Amusement Park Fashion and Beauty Essentials — As Seen On Telemundo NY’s “Acceso Total”
Happy Labor Day! If you tuned into Telemundo NY’s “Acceso Total” at 10 am this morning, you likely saw me offering beauty and fashion tips to the show’s hosts while on site at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Given that we were at an amusement park, I offered some advise on how to look your best within this setting while also taking into account all of the practical considerations that a day of thrill rides and adventure entails. That meant showcasing comfortable but stylish shoes and handbags, vivid accessories to brighten up the most basic shorts-and-tee-ensemble, lightweight sunscreen options, the best waterproof and long-wear makeup, and much more!
Below, check out all of the fashion and beauty goodies showcased during the segment!
CROSS-BODY BAGS AND BACKPACKS
You may love top-handle bags, roomy totes, and sleek clutches, but they’re not the most practical within an amusement park setting, when you’ll be walking for hours at a time and going on rides where all of your belongings could easily fall right out (and let’s not get started on potential pick-pocketers!). To look chic while leaning towards practicality, it’s best to opt for a cross-body style that will accommodate your belongings while also leaving your hands free to hold water bottles, cell phones, cameras, or funnel cake, or to get your Dora the Explorer on and strap on a printed backpack. The latter is a particularly excellent option for those who want to pack a change of clothes, a number of beauty essentials, snacks, and other goodies. And remember: most amusement parks offer lockers so you can safely store your belongings while going on certain rides (particularly rollercoasters with loops or involving periods when people are suspended in the air in an inverted position). Here are the options I showcased on air:
Ever Maya The Madeline Bag, $120. Available at EverMaya.com
This darling round handbag, measuring 7″ in diameter, features a handwoven fabric called “corte de Zunil,” which is the very same material typically used to fashion the skirts worn by native Guatemalan women. Featuring a 27″-long adjustable strap that allows for both over-the-shoulder and cross-body wear, each handbag is ethically made by a collective of artisans in Guatemala. The new “Madeline” handbag style pictured here was named after American Horror Story star Madeline Stuart, the first world-renowned model and actress with Down syndrome. Five percent of the sale of each bag will be donated to the National Down Syndrome Society. With each bag’s purchase, then, you’re supporting the NDSS while also helping the Guatemalan artisans hand-weaving each piece so that they can better provide for their families.
Mossimo Supply Co. Geometric Striped Print Backpack, $29.99 at Target stores and Target.com
This lightweight fabric backpack features a tribal-inspired geometric print that will add a Bohemian flair to any casual ensemble. The two front patch pockets are ideal for storing small items like your phone, lip balm, keys, and hand sanitizer, while the main compartment can accommodate your sunscreen, makeup bag, water bottle, and any other goodies you bring along!
FLAT SHOES
Even Carrie Bradshaw would’ve left her strappy heels in the closet if visiting a theme park! You may think wedges or platforms will be comfortable enough, but why risk it when you can opt for flat shoes that are adorable and will give your soles some relief? Considering the amount of walking on the agenda, it’s best to opt for breathable sneakers, ankle booties, or sandals (though these involve making sure no one steps on your exposed toes!). Below check out two trendy sneakers that will make you earn major style points:
Keds Taylor Swift Champion Floral Print, $55. Available at Keds.com
These sporty lace-up sneakers feature canvas uppers with a blue-and-white floral print featuring a watercolor-esque effect.
Simply Vera Wang Sneakers Simply Breathe Embellished Mesh Sneakers, $39.99. Available at Kohls.com
Slip-on sneakers are particularly convenient in a theme park setting since they eliminate any fussing over loose laces. These sleek black slip-on sneakers go with absolutely everything, feature breathable mesh uppers so feet stay cool and comfortable, and are embellished with sequins for a playfully feminine touch.
COLORFUL JEWELRY
Even if you’re wearing a tank top and jean shorts, you can spruce up your look with some fun-loving jewelry pieces. Just keep the colors bright, and the bauble sizes relatively small. During the Telemundo segment, I showcased several great choices from designer Amrita Singh. All the pieces are currently available at AmritaSingh.com — and make sure to scoop them up now since, as part of a site-wide Labor Day sale, their prices will be slashed by 50% when you enter the code BBQ15 at checkout.
