2017 Summer Beauty Essentials

Although it has been a cold spring here in Toronto I’m looking forward to fun in the sun, drinks on the patio and warm beach days. Today I’m sharing some cute summer products that are totally on-trend this season including hair essentials, makeup and bath products that will transport you to an exotic destination.  

Mark’s Havana Sol Collection celebrates the energy of Cuba with tropical scents and bright pigments. The body wash ($14.00) is infused with a vibrant blend of fresh papaya, dark rum and warm velvet woods to create a blissful experience as you foam away the dirt, pollution and debris of a long day. The indulgent scent and relaxing lather leaves you feeling fresh and clean. The Mark Body Butter ($14.00) is my all-time favorite formula because of the super rich, hydrating texture. Infused with lush coconut oil, shea and aloe the cream melts in deeply to nourish, soften and soothe dry, flaky skin for 24 hours of relief. The soothing scent smells like summer in a jar and although it may be a bit too heavy for warm weather it does rejuvenate the body at night.

The collection also includes the Havana Sol Cheek Magnet Hook Up Blush-Bronzer ($18.00). Usually Mark delivers on intense pigmentation but these shades are very sheer and require many layers to create a visible flush. Although the bronzer doesn’t really work on my skin tone and the glitter seems to scatter, the subtle shimmer can be used on the body. If you have fair skin these shades may appear more prominent but better color payoff would have made the compact more useable.

The Havana Eye Palette ($18.00) contains some pretty poolside hues including cool lavender, deep blue and bright aqua offset by a range of shimmery greys and champagne. The finishes range from sheer to medium coverage but you can layer over primer and build them up for more intensity. Mark is available at avon.ca or through independent consultants.

When it comes to cute hair accessories I love the new designs by Tangle Teezer. The pink flamingo print is perfect for summer and the brush keeps my hair knot-free, smooth and sleek while on-the-go.

I like that it has a cap to protect the bristles while in my bag and the curved design fits comfortably in the hand for precise brushing from root to tip. The flexible teeth make detangling less painful for neat, frizz-free styles and I also have the pink animal print. The travel brushes retail for $25.00.

The new Professional Finishing Brush ($30.00) is designed to smooth and create shine with long, flexible bristles that glide through my thick hair with ease. It also massages the scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote healthy growth while eliminating pesky knots without pain or breakage. Although the handle is a bit short I love the hot pink color. Tangle Teezer is available at Sephora.

Whether I’m strolling through the farmer’s market or running errands on Saturday morning I often stop for my favorite iced coffee or summer drink. The new Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Set ($13.77) contains 8 popular beverage inspired balms including: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Cinnamon Chai Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Frappe, Mandarin Mint Tea, Green Tea, Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade and Pomegranate Ice Tea. These delicious balms will keep your pout soft and smooth all season long and this set is available at Walmart, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, well.ca and Lawtons.

Most of us hate to shave but when it’s time to break out your summer wardrobe it must be done. Avon’s Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Moisturizing Shave Oil ($10.00) infused with shea butter and vitamins makes the task easier by transforming into a milky lotion on wet skin and creating a slippery surface for smoother glide and suppleness. Unlike heavy shaving creams this one doesn’t clog my razor and it provides a close shave with fewer cuts.

Paul & Joe has also released some pretty makeup including the Powder Blush Duo in shade 003 Mon Canard. This frosty pink and dusty rose function more as highlights with a pop of subtle color and silky sheen for a radiant glow. It retails for $21.00 and you can pick up the refillable case with spring motif for $8.00.

The About Pearl Foundation Primer in Silky Bon-Bon has a lightweight water based formula that provides dewy hydration and the illusion of crystal clear skin. Infused with orange flower water, white lily, jojoba oil, apricot extract and sparkling pearls it smooths, minimizes pores and blurs imperfections to create an even canvass for makeup application. The formula feels refreshing with no heavy residue or stickiness which is ideal for warm weather and I love the cute nail polish bottle design! The primer retails for $40.00 and Paul & Joe is available at beautyboutique.ca and Shoppers Drug Mart.

It isn’t a summer roundup without some fabulous lip products and recently I’ve rediscovered the NYX Soft Matte Lip creams. The lush formula provide layers of comfortable moisture with intense, vivid color that lasts for hours. They retail for $9.00 each and come in a wide variety of trendy hues at nyx.ca, drugstores and freestanding locations.