Summer Survival Guide! (Plus My Skincare Secrets!)

BREAKING NEWS!

I got out of the city for the first time today since the beginning of MARCH!

Granted, it was only a short train ride – (and I was the only person on the train) – but dang did it feel good!

I had my mask, glasses, gloves — I felt like I was going into battle, but really it was just Penn Station.

But I survived! I went to Summit, New Jersey to visit my friends at Ethos Spa! I wanted to give my skin a little post-quarantine love, and boy – it was fabulous. I feel like a new woman!

But as I was on the train ride back, I realized — I’ve really found my summer groove here in NYC, given the new “normal” – so I thought it would be fun to share what I’ve found really helpful and fun!

So without further ado: Here’s my Summer Survival Guide, followed by my Summer Skincare Secrets! (And all of my favorite products are listed and linked on my Amazon Storefront so you can easily find them all in one place! – Click Here!)

SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE!

I mentioned it in my last Butterfinger Cookie recipe post, but PICNICKING is THE THING this summer! Not even exaggerating, I go on probably 3-4 socially distanced picnics a week with my friends – be it on a weekend afternoon, or catching the sunset during the week. And THIS BLANKET is amazing. My sister-in-law got it for me off of Shark Tank – basically, it folds up into itself in a little bag, about the size of a bean bag (so I literally always have it with me in my purse.) But the coolest thing is that the corners have these little weights, so it won’t fly away or flip up on you!

Speaking of picnics — this summer cocktail is my absolute favorite and it’s SO EASY. Bai Coconut Drink — if you’ve never had it, drop what you’re doing and go out and try it. I personally don’t like coconut water, because I think it tastes like glorified sweat, but THIS is a Coconut Beverage, and sweetened with Stevia, so it’s really healthy. Add 1.5 – 2 shots of vodka to the bottle, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a drink!! *Careful – they go down a little too easy!

Next, BIKING. It’s the new “public” transportation in NYC. I’m not kidding. People are biking like we’re in Amsterdam! And it’s so fun! (And not to mention healthy, budget-friendly and good for the environment!) So get yourself a cruiser, or if you live in a city with a bike share program like CitiBikes in NYC, DO IT!

Have a “refresh pack!” This is my secret weapon for summer. Seriously, if there’s one thing you take away from this post, THIS IS IT!! With all the biking and picnicking in 90 degree, humid weather, I can definitely end up looking rather … melted, shall we say?? SO – in my purse, along with my picnic blanket, I always have a little zip pouch with some travel or sample-size refresh-items in it.

INSIDE:
A little mini deodorant
A rollerball perfume
A mini face sunscreen
A disposable mask, in case I lose mine
Hand Sanitizer
Listerene Pocket Strips
Individual pack Neutrogena make-up remover wipes
A mini mascara (I love this one!)
Oil blotting sheets
A mini mirror
Chapstick with SPF (this stuff smells so good!)
A $20 bill
A Larabar (because you never know when hunger will strike)
A tampon (sorry gentlemen!)

I’m telling you, your future self will thank you for this summer emergency bag!

Next: FALL IN LOVE WITH LAUNDRY

Yes, you read that correctly. And no, I’m not crazy. I’ve fallen in love with laundry! Why? Because of these scent booster pellets. OH MY GOSH. They make my clothes and sheets smell so good, I actually LOOK FORWARD to doing my laundry, which — thank goodness, because with all this outside activity, I’m sure collecting dirty laundry!

MY SKINCARE SECRETS!

1. Sunscreen is an absolute must. It is the number one cause of skin damage, wrinkles and aging. So – I always wear SPF on my face – even if I’m just going for a quick walk. I love Supergoop — it’s perfectly clear. And if you’re a lady — it goes on flawlessly under makeup — which is my biggest gripe about sunscreen. Not with this stuff!

2. Wear a hat. Along those same lines – a hat is a necessary accessory for summertime because — hello — another layer of sun protection! I will not go anywhere without my Eric Javitz hat because it’s cute and is made from UPF 50 material! This is not sponsored, I literally love it so much, I bought two of the exact same ones!

3. Hydrate. I drink two liters of lemon water a day. Mainly because when I get back from running, I’m so parched I guzzle it like I just crossed the Sahara. BUT – since doing so, I’ve noticed such a difference in the quality of my skin and hair! It’s clear and not dry or flakey! (And on that note, easy on the caffeine and alcohol!)

4. Sleep – Beauty sleep is no joke. I’m telling you – I can seriously see a difference between an 9 hour night, and a 7 hour night. Gotta give those cells time to repair!

And bonus points if you sleep on a Silk Pillowcase — it helps prevent hair breakage and wrinkles! It’s been a game changer for me!

5. RETINOL – Ok, this is a new one for me! Retinol is known as the fountain of youth. I use it 3x a week, because it’s strong. Basically it encourages cell turnover, so it helps your skin stay youthful!

6. Eye Masks. I have tried an insane amount of eye masks – all promising to depuff, relieve dark circles, brighten, illuminate. I’m here to tell you — those buzz words…are all marketing gimmicks. I am always disappointed with the “results” of eye masks. UNTIL I FOUND THIS BRAND. Holy cow – I’m a believer! Wander Beauty actually works, and again — not sponsored!! *Protip: Store them in the fridge for extra depuffing action!

Protip: I use my Nurse Jamie face roller while I’m wearing my eye mask to boost blood circulation and absorption! Instant de-puff!!!!

7. Lip Masks! I don’t know about you, but since my AC is working overtime, my lips get SO DRY overnight!! THIS lip mask is seriously spectacular. I put it on at night, and it STAYS on, and HYDRATES my lips until morning. I’m serious – again, I’ve tried so many chapsticks and lip goop for overnight — nothing works like this!

8. You are what you eat! Summer is my favorite time for produce — all the berries, fruits and veggies! In season, organic, and full of antioxidants — which means — it is phenomenal for your skin! I go gaga over quality Vitamin C serums — why not EAT your vitamin C too!?

9. PAPAW CREAM! I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again — this is an Australian cult favorite for a reason! Everything from chapstick, to Neosporin-type uses, to cuticles — I LOVE THIS STUFF! It’s made from fermented papaya, and I’ll tell you my MOST highly guarded secret: at night, I put it on my under-eyes, over my eye cream – and it locks in those active ingredients while I sleep. AND I put it on my eyelashes at night, and it nourishes them, and I’m convinced it’s made them grow! So – I’m not the FDA, but do with that information as you will.

10. Lastly, a smile is the most beautiful thing you can add to your skincare regimen. I’m serious 🙂 There is nothing that makes you glow from the inside, out, more than a genuine, kind smile. The world needs more love right now – boy, does it ever! So share your smile and brighten up the world!

So there you have it! It’s hard to believe we’re already in almost JULY, but hopefully these ideas will help you find your summer groove!

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!Get a tube!

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Huge shoutout to my favorite: Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey! Located just outside of NYC, this gorgeous medical spa keeps my skin healthy and bright! Stop in and treat yo’self! 🙂

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