Summer Beach Beauty Essentials

Last week, I enjoyed an amazing getaway vacation to Mexico, soaking up the sun at Plays de los Muertos in Sayulita. Here's a look at the summer beauty essentials I took with me to the beach! 

1) At the top of my list is La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk that I used for the face and body. This fast absorbing, non-greasy sunscreen provides SPF 60 with Cell-Ox Shield antioxidant technology and advanced UVA/UVB protection. No burning or peeling with this on in 90+ degrees weather in the hot sun and humidity!

2) Another sunscreen favorite is La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for body, providing SPF 60 with  Cell-Ox Shield and universal tint technology. It has a 100% mineral formula and provides an instant, natural glow with sheer blendable coverage in an ultra-light texture. It remains water-resistant for 40 minutes. 

3) Coppertone SPORT Stick provides SPF 55 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. It's great for spot protection for exposed areas such as ears, nose and face. 

4) Coppertone SPORT Lip Balm with SPF 30 has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and keeps my lips soft and smooth. It is water resistant for 80 minutes. 

5) Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss gives my lips an incredible shine without the stickiness. It's soft and moisturizing and I love the Guava shade. 

6) Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels with Hexapeptide Technology help firm, soothe, tone, de-puff and reduce premature wrinkling in just ten minutes. These single-use disposable gels are easy to remove and apply under the eye. They are naturally cooling, but I love to refrigerate them for an extra cooling effect. Comes in a pack of 8. 

7) Evian Mineral Water Spray is a great way to revitalize and freshen up your skin, especially when it's humid out. It can also remove perspiration or ocean salt. I also love to keep this spray refrigerated.

For earlier or later in the day when the sun is less strong, I prefer to use Nature's Gate Face Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen, which is non-greasy and lightweight and Mineral Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, with a dry finish. Both sunscreens are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.  

- Kim Weling

Favorite Sunscreens for Summer 2013

It's been a tough week battling a heatwave in NYC, but whether you are laying on the beach or out and about in the city, sunscreen is a must! There are a lot of things to factor in finding the right sunscreen. I love these because of the non-greasy and non-sticky formulas, SPF levels, and the fact that they don't have that sunscreen smell. 

1. Vichy Laboratoires Capital Soleil SPF 50 Lightweight Foaming Lotion, $28 - lightweight, air mousse sunscreen with multi-layer protection from UVA/UVB rays and freee radical damage. White Grape Polyphenols + Vitamin E for antioxidant protection. Leaves skin soft and smooth. 

2. COOLA Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish,$36 - antioxidant-infused, mineral matte sunscreen with a natural cucumber scent. Acts as the perfect primer under foundation, with a moisturizing, smooth, silky finish. Made with Vitamin C, Zinc and organic ingredients including Rose Hip and Evening Primrose Oils. COOLA Sport SPF Fresh Mango Moisturizer, $32 - 80 minutes of water resistance made with 70% organic inactive ingredients including Evening Primrose and Linseed and Coconut Oils. Love the mango scent!

3. Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50, $38 - oil-free, sheer formula has a silky texture, and weightless feel. Alguronic Acid combines with antioxidant-rich botanicals and UVA/UVB protecting actives to help delay signs of aging caused by the sun and environmental stressors. Can be used alone, applied over skincare products or under makeup for a soft, matte finish. 

4. Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protective Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 for Face/Body, $30 - Cream sunscreen that shields the skin against environmental aggressors.  Utilizes advanced sun care technology to protect against dryness, oxidative pollutants and UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging, spots and wrinkles. 

- Kim Weling