Beach Daze

My St. Tropez?  Rockaway Beach. You do what you gotta do in this city.

On Monday, I went to the beach with my cousin Katherine and her boyfriend. We didn't hang out in the sun too long. I wore Vichy Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 60 for sensitive skin on my face and Coppertone sunscreen on the rest of my body. Both types were broad spectrum sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection. I am kind of like a porcelain doll who sits in a box in an attic all day long typing, so I'm really glad I didn't burn!

I should go to the beach every day.

Other beachgoers.

My cousin Katherine in her Carrera sunglasses.

I tote my sunscreen, books & a light cotton shirt to cover up in a shopping bag from Uniqlo. I'm low maintenance.

If you're like me and always pulling your locks back, let your hair down by the sea.

I really like this sunscreen for sensitive skin. You can purchase this Vichy sunscreen for $30 at Drugstore.com.

Remember that you should apply sunblock to dry skin at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, and if you forget, make sure to put it on as soon as you hit the sand. Don't be afraid to get started on the subway if you're a city girl like me. No one cared when I put on sunscreen on the A train! Also, you absolutely must reapply waterproof sunblock after a dip in the ocean. These lotions are not magic superglue, even if you swim as gracefully as Esther Williams.

XOXO!

Take a Page From the French

The other day in the Strand bookstore, I found a title called "The French Way of Beauty" by Linda Dannenberg. This book from the Seventies is packed with little secrets, makeup tips and hair ideas from French spas and salons. While I found some of the material to be outdated or bizarre (do any of you see a manicurist who rubs your hand with mink oil?), there were some quality gems from Catherine Deneuve's makeup artist and hairdressers who worked with Yves Saint Laurent and princesses and such. (Stay tuned for weekly tips and ideas from this book.)

This hair look from page 108 is so "you" for spring. Note the French called anything that involved twisting the hair a "chignon," but I would call this a front bun.  If you want to be very edgy, you can pin brown or cream dyed silk ribbons at the nape of your neck, and incorporate the ribbon into your hair and the bun as well. 

Legs That Turn Heads

If you are wearing skirts and shorts this time of year, give your legs a treat. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to your normal body lotion by mixing both in your hands. Rub the mixture on your gams and check out your Hollywood red carpet shine.

Totally Obsessed: Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil

As your summer vacation is probably still many weeks away, try this potion on for size.  I am in love with the new limited edition Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil ($34, BobbiBrown.com). Scented with Bobbi Brown's signature fragrance Beach, this oil smells like sand and ocean all the while hydrating your skin. A little goes on a long way too. Spritz a little to make your skin glitter like the sea at sunset.

XOXO!

Lianne La Havas | Is Your Love Big Enough? Official Video

Just in: Darling London singer Lianne La Havas has released a video for the title track of her forthcoming album, "Is Your Love Big Enough?," due out August 7th on Nonesuch. A cheerful, clap-along tune, this song starts out wonderful and gets even better as it progresses.

For another side of La Havas, I also recommend listening to her song "Tease Me" on YouTube. XOXO!

You Put That Where?! Or How I Use Eye Gel to Get A Glowy, Luminous Makeup Look

Ages ago, I posted a trick about how I like to pop in the shower with my foundation on to give my skin a steamy, healthy glow. But water, as you know, can make makeup streak and so this way is even better.

Currently, I am really obsessed with my Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation in #4 because the texture is so creamy and lovely. On spring days when I want to wear a little less makeup, I mix my foundation with a huge dollop of Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Revitalizing Eye Gel. You probably have read about mixing foundation with moisturizer, but I believe this eye gel is an even better way to go, particularly if your skin is sensitive or breakout prone like mine.  Believe me! You will look like a model in a beauty ad.

I originally had this idea because I noticed this product made the skin around my eyes gleam. Who wouldn't want their whole face to look the same way?

To look foxy for a night out, I recommend using a mix of Armani foundation + Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Revitalizing Eye Gel, blending carefully with your fingers. Then, apply other makeup, such as blush, mascara and lipstick. After that, if you have the time, walk outside for about 30 minutes to activate the ingredients in the lavender eye gel for a "power glow."  Makeup always looks better after it is has settled into your skin a little. Some say hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient inside the gel, draws moisture from the air. The gel also contains grape seeds, green tea and lavender extracts to feed the skin as well. I love it!

My own skin is extra-sensitive, so the other solid benefit is that the gel doesn't irritate my skin and prevents breakouts. If your skin is very dry, you might need a thicker moisturizer instead. And if you have trouble justifying using a $20 eye gel as a face moisturizer, think of it as giving your skin a little spa time. You might not use this trick every day, but keep it in your makeup samurai arsenal.

Look divine! Stay amazing! XOXO!

Quick Gossip - You Love Clueless, Right? Alicia Silverstone Needs a Writer

Alicia Silverstone's Facebook page posted this update today:

What would you pay to have Alicia Silverstone as your blogger BFF? Imagine grabbing smoothies and getting organic manicures together. Crazy, right?