Summer is just around the corner and it's a time for extremely public appearances.. the heat makes it difficult to walk around without at least some skin showing and most of us take the opportunity to swim [thus prancing around in little more than underwear.] So, what are some good ways to look and feel great during those few months?
Hair
If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the heat or swim a lot, you should invest in a good deep conditioner. You can find an assortment of products specifically designed for sun protection in grocery stores and salons alike. Simply use the conditioner once or twice a week to keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle. A leave-in conditioner is also a good thing to have on hand, especially for days when you will be in the sun for long periods of time. Scarves, hats, and bandanas are all good ways of protecting your hair as well and never forget to at leaast rinse your hair out after swimming in a chlorine pool.
If you're longing for a sun-streaked appearance, but don't want to shell out the cash for salon highlights, try lemon juice. Although it generally doesn't create terribly dramatic results, it will offer a natural effect that looks as though you spend all of your days at the beach. [This method usually doesn't work too well on dark brown or black hair.]
Your hair already suffers from the heat in the summer, so why damage it even more by blowdrying? Sure, there are certain circumstances where you want your hair to look perfect, but for the most part, why not just let it dry naturally during the summer? Loose updos and flowy waves are way hotter in the summer than stick-straight strands. If you absolutely must have product in your hair, try leave-in conditioner with a little shine serum mixed in.
Skin
Tans may look radiant and healthy and they make very well camoflauge certain flaws, but they're murder on your skin. Try a gradual tanning system like Jergen's lotions. Your skin will benefit from the moisturizing ingredients while at the same time giving you the appearance of a very natural suntan- without harmful UV rays. There are also self-tanning sprays and creams out there, but I don't like them as they cause a big mess and can look streaky. If you do choose to tan naturally, do yourself a favor and at least use some sort of SPF.
NEVER mistake a self-tanner or bronzer for sunscreen. You still need to keep your skin protected with a 30 SPF screen or higher. I, myself, use 50 even in the winter.
If you choose to use a self-tanner, you can take it a step further by lightly using a shimmery bronzing powder on your face. I already bought this product sans tan in anticipation of the summer. Subtle shimmer is very hot, especially when also applied to the collarbone and shoulders. [Be careful to let this product set before getting dressed as it can smudge on light-colored shirts.]
Don't neglect your lips, especially if they already get very chapped, like mine. It's best to avoid vaseline-based products as they can burn your lips. Instead, use an SPF chapstick under your lipstick or gloss. Even the most health-conscious people sometimes forget this important step.
Drink a lot of water- always!
If you are camping or attending a late-night barbeque, make sure you come equipped with insect repellent. They even have some sunscreen-repellent combos on the market that make it easier. Go this summer without the irritating and unattractive mosquito bites.
Please stop using tanning booths. Why people pay for skin cancer is beyond me, but all I can say is they are by no means a healthy alternative to tanning nor do they result in natural-looking tans.
Nails
Summer is a good time to have fun with your nails. Why settle for the boring French tip when you can make a statement with lime green or hot pink?
Feet should be pampered all year round, but especially during summer. After all, they are much more exposed than during other seasons. Give yourself regular pedicures with the works- sloughing of dead skin, soaking, moisturizing, nail clipping/filing, and of course a cute, summer-esque shade of nail polish.
Body
Consider waxing. Clean, smooth legs and underarms are essential to summer and some people don't have the patience to shave everyday or their skin reacts unpleasantly to it. I am fine with shaving, but for those who aren't, waxing is a great alternative.
Exercise at least a half an hour a day! You don't have to have a model's body to be in shape, but exercising boosts confidence and self-esteem and everyone knows that's the most attractrive thing in a person. Try tennis, baseball, swimming, and volleyball.. a watergun fight is good exercise, cooling, and can be fun even amongst adults.
Make-Up
Less is more during summer and this is coming from a huge cosmetics fanatic.. go for a shimmery light gold eyeshadow, lip gloss, and waterproof mascara most days.. it's okay to play it up once in a while, but who wants their face melting off in the sun?
I hope some of you find this helpful!
lol Adrienne, you're beautiful :P I've seen pictures of you 
