Beauty 101: Beauty Prep For Summer Part 1

Warm summer weather is all about shedding those heavy layers and showing a little skin. What you might find underneath those layers of clothes might be scary so it's time to get your skin prepped and ready! This season it's all about healthy, radiant beautiful looking skin. Here are some skin-saving, skin-smoothing products that will get you ready to bare all (or just some legs and arms)!

Slough away dry skin, fine lines and uneven texture with St. Ives' new Elements Microdermabrasion scrub. The mineral crystals in this scrub, combined with soothing cleansers reveal renewed soft skin. After my first facial at the spa, I learned that my skin really needed a microdermabrasion scrub. Not wanting to spend too much money, I was happy when I came across St. Ives newest Element collection at Walmart on sale! Within a few days I was able to see a noticeable difference! I haven't seen my skin look this great in a long time. The scrub is really gentle and doesn't leave my face all red after each use. My skin immediately looks brighter and has an all-over rosy glow. The texture of my skin feels unbelievably soft, pores are a lot smaller, and my fine lines, dark spots and raised bumps are slowly disappearing! A definite must for perfect looking skin. The better your skin looks, the less makeup you have to wear!


Don't forget sunscreen! Yes, it should be worn all year round but some of us (including me) forget. My skin is highly sensitive to sunscreens and M.A.C.'s Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 seems to be the only one that doesn't make my skin break out into a itchy red rash. It absorbs fast into the skin and doesn't leave a greasy film. It can double as a primer but I prefer to wear a separate primer on top because I find my makeup slides off during the day without it. During warmer months, this is heavy enough to double as my moisturizer and sunscreen. Remember: sunscreen worn everyday keeps the wrinkles and sun damage away!


Get rid of winter's dry patches with a good scrub like Belli's Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator to reveal healthy looking skin. If you haven't heard of Belli products before, it is a line that was developed around expectant and new mothers. It is the only skin care line that is teratology screened meaning they screen ingredients and exclude any that are linked to birth defects or any other problems with pregnancy. The products are also allergy tested, free of synthetic dyes and paraben preservatives. Not an expecting or new mother? You don't need to be. The scrub is good for you inside out - your skin is left feeling unbelievably soft and you're not putting anything harmful into your body. It features green tea, ginseng, and peppermint oil. I love the fresh light scent, perfect for those breezy summer days. *Tip: Exfoliate on dry legs prior to shaving or waxing to effectively get rid of dead skin cells. More reviews to come from this amazing line! For more information on Belli Skincare products click here.

Do you want to know the secret to celeb-worthy beautiful, youthful looking skin? It's Malibu Secret! Labeled the first anti-aging face cream designed for your body. "An innovative body cream designed to repair and replenish using a potent combination of botanicals, anti-oxidants, various butters, and a multitude of vitamins". The texture is like a creamy souffle and absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy or oily. I love how it leaves a healthy sheen on my skin. I also love the scent - it reminds me of the beach like coconut suntan oil. Healthy, supple looking skin is always in so slather it on and don't be afraid to show some skin this season!

Fake 'n bake is out and will age you fast. Getting a natural, bronze glow all over is easier than ever these days. Over the years, I've been really happy with Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer because it really does tan your body within in a week. Now Jergens has come out with Natural Glow Express and results can be seen in one day and a full tan in just 3 days! The only thing I don't like about the original is the scent - smells so chemically. Other than that it works! Natural Glow also comes in face moisturizer with SPF 20 - don't leave your face out! The tan won't be natural if you have a pale face and bronze body! ;)

Now that your skin is all prepped, stay tuned for Part 2 for some must-have colours for Spring and Summer! Happy shopping!