{Tips and Tricks} How to Beat the Heat and Still Look Cute

Summer is right around the corner-for some of us, it's already here.  Here in Florida, it's been in the 90's for a while!  With summer comes the hot weather, which means a change in our beauty routines.  As a native Floridian, I am more than familiar with the challenges that the heat and humidity can bring when it comes to keeping your make-up, hair and clothes looking put together.  Here are my how-to's for looking your best all summer long:

Switch your moisturizer.

This one is simple and easy.  In the summer, your skin, especially your face still needs moisturizer, but not the heavy stuff you were using in the winter and spring.  Switch to a light-weight, fast-absorbing formula that has SPF in it-that'll save you the added step of putting on sunscreen AND will put less product on your face.  In the summer, less is always more when it comes to your skincare routine.  I personally like a tinted moisturizer, which gives me just the right hint of color and knocks out the need for foundation.

I swear by this moisturizer.  It's mark.'s Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15.  It's super light-weight and gives a great flush of color.  And at only $10, it's cheaper than anything else comparable to it on the market!  So you can look fab AND not break the bank.  On days when I'm rushed, I put on some of this, a swipe of mascara and I'm good to go!

Ditch the foundation.

I already mentioned that I use a tinted moisturizer in lieu of foundation.  To keep my face from getting shiny, I set it with this awesome cream-to-powder mineral make up that mark. just launched.  

It is amazing!  It gives great coverage, lasts all day and is light-weight.  And it keeps me looking put together even in the hot Florida sun.  Again, the less you put on your face, the better your make up will hold up.

Primer is a girl's best friend.

It's usually diamonds, but trust me, in the summer, primer will quickly become your BFF.  If you have oily-prone skin, primer will get you through the summer months like nothing else.  You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.  Primer creates a nice, even surface on your skin, so that when you apply your make up, it stays put!  And it holds up in the heat.  mark.'s Primed to Perfection Face Primer is a steal at only $10 and works like a dream!

Even if you don't have oil issues, I strongly recommend AT LEAST using an eye primer.  It does the same thing, but for your eyelids.  It'll keep your eye make up in place ALL DAY LONG!  No more raccoon eyes, or case of the disappearing eyeshadow.

You will never catch me without my Please Hold Eye Primer from mark. on.  This little compact lasts and lasts and does the same for your eye make up.  And it doubles as an eye concealor.  AND it's only $8!

Tame that Frizz.

The humidity can bring out a side of our hair we'd like to hide under a hat.  And that is a great option-not only are hats super cute but they also keep the sun out of your eyes!  But there are going to be occasions throughout the summer where you just can't wear a hat.  So, what to do with that frizz?  First things first, determine the cause of the frizz.  Many of us assume it's the humidity when in actuality, it's damage caused by coloring or heat styling.  Never fear, there are fixes for all of these reasons.  I lovelovelove LOVE John Frieda products.  There is something for nearly every cause of frizz that will leave your hair absolutely gorgeous.  My most favorite and trusted John Frieda product?

Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Cream.  It's is very aptly named because it really is my secret weapon to pretty, frizz-free hair.  You just smooth a tiny amount on after doing your hair and it tames all of those little flyaways.  And it even works great on curly hair.  Headbands are great in the summertime because they keep your hair back and off of your face, which can make you oily.  And if you don't feel like dealing with your hair every day, there are plenty of cute, simply ways to style your hair. Check out totalbeauty.com for inspiration and how-to's.

Keep it light.

Clothing-wise, I stick with light fabrics and light colors.  Darker colors do actually trap more heat, which will make you hotter.  Whenever I can, I'm wearing shorts or leggings or a skirt.  And my new favorite is the maxi dress.  Some think "Why would I want a long dress in the summer?"  Answer:  It'll keep you cooler than you think.  It's all in the fabric choice.  Look for something light-weight, but not sheer (cause then you're going to need a slip to keep the world from seeing your bits, which means adding another layer, which totally defeats the purpose of the maxi in the first place) and something "breathable."  

I LOVE this new one from mark.  It has a gorg pattern, is nice and light-weight and uber comfy.  I pair it with a black Wonder Tee (from DownEast), some cute sandals and I'm good to go.

What are your must-haves for keeping cool in the summer heat?