Summer is all about having fun. The sun is out, the days are long, and the beach beckons. It’s the perfect time to embrace your natural beauty and test out great new trends. Looking cute can be virtually effortless if you know how to grab a hold of your inner summer glow.
Steps
1. Apply makeup sparingly. The idea is to make you look sun-kissed and natural, letting your makeup accentuate your natural beauty instead of draw attention away from it.Start out with a tinted moisturizer or some loose bronze mineral powder. Apply as necessary.Sweep your favorite blush over the apples of your cheeks up to your temples, remembering to blend.
2. Get a nice eyeshadow colour on.
Sweep a tiny bit of sheer bronze or gold eyeshadow across your eyelids, up to your eyebrows. Use less product the higher up you get.
Hydrate and protect your lips with a tinted balm, brush on a fresh coat of waterproof mascara and you’re good to go!
3. Wear sunscreen whenever you can. Lobster-skin is neither flattering nor healthy. Avoid tanning beds, too, as they can cause cancer. Soaking up the sun is good for you, but remember to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15-30. (If you burn easily, up the SPF.) You’ll still get that sun-kissed glow, but you’ll also stave off skin cancer and any irritating redness.
4. Avoid heat damage on your hair. Skip the flat iron and the curlers for a natural look that’s sure to impress. Contrary to what you might think, your natural hair texture can always be stylish. Embrace your natural assets instead of working to change them.For the ever-popular beach waves, fill a spray bottle with water and a tablespoon of salt. Wet your hair, either in the shower or manually, but do not brush it. When your hair is nearly dry, spritz it with your salt solution and tousle it with your fingers. This works best if you flip your hair is upside down. Let it dry naturally.Other great styles include the super-high ballerina bun, the messy pony, loose braids, or hair with twists at the sides. The look you’re going for is effortlessly beautiful.
5. Shorts are your friends. Wear them often; your legs will thank you for it. Steer clear of booty shorts, as they might give the impression you’re trying too hard. Don’t be afraid to go for some sweet skirts, too. While denim skirts are a little 1990s, cotton skirts with body and maxi skirts in a fun print are both comfortable and fashionable.Khaki, navy blue or army green are classic colors for shorts.If you want to shoot for trendy, try neon colors (really stylish this summer) or bright corals.
If you feel uncomfortable in shorts, try bermudas or petal pushers. Only wear what you feel comfortable in.
7. Dresses are totally in style, too. Dresses range from the little white dress to the printed maxi-dress; the possibilities here are quite literally endless.Because it’s summer, look for light fabrics in bright colors and patterns.Add extra splash and detail with ruffles, embroidery or even metal studs.
Make sure your decolletage and derriere aren’t hanging out, unless you plan on courting some unwanted attention from guys.
8. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Gold is a great summer color because it catches and deflects sunlight, but use it sparingly. (A little goes a long way.) Natural textures such as wood, hemp, pleather and suede are all great choices.
9. Accessorize with shoes. The possibilities are practically endless. Try out simple tennis shoes or tie-up sandals. And don’t forget about the quintessential flip-flop.Some shoe-ins this summer are espadrilles (flat or heeled), Keds-type sneakers, gladiators, and Birkenstocks. Make sure you can walk around in your shoes of choice—you’ll be wearing them all summer!
10. Wear clothes you feel good in. Summer is all about letting loose and enjoying yourself. Let your clothing reflect that.
More Tips
- In the end, these are all just suggestions. When push comes to shove, wear what you want, wear what you love, and wear what looks good on you.
- ‘Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses instantly up your cool factor and shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Try on a ray-ban lookalike, or the new cat-eye style. Wear shades that aren’t too big—they can get in the way and make you look like you’re trying terribly hard (e.g. Paris Hilton). Not only will sunglasses help you look great, but that hottie at the pool will never know you’re checking him out.
- Tan carefully. Make sure you use SPF 15-30 sunblock, and don’t get more sun than your body wants.
- Take good care of your teeth. Flash those pearly whites at all the cute boys.
- Stay in shape. Nobody’s expecting you to magically morph into America’s Next Top Model, but looking good will help you feel your best. Visit your local gym, run around your neighborhood, or take a swimming class. Don’t expect immediate results, but keep at it. Slow and steady wins the race.
- Wear hats. Protect your face and hair from the sun. Nobody wants hair damage or sunburns. Hats are also really stylish right now, so take advantage of them. A floppy wide-brim hat or a sweet fedora in natural fabrics is something the doctor and stylist can both agree on.
- Try not to get drunk because the hangover will ruin the next day, and you only have a few days wherever you are.
- Summer is all about fun! Remember to do fun patterns, colors, and prints. They will look great, and will get that cute lifeguard at the beach to notice you!
Warnings
- Don’t wear classless clothes. Sure, those frat boys might drool over them, but always remember–you’re more than a piece of meat.
- Don’t overdo the eye makeup; it can run and look nightmarish.