The warm air, sun shining, a perfect golden tan paired with cute white nails- yes, summer is coming! Now, if you’re anything like me, the last five months flew right over your head and you aren’t really feeling that cute red bikini you bought last year- but that’s ok!
Here are my top five summer essentials that make me feel like a bronze queen, and will have me ready for those cute summer outfits in no time!
1. A Staple Pair of Black Jean Shorts
I love dresses and rompers more than anyone in the world, but during the summer months I like to be by the pool or at the beach whenever I can; and nobody has time for all those straps and zippers. A staple pair of black jean shorts and a big t-shirt is my go-to outfit for a day near the water!
Here are a few of my faves! Urban Outfitters: $49.00 https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/urban-renewal-recycled-levis-basic-denim-short?adpos=1o1&cm_mmc=SEM-_-Google-_-PLA-_-330433552758_brand_urban_outfitters_x_levis_custom_label_3_womens&color=001&creative=209973904077&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1YDe0p3f4QIVEP5kCh2ujQM6EAQYASABEgIOFPD_BwE&inventoryCountry=US&matchtype=&mrkgadid=3215513616&mrkgcl=671&network=g&product_id=49999915&utm_campaign=PLA
Forever21: $20.00
2. A Glowy Bronzer
I am fully here for that glow-from-within makeup look! Bronzer is my favorite makeup product, next to a good beaming highlight. It brings color and life back to your skin, whether it’s on top of a full glam look or just on its own with some blush and cute lashes. During the summer months I like to bring out the extra shimmer, here’s some of my go-to bronzers for summer!
MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze: $29 https://www.maccosmetics.com/product/20157/302/products/makeup/face/bronzer/bronzing-powder#!/shade/Bronze
Morphe Glamabronze: $19.00
3. Self-Tanner
Like I mentioned before, I’m a sucker for the golden-glow. I am naturally pretty fair and typically just burn when I’m in the sun, thanks to my Irish heritage. On top of burning fairly easily, I am always on the go and don’t always have the time to sit near the beach or by the pool to get a natural sun-kissed tan. Self-Tanner quickly became my friend in the winter months, and is often carried into the summer months! In my life I have tried very, very, very many self tanners, and none of them I have truly loved; except for one! Bondisands Self-Tanning Foam is pure GOLD, it gives you a beautiful dark, golden tan without looking streaky. Not to mention, it fades wonderfully without getting patchy- it’s been my go-to for a year now!
Bondisands Self-Tanning Foam in Dark: $24.00
4. Bright Summer Nail Color
I tend to wear a lot of black, guilty as charged, and in high-school my hair used to be my accent color (your girl has had every color in the rainbow, five times over). Now that I’m a junior in college, I’ve transitioned to my nails. I love a good, bright nail color; polished nails and a few rings can really pull an outfit together. Here are a few of my go-to colors for summer!
Essie- Strut Your Stuff: $9.00
Essie – Avant Garment: $9.00
OPI- To The Finish Lime!: $13.00
5. A Cute Bikini
Swim suits are my weakness, there’s an overwhelming amount to choose from! I am a very high maintenance person when it comes to swim suits, I will not lie. Bikini tops I could get at the dollar store and be ok, but bottoms- that’s a whole different story. After a few summers, I think I’ve nailed the stores that have the best bottoms- here’s a few of my favorite set’s I own!
Billabong- Sol Searcher Tanaga Bottoms + Top: $22 (Top), $34 (Bottom) https://www.billabong.com/sol-searcher-tanga-bikini-bottom-679370885373.html#cgid=women_swim_bikini-bottom_skimpy&start=10&hitcount=76
Forver21 Ribbed Triangle Set: $30