The countdown is finally here to Spring Break 2016! In only a month and a half, we’ll be squeezing into brand new bikinis, fake baking our skin, and wheeling our jam-packed suitcases through packed midwest airports to the destination of our dreams. However, beach vacations aren’t always kind to our beauty rituals. I’ve experienced the horrible burns, frizzy hair, and dried out skin firsthand. Follow this guide to have the time of your life, while still looking hot as hell.
1. Fake Bake Self-Tanning Liquid
No one wants to get to the beach looking as white as snow. I’ve tried every self-tanner on the market (fear of tanning beds, anyone?) and this is by far the best. Apply some the night before your trip, and you’ll arrive in paradise looking like you’ve been there the whole time. $26 at Ulta or online.
2. First Aid Beauty, Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
Lying on a beach all day can really dry out your lips, and in this climate, your EOS ball just isn’t going to cut it. Keep your lips moisturized and smooth with this repair treatment by First Aid Beauty. $12 at Sephora.
3. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Let’s be honest, Spring Break is not a sober occasion. 6+ days of drinking constantly can give you a killer beauty hangover, apply this under your foundation for a dewy, glowing finish! $32 Ulta or Sephora.
4. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen
If we don’t want our skin to look like couch leather when we’re 40, sunscreen is a must. I always make sure to get something oil-free, like this Neutrogena sunscreen above. That way, staying sunburn free doesn’t come at the expense of my pores. And a little secret: there’s no difference between SPF 30 and 95, so save your money. $10, any drugstores or online.
5. Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion
Even with sunscreen, our skin can easily get dried out by the sun. Apply a layer of this lotion after laying out, it contains a bit of aloe so it soothes while it hydrates! $9 at drugstores.
6. Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume
It’s fun to pick a scent just for vacation! This summery scent by Bobbi Brown is one of my favorites. Spoiler: it smells like sunscreen, but in a good way. I sometimes wear it in the winter when the snow has me feeling depressed. $25-74, Sephora.
7. BLISS FatGirlSixPack
I don’t know about you, but my first priority this winter has not been working on my 6-pack. Unless you’re Kayla Itsines, most of us could use a little help. This gel actually shrinks the fat cells in your stomach temporarily, perfect to show off your new bikini, or all those spring break crop tops! $28, Sephora and online.
8. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray
My hair is naturally awkward, especially when it’s air dried. Whenever I go to the beach, I always make sure to pack a salty hair spray. Apply some right after swimming and when your hair dries, it’ll be in gorgeous beachy waves! $15-27, Sephora.
Pack your beach bag full of these beauty essentials, and you’re guaranteed to look as hot as Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in Sisters.