Amrita Bermuda Stud Earrings, $25. Available at AmritaSingh.com
Chandelier earrings are clearly not the most logical in an amusement park setting, so it’s best to stick to simple hoops or stud earrings. That said, you don’t have to don teeny, barely-there, puny studs. The triangular Amrita Singh Bermuda Stud Earrings, for instance, measure 1.25″ on each side, so that they make quite a striking impact, but they’re also lightweight enough and compact enough to withstand all the adventures your day will bring. Fashioned out of resin stones, the stud earrings are available in a number of hues including Turquoise (shown here) and Ruby (like the ones I’m wearing in the segment!).
Amrita Singh Enamel Hexagon Earrings, $50. Available at AmritaSingh.com
Can’t resist a good pair of drop earrings? Then opt for the Amrita Singh Enamel Hexagon Earrings, which feature a sensible 2″ drop and come in bright and kinetic hues like the yellow shown here.
Amrita Singh Broome Street Bracelet Set, $50. Available at AmritaSingh.com
Amusement parks are places for fun and laughter so why not replicate that energy via sunny accessories like these neon-colored bracelets? You’ll feel like the life of the party — and let’s face it: you probably are!
Amrita Singh Eze Bangle Set, $75. Available at AmritaSingh.com
I love Amrita Singh bangle sets — they’re fun, playful, colorful, intrinsically stackable, and usually incorporate bracelets in a variety of widths, colors, and textures (not to mention fashioned out of a bevy of materials). This 18-piece bangle set is more than just arm candy — it’s like an arm carnival! Within the mixture of bangles, you’ll find metallic pieces with intricate dotting details, rope-like etchings, and ornate flourishes, as well as two-toned resin pieces and thin numbers with multi-colored seed beads.
Amrita Singh Dorcas Necklace, $50. Available at AmritaSingh.com
Dainty chains tend to be a go-to in amusement parks but, if you want a heftier necklace, try something akin to the Amrita Singh Bermuda Necklace shown here. Keep in mind that bib necklaces will likely prove too heavy for a park outing and that, if they’re made of metal, they could get incredibly hot against your skin. Also, avoid long and layered necklaces that can easily become tangled or can get caught while enjoying different rides. This necklace features pyramid-shaped resin stones and measures 15.5″ to 17.5″in length, making it a reasonable choice. That said, if you know you’re about to hop on a ride with plenty of loops and twists, you may want to stash the necklace in your bag before doing so — just to make sure those stones don’t hit your lovely face! But if you’re mainly going on loop-free roller coasters and kid-friendly rides, you’ll be good to go with this glam piece!
SOLAR PROTECTION FOR FACE
When waiting in line to get on rides, screaming euphorically white at the summit of a roller coaster, and enjoying a bite at an outdoor stand, your face will be exposed to the sun’s rays, so it’s essential to plan accordingly and pack a lightweight sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection. Check out some of my top picks:
Eve Lom Daily Protection + SPF 50, $90. Available at EveLom.com, Barneys.com, and Sephora.com
This ultra-luxurious sunscreen goes beyond offering UVA and UVB protection in order to also moisturize, brighten, smooth, and tighten the complexion. In addition to antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, the formula includes: niacinamide, which is often used in products that battle hyperpigmentation since it effectively helps to fade dark spots and blemishes, making the skin’s tone appear more even and radiant; paracress flower extract, which boosts cellular activity and improves the skin’s structure in order to make the visage look lifted and taut; and lactic acid, which gently exfoliates, removing dead surface skin cells. When applied over your daily moisturizer, it boosts its performance and gives the skin a double dose of nourishing ingredients.
Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $32. Available at TarteCosmetics.com and Sephora.com
I’ve praised this non-chemical, all-mineral, non-comedogenic sunscreen in the past — and with good reason! It contains none of the chemical sunscreens that can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, and it doesn’t leave behind a white, ghost-like cast like so many old-schooled physical sunscreens. In addition to being effective and blending into the skin seamlessly, the Tarteguard sunscreen is enriched with: maracuja extract, which is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C that help to deliver a more even and luminous skin tone and which fight visible aging signs; red algae extract, a natural moisturizer and emollient often used in anti-aging formulations due to its polysaccharide content, which helps to enhance skin cells’ immunity; sodium hyaluronate, a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin and helps to fortify the skin’s natural barrier, thereby helping to ensure the optimal moisture balance; honeysuckle extract, which calms and soothes any existing inflammation or redness; apple extract, which is rich in antioxidants and also acts as a toning agent, keeping excess oil at bay; soybean extract, which stimulates collagen, elastin, and protein production, helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making skin appear more taut, and reducing any existing blotchiness or patchiness, yielding a more even skin tone.
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30, $36. Available at Sephora.com
If you can’t fathom walking out the door without any makeup — at least a BB or CC cream and a bold lipstick — then you should make sure that, in addition to applying an SPF-packed tinted moisturizer and foundation, you reapply sunscreen every two hours. But how can you do so without your makeup smearing and looking like one of Dali’s melted creations? Well, you can rely on a makeup setting spray containing SPF. Genius, right? The invisible Coola Makeup Setting Spray is formulated with over 70% certified organic ingredients, including aloe leaf extract and cucumber extract, which help to provide an instant burst of refreshment the moment the liquid mist is dispersed atop the skin. Orange water, meanwhile, works as a natural toner, helping to absorb any excess oil so your complexion will be free of any unwanted shine. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, binds moisture to the skin so that your visage will feel comfortable, enlarged pores will appear smaller, and fine lines and wrinkles will be plumped and smoothed.
Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50, $12 for 1 oz. Available at Sephora.com
Like the Coola makeup-setting spray, the Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist offers UVA and UVB protection while hydrating the skin and refreshing your makeup. This particular spray contains rosemary leaf extract, which helps to regulate oil production and leave the skin looking beautifully matte. Moreover, it’s available in a purse-friendly travel size (as shown here), making it ultra-convenient for beach trips, cookouts, carnivals, and amusement parks.
SOLAR PROTECTION FOR BODY
Now that you know how to protect your neck (and cheeks, forehead, nose, etc.) with some top-notch facial sunscreens, it’s time to focus on giving your body the TLC it needs. For the segment I focused on two delightful offerings:
Moroccanoil Sun Oil SPF 15, $32. Available at Moroccanoil.com
This fast-absorbing body oil offers broad spectrum protection and is enriched with Moroccanoil’s signature argan oil blend and hydraing coconut oil in order to nourish and soften the skin while protecting it from harsh UV rays. The water-resistant formula also boasts a tropical scent derived from Tahitian gardenias.
Moroccanoil Sun Lotion SPF 50, $32. Available at Moroccanoil.com
Like the Sun Oil, this lightweight cream features Moroccanoil’s proprietary argan oil blend, which is rich in antioxidants as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids that improve the skin’s elasticity and strengthen its defense barrier. And again, it includes coconut oil to hydrate and nourish the skin. This slightly heavier formulation, however, also incorporates glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture to the skin and binds it therein. If you’re a lotion lover, you’ll appreciate the velvety smooth formula, the speed with which the skin absorbs the body milk, and the gardenia scent that envelops the body.
MAKEUP WITH SPF PROTECTION
If you’re wearing a tinted moisturizer, beauty balm, or liquid or powder foundation, make sure it offers SPF protection! Check out these two great options:
Rodial Skin Tint+ SPF 20, $45. Available at Planet Beauty and BlueMercury.com
Designed to offer medium coverage, this tinted moisturizer also provides SPF 20 protection — but that’s just the beginning. An anti-aging phenom, the Rodial Skin Tint+ SPF 20 contains a blend of amino-peptides that stimulate collagen production, making the skin more supple, giving it a youthful bounce, and eliminating noticeable aging signs. The fluid and buildable product, meanwhile, gives skin a radiant, dewy finish, and is available in four shades to accommodate a range of skin tones.
