Top 5 Summer Essentials

Summer is here! It may not technically be summer until a few more weeks, but it definitely feels like it here in California. Now that the kids are out of school we’re looking forward to beach trips and long summer nights. Today I’m sharing my top 5 summer essentials.

1. SPF – over the years I’ve realized how important it is to protect our skin. 10+ years ago I wouldn’t think twice about laying out in the sun for some color. As I prepare to leave my 20’s I’ve made skincare and sun protection my biggest priority. Not only do I notice some of the sun damage from my teen years, but I also realize how important it is to protect yourself from skin cancer. If I’m going to be outside for long periods of time or go for a run, I use a high SPF – my favorite is the Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF. On a daily basis I always use an SPF moisturizer. This helps give my skin extra protection from sun rays and it makes my skin care routine easier. I’m really liking the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 35. It hydrates my skin without feeling heavy or greasy like other sunscreen moisturizers I’ve tried.2. cleansing scrub – I tend to have combination skin during the summer months and sometimes the heat really takes a toll on my skin. I like to exfoliate with a deep cleanser that doesn’t strip the moisture from my skin but removes unnecessary oils. The Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub is one of my all-time favorites! The salicylic acid acne treatment helps keep breakouts at bay, hello adult acne – you’re not welcome here! Plus, the grapefruit and vitamin c help give my skin a much needed boost.For my body, I like to use this DIY Passion Tea Sugar Scrub.3. oil-free cleansing wipes – My makeup routine during the summer is typically very light. A simple BB cream or tinted SPF moisturizer is usually my go-to. I like to keep my makeup minimal with a touch of mascara and a pink lip gloss. However, after a long day playing outside with the kids, nothing feels better than applying a cool wipe to your face to get rid of the grime and oil buildup. Even if I’m not wearing makeup I like to give my face a little wipe down before beginning my skin care routine. I’ve been using Neutrogena face wipes since my teenage years and the grapefruit wipes are my favorite for summer!4. a great bath bomb – I mean, did you guys think I wouldn’t add this to my summer favorites? I love a good moisturizing bath bomb. My current favorite is the Unicorn Bath Bomb, but the Lemon and Lavender bath bombs are also my go-to.5. Lip balm – if I’m not wearing lip gloss, you can usually find my favorite lip balm in my bag. I recently made another batch of my favorite Grapefruit lip balm and I’m good to go for summer.