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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GCU chapter.

Here are five ways to be like a mermaid in time for summer; this is just for kicks and giggles. Let’s dive in!

Care For Sea Animals

True mermaids care about the ocean’s creatures. You can do so by buying fish or other ocean animals from the pet store. Give them a new place to call home! Make sure their tank and environment are appropriate for the type of animal you are getting. These little guys are the best aquatic companions, and most beginner-level fish do not require extensive work to care for.

If you’re not feeling too fishy, you could alternatively take a trip to the nearest aquarium. It’s a fun and relaxing way to admire unique sea creatures.

Care for The Ocean

The most important part of the mermaid aesthetic is caring for the environment. You can do so by participating in beach clean-ups, picking up debris around bodies of water (like lakes or ponds), and not tampering with any native underwater plant life.

You can support the ocean by buying sustainable seafood from restaurants and grocery stores. Since a lot of plastic ends up in the ocean and harms sea life, you can opt to reduce plastic usage. Try out reusable bags and cups, say no to plastic cutlery, or use metal straws.

Spend Time By The Water

Whether this means swimming in pools, wading in the ocean, or sitting by a lake, make sure to spend time with one of nature’s most calming elements. If you don’t live near any water, you could listen to gentle water sounds. It doesn’t have to sound like rushing water (that doesn’t work for me, it makes me feel like I have to use the restroom). You could also listen to bubble sounds as an alternative way to relax.

Utilize The Color Palette  

The mermaid aesthetic is defined by the ocean’s color: blue. Consider other ocean-inspired colors: iridescent pearly whites, deep-sea purples, seaweed greens, or bright corals.

For makeup, you can use similar colors for eyeshadow looks. You can create a dewy, wet makeup look with highlight and lip gloss, and can tame baby hairs with hair gel to add to the dewy look. If you’re serious about achieving the mermaid look, grow your hair long or curl it into waves. Complete hairstyles with some seashell or starfish clips! Make sure to care for the environment by not collecting seashells directly from beaches. You can find faux alternatives online or in stores.

Collect Trinkets

You can always find interesting trinkets at thrift stores or second-hand shops. Tap into your inner Ariel and hunt for treasure! Cool mermaid trinkets include little statues, mermaid or ocean-related décor, and blue-colored items.

If you’ve seen the movie Aquamarine, you could try looking for those orange starfish earrings she has (the ones that give her compliments!). The adventure of finding different doodads is up to you.

Follow these steps and your efforts to become a true mermaid will go swimmingly!

Emily is a Professional Writing major at GCU. She is expected to graduate with her bachelor's degree in Spring 2024. She loves writing about the environment, history and self-care. Her interests include anything with glitter, playing video games, slamming out tunes on the piano and lying down on grass in the summer.