Coloresceience Mineral Foundation SPF 20 Brush, $60. Available at Colorescience.com
This ultra-portable mineral powder foundation offers SPF 20 protection and comes in a handy, spill-proof tube with a retractable brush that makes on-the-go touch-ups an absolute breeze. To apply, you simply have the twist the neck of the tube to reveal the brush bristles, shake the tube until the mineral particles are visible on the bristles, and then sweep the product on the face using circular motions — broader movements when aiming for sheer coverage and tighter, more constrained movements when seeking more coverage
FACIAL MISTS
After spending many hours in the sun, you’ll likely be dreaming of swimming pools, showers, and lakes, wanting to submerge your entire being under a body of water. While that may not be an option at Six Flags, you can at the very least give thirsty skin a pick-me-up via a refreshing facial mist such as the ones discussed here.
Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief, $22. Available at Clinique.com
This facial mist will quickly respond to your parched skin’s SOS, refreshing and cooling the complexion while soothing it thanks to the aloe extract in the formula.
L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Mist, $16. Available at L’Occitane stores and USA.LOccitane.com
One of the newest additions to L’Occitane’s best-selling Immortelle range, the Precious Mist gives the complexion a much-needed pick-me-up. As with all of the products in the range, this spray features immortelle flower extract, which hydrates and softens the skin without interfering with your makeup. It also smells delightfully fresh and herbal, making each spritz feel indulgent.
FACIAL TOWELETTES
Need to eliminate sweat, oil, and dust from your complexion? Make sure to pack some pre-moistened towelettes to accomplish this feat.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes, $10.98. Available at Ulta.com
Assuming you’re not wearing tons of foundation, you can refresh your skin as the day goes on and remove any dirt and impurities with a pre-moistened facial towelette. Enriched with tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial and astringent, these wipes dislodge any debris from the surface of the skin, open pores to purify the skin, and control any excess oil production. Just remember to reapply your SPF afterwards!
WATERPROOF MAKEUP
Even if water rides aren’t on the agenda, waterproof makeup is often the wisest choice since it won’t smudge, run, crease, or smear as you sweat (and chances are, you will do quite a bit of that!). Here are some of the most effective and wisest choices for a long-lasting and high-impact look:
Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic, $21 each. Available at Sephora.com
Available in 15 shades in a range of satin, metallic, diamond, and iridescent finishes, these jumbo-sized eyeshadow pencils allow you to cover your lids in creamy, multi-dimensional, fully saturated, and alluring eye shadow colors with just a few authoritative strokes. These waterproof eye shadows feature a combination of silica, oils, and polymers that create a flexible film that locks water out so your makeup won’t melt, smudge, crease, or fade. Moreover, these eye pencils feature a retractable twist-up mechanism and a pointed tip for precise and mistake-free application.
LORAC Font of the Line Pro Eye Pencils, $20 each. Available at LORACcosmetics.com
These intense, waterproof, no-tug eyeliners come in a variety of versatile and elegant colors, some with a metallic sheen and others with a trendy matte finish.
eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara, $24. Available ay Nordstrom.com and Eyeko.com
Designed to withstand the conditions faced by athletes — including copious amounts of sweating — this mascara comes in a squeezable tube (so you don’t waste even the last bit!) and features a curled brush that mirrors the shape of the lashline and grabs every single lash, curling it and coating it with color. The mascara formula, meanwhile, contains collagen and antioxidant-rich cranberry, raspberry, and blueberry extracts that condition hair fibers and help to stimulate lash growth.
Touch in Sol Style Neon Super Proof Gel Eyeliner, $16 each. Available at Sephora.com
Since they’re formulated with argan oil, apricot oil, calendula oil, olive oil, jojoba seed oil, and rose oil, these gel eyeliners glide onto lids effortlessly, leaving behind vivid, high-impact color. The smudge-proof and waterproof liners stay in place for hours at a time while also helping you achieve trendy and statement-making looks via electrifying neon orange, violet, teal, and electric blue shades — all with a chic matte finish.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer, $30. Available at TarteCosmetics.com
Enriched with Amazonian clay and vitamin E, this powder bronzer gives the complexion a healthy sun-kissed look and manages to stay in place even as beads of sweat start to trickle from your hairline and forehead down your cheeks.
