Get Ready For A Great Season With This Summer Readiness Checklist — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”
While the sky-high temperatures here in Austin have made it feel like we’ve been experiencing summer since early May, in actuality, the season has only just begun! All signs point to this being a scorcher of a summer, so I’ve got some great suggestions on how you can protect your skin from the sun’s rays, feel and smell fresh on even the most punishingly hot days, keep your energy levels up in the draining heat, and look stylish as you cool off in your favorite watering hole. Make sure to watch my latest segment on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” for some summer readiness tips and products suggestions and keep reading for details on everything shown on air!
SHIELDED BEAUTY SKIN GUARDIAN SPF 30 AND SHIELDED BEAUTY FACE THE DAY PURIFYING FACE MIST
We’ve heard all about the gut microbiome but, in recent years, we’ve started to learn a great deal about the skin microbiome. Our skin is host to trillions of microorganisms — about 1,000 species of bacteria and up to 80 different fungi species reside therein — and they actually play vital rotes in skin health, protecting against infection, defending from environmental aggressors, and more. The key, however, is maintaining a healthy, balanced, diverse skin microbiome. Unfortunately, disruptions to the skin microbiome can result from a variety of factors ranging from pollution exposure to using overly harsh cleansers (or cleansing too often) to making less-than-ideal dietary choices (the gut-to-skin connection is very important, folks!).
During the summer season, we’re exposed to countless external factors that can adversely affect our skin’s health: from the sun’s powerful UV rays to the chlorine in swimming pools, the pollen and dust outside, car exhaust fumes and other forms of pollution, the blue light from our smartphones, and more. So how do you safeguard skin from toxins without potentially disrupting that fragile ecosystem known as the microbiome? We know that many cleaners, toners, and exfoliants are overly harsh, so how do we purify and protect skin properly? Well, that’s the question that inspired the creation of Shielded Beauty, a new microbiome skincare brand that safeguards skin against external aggressors.
The key to Shielded Beauty’s methodology lies in its patented Guardian Complex, found in all the brand’s products, which is an antimicrobial blend comprised of silver citrate, zeolite and citric acid that helps to purify skin of harmful toxins. Silver citrate has been used for centuries to promote wound-healing and calm inflammation, while zeolite is a natural volcanic mineral that acts as a magnet to attract and remove impurities. Citric acid, meanwhile, boasts antioxidant properties that help to defend skin against harmful invaders. This powerful trio, then, helps to leave skin nice and clean, without disrupting the microbiome. And that’s not all! Shielded Beauty products also contain ingredients like Indian ginseng, which protects skin against blue light, sodium hyaluronate and copper ferment to hydrate and condition skin, and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the complexion.
To protect and nourish your skin, make sure to pick up the Shielded Beauty Skin Guardian SPF 30 ($48 at ShieldedBeauty.com), a lightweight sunscreen that protects skin against UVA and UVB rays as well as airborne pathogens and artificial blue light. Formulated with 10% zinc oxide, the formula blends into skin seamless, leaving now white cast behind. And it contains olive, sunflower, and sweet almond oils to hydrate and soften the skin and to fortify the skin’s moisture barrier.
Another must-have for hot summer days is the Shielded Beauty Face The Day Purifying Face Mist ($36 at ShieldedBeauty.com). Featuring ingredients like marigold extract, sodium PCA, vitamin B3, and copper ferment, the feather-light mist restores balance to the skin’s microbiome and gives the complexion a dewy finish. You can apply it after cleansing, before putting on your makeup, or use it to refresh and revive skin throughout the day.
IMBUE CURL LIBERATING SULPHATE FREE SHAMPOO AND IMBUE CURL DEFENDING HEAT PROTECTION MIST
Want your curls to thrive this summer? Look to Imbue, a curl-worshipping, 100% vegan, clean haircare brand designed for curl and coil types 3 A to 4C. All Imbue products are designed to celebrate and amplify curly strands of all types — not control or “tame” them. Imbue is changing the conversation around textured hair and urging all curly -haired gals to embrace their individuality and flaunt those spirals, waves, curls, and coils with confidence.
All Imbue products are absolutely amazing, but two of my favorites for summer are the Curl Liberating Sulphate Free Shampoo ($14.99 at H-E-B stores) and the Curl Defending Heat Protection Mist ($12.99 at H-E-B stores).
The perfect foundation for your wash day routine, the Imbue Curl Liberating Sulphate Free Shampoo lifts away dirt and impurities without stripping your curls of the natural oils they need to look their best. The scalp-friendly, ultra-hydrating, shine-boosting shampoo effectively cleanses while nurturing and moisturizing the scalp and hair thanks to ingredients like coconut water, cupuacu butter and sunflower seed oil. Not only will your hair be clean, but your curls will look bouncy, smooth, separated and defined.
Another crucial curl care product is the Imbue Curl Defending Heat Protection Mist, a multi-functional, alcohol-free, and silicone-free heat protection mist that defends strands against thermal styling up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit, while also protecting against environmental aggressors and UV rays. Featuring cupuaçu butter and coconut water as well as jojoba, moringa and castor oils, this mist can be used on wet or dry hair prior to blow drying, diffusing, or straightening your strands, so your curls can stay healthy, smooth and soft. Plus, the bottle’s handy trigger spray helps to ensure an easy and even application.
