering color for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a cool pink. Medium skin looks great in vibrant apricot/peachy hues, and darker skin tones look radiant in fuchsia.

Cream blush is a great way to instantly look fresh and dewy. Although it’s staying powder is not the best, especially in higher temperatures, cream blush is a nice alternative for dry skin. To ensure staying power on oily skin, first prime the skin and then set with a powder blush or translucent powder. To apply cream blush, smile and lightly focus the blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Then blend softly back and up toward the hairline. If you apply too liberally, tone down heavy application by blotting the excess color with a clean makeup sponge. Or, use a sheer, luminizing powder to diffuse excess color. The blush then looks like it came from within the skin versus sitting on top of it.

FAVORITES:

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush: I am a sucker for these gimmicky products. However, this one is fantastic. The formula magically adjusts to your skin’s natural chemistry to create a universal shade. It produces an angelic pink glow that makes you look “lit-from-within.”

It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain in Peony: The most long-wearing powder blush I have tried. The waterproof formula mimics the lasting power and glow of a cheek stain with the easy application of a powder. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti aging properties, this blush gives new definition to a “healthy glow.”

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Rouge: These blushes are incredibly pigmented and easy to work with. They blend beautifully and last all-day. They feel lightweight on the skin and never settle into lines. A small amount goes a very long way, apply with a light hand for a sheer wash of color or add more for vibrant glowing skin.

Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle: Full Review HERE.

NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower: On trend for summer, this bright coral blush is beautiful on both the lips and cheeks. The velvety texture is extremely easy to blend and apply. Subtle gold shimmers hide in the coral to help create perfectly flushed, luminous skin.

BECCA Beach Tint in Guava: This is the perfect color for summertime. It resembles the act of playing in the sun a little too long. The water-resistant formula can be used on both the cheeks and lips. Produces the most natural-looking flush and smells like summer.

Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie: A lightweight cream blush that does not pull or disrupt a base. It can be used on top of foundation, powder… anything. The formula is sheer but buildable. The staying power is not the best, but I am obsessed with this color. Quickie is a sheer bubble gum, electric, cotton candy pink. The minute it is applied, it creates instant youthfulness.

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

Classic Cap: Madewell Panama Hat

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Madewell Panama Hat

Worn for centuries, the Panama hat has survived the test of time. These hats are in fact made and originated in Equador, but then exported to Panama where it assumed the name.

These hats are essential not to mention convenient for travel. The lightweight straw can be packed-away in a suitcase readily and it’s design allows it to return to it’s original shape. 

The Madewell Panama hat is a great option. It’s light, breathable material and wide-brimmed frame will be required and appreciated in the hot sun. I love the masculine, classic style of the Panama and that it can be paired perfectly with any kind of suit – business or bathing.