LONG-LASTING MAKEUP
The cosmetics below may not be billed as “waterproof,” but their longevity is irrefutable. And, since a bold pout can add an exciting kick to an otherwise laid-back ensemble, it’s key to rely on the right product that will deliver moisturizing, high-impact, long-lasting color. Check out some all-stars in these departments!
Lipstick Queen Cupid’s Bow, $22 each. Available at LipstickQueen.com
Before filming the Telemundo segment, I applied the Lipstick Queen Cupid’s Bow lip pencil in Apollo to my pout and, six hours later, the oxblood-meets-aubergine red shade remained intact. That’s because the Cupid’s Bow pencils offer an astounding color pay-off, coating the lips with rich and saturated pigments boasting a satin matte finish. Moreover, these jumbo lip pencils are formulated with hydrating ingredients that keep the pout comfortable and the colors vibrant.
Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick, $22. Available at UrbanDecay.com, Sephora.com, and Ulta.com
Available in 11 shades ranging from a matte nude to a sanguine red, a blue-based fuchsia, and a mauve rose, and a vermillion red, these lipsticks help women achieve the matte finish they desire without leaving lips feeling parched (an unfortunate consequence of many old-school matte lipstick formulations). And, in the tradition of all Urban Decay cosmetics, the creamy Matte Revolution lipsticks offer an unprecedented color pay-off and feature pigments that go on smoothly and evenly. In addition to the audacious quality of the colors, these lipsticks deserve a round of applause thanks to the nutrients in their formulas, which include avocado, olive, and babassu oils; shea butter; illipe butter; and vitamins C and E.
Circa Color Exposure Sheer Lip & Cheek Stain, $13. Available exclusively at Walgreens stores
Prefer sheer, natural-looking color to bolder hues? Then look to Circa, the makeup brand developed by Eva Mendes for Walgreens. Packaged in a squeezable tube, the brand’s Color Exposure Lip and Cheek Stain comes is designed to offer just a sheer wash of color. But just because it’s sheer that doesn’t mean it’s ephemeral! These lip and cheek stains last for hours at a time, making those flushed cheeks and just-bitten pout all the more believable.
HAIR TOUCH-UP GOODIES
From frizz-busters to hair refreshing sprays, here are some portable weapons to keep unruly strands in check!
Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets, $18 for a box of 12. Available at NunzioSaviano.com
Need to tame frizz and fly-aways but can’t reach for a blow drier or flat iron? Then make sure to pack a box of Nunzio Saviano frizz-fighting sheets! When smoothed over the hair, each towelette (which vaguely resembles a dryer sheet) will tame unruly strands and offer greater control. Enriched with coconut oil, these frizz-busting sheets also give your mane a lustrous sheen and silky finish.
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo, $13. Available at Sephora.com
This travel-sized version of Drybar’s best-selling Detox dry shampoo will fit in any medium-sized purse and offer you all the benefits you’ve come to expect from its larger predecessors, absorbing any excess dirt and oil, refreshing strands, and restoring volume to limp locks.
Go-Comb Brass Tile Mirror Comb, $15.99. Available at G0-Comb.com
After enduring all the twists and turns of a massive roller coaster, your hair will likely look more than a bit disheveled. To whip your hair back into shape, pack this handy go-comb in your wallet — yes, your wallet. Since it’s the size and width of a credit card, it can easily be slipped into one of the slots next to your credit card and ID. This particular Go-Comb features a mirror along its back surface so you can inspect your hairstyling handiwork and also check your makeup. Win!
HAND SANITIZER
Amusement parks, like all public settings, tend to be oases for germs so arm yourself accordingly with a potent sanitizer gel!
The Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Gel, $5. Available at The Body Shop stores.
Public restrooms are never a fun proposition, but that’s just one of the many germ-ridden areas you’re bound to encounter in a large theme park. Just imagine all the hands that have clutched the same safety railings on rides, pressed against the same food kiosk counters, and so forth! In order to avoid all the bacteria lurking around, make sure to pack a gel sanitizer that will keep hands clean without the need for soap and water. And why choose a nasty-smelling bottle of Purell when that hand sanitizer can smell like absinthe?