NAILS.INC NEON MINIS COLLECTION
Neon shades are a huge trend for Summer 2022 and, if you’re not quite ready to flaunt some hot pink shorts or a fluorescent green top, you can easily play with the trend with your nail polish! All you need to do is pick up your favorite shades in the new Nails.INC Neon Minis collection. Comprised of six vibrant, adventurous, bold-as-can-be shades, the collection is Nails.INC’s first ever mini nail polish range — and it’s irresistible! The mini polishes are so slim and portable that it’s easy to stash all six in your weekender bag or carry-on suitcase when heading on vacation, and you can easily keep your go-to shade in your makeup bag or clutch for on-the-go touch-ups.
Each mini polish features the brand’s best-selling-long-wearing, high-performance formula, which is vegan and cruelty-free. And here’s the kicker: no base coat or white activator is needed for these polishes to reach peak neon splendor!
The six shades in the collection are:
— Knightrider — a neon yellow shade with a greenish tint
— Brightside Road — a neon aqua hue that will bring to mind swimming pool waters
— Sunbeam Crescent — a neon coral orange color that will remind you of frozen popsicles
— Sun Street Passage — a neon pink with an exuberant ’80s vibe
— Summers Street — a neon cobalt blue hue reminiscent of the colorful doors all over Santorini
— Bright Mews — a bright white shade that’s glossy and opaque
Each polish is $4.99 at Target and Target.com
SECRET WEIGHTLESS DRY SPRAY
Keeping your underarms smelling fresh is tough enough when it’s over 100 degrees outside (which, sadly, seems to be the new normal here in Central Texas!), but keeping that area dry? That’s a whole other feat entirely! And who wants to walk around with noticeable pit stains? No one! And while antiperspirants may curb sweat and odor, many leave underarms feeling wet and sticky — or worse, they leave behind a white residue that can transfer onto clothes and ruin an otherwise adorable outfit.
Luckily, your summer perspiration woes can be a thing of the past thanks to the new Secret Weightless Dry Spray ($6.49 at Target and Walmart stores), which has an instantly dry feel and provides 48 hours of sweat and odor protection. The formula feels weightless on the skin, and it contains no waxes or alcohol, so it leaves no residue behind. Plus, the ergonomic grip bottle makes for an easy and targeted application — no need to kick up a whole cloud of spray when applying!
The collection is formulated with re-designed fragrances for a superior scent experience, and the formula is moisture- and motion-activated so you get that burst of delightful fragrance when you most need it. Secret Weightless Dry Spray is available in Wild Rose, Vanilla, Waterlily and White Peach, so there are plenty of scent options available!
BOARDIES SWIMWEAR
When the summer heat kicks into overdrive, the pool starts calling more and more often! To keep the whole family looking sharp while cooling off at the beach, pool, lake or waterpark, check out some pieces from British swimwear brand Boardies.
Known for its original artist designs, Boardies offers board shorts and swimsuit for men, women, and kids — all created using quick-drying premium fabrics. It’s currently Nordstrom’s top-selling boys’ swimwear brand, and Texas is one of its top markets here in the US —probably because, here in the Lone Star State, we know a great thing when we see it!
Boardies offers an exciting range of designs — from classic stripes to tie-dye (its best-seller in the US) to floral motifs, animal prints, solid colors, and whimsical designs inspired by everything from ice cream cones to vintage robot toys, Mexican Lucha Libre masks, dinosaurs, and Tiki statues.
Prices range from $60 to $99 at BoardiesApparel.com
QUEEN V PHUN WIPES
Ladies, groin sweat is a totally normal occurrence! Whether you’re running errands, taking a jog in the park, or walking the dog in the neighborhood, you might feel your vaginal area getting sweaty and smelling a little less than fresh. And that’s 100% normal! But that doesn’t mean you have to just resign yourself to feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. You can freshen up at home or on the go with the Queen V pHun Wipes ($5.99 at QueenVLife.com as well as Walmart and Walmart.com).
Queen V is a feminine hygiene and sexual wellness brand designed to empower people to speak openly about vaginal health and wellness. All Queen V products are gentle and formulated without harsh ingredients, plus they’re ph-balanced and designed to protect your V’s microbiome. The pHun Wipes are OB/GYN-tested and feature better-for-you ingredients like cranberry extract. You can use them to freshen up any time — after an intense workout, during your cycle, before or after intimacy, and more.
TRUE NORTH PURE ENERGY SELTZER
Summer tends to be a whirlwind — not only do we have all our day-to-day obligations to fulfill, but we’re also trying to pack in as much fun and adventure as possible, planning weekend getaways and road trips, ferrying the kids to camp and shuttling them to sports practices and swim lessons, and trying to meet up with friends and family as often as possible. And when your schedule is jam-packed, you need every last bit of energy to power through each day. Luckily, you can get a pick-me-up whenever you need it with True North Pure Energy Seltzer, a plant-based clean energy drink that contains no artificial flavors, colors, sugar, sweetener, or calories.
It’s non-alcoholic (the “setlzer” merely refers to the beverage being carbonated), gluten-free and non-GMO. Each can contains contains 120 mg of organic caffeine derived from plants like guayusa, ginseng, guarana, and green tea. Moreover, this refreshing, sparkling, energy-boosting beverage contains an immunity blend that’s comprised of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12.
True North Pure Energy Seltzer is available six flavors: Cucumber Lime, Black Cherry, Mandarin Yuzu, Watermelon Mist, Grapefruit Lemonade and White Peach Pear. Visit TrueNorthEnergy.com to find a retailer near you!
