Tag Archives: summer

May21

Prepare For Summer With These Awesome Style Choices

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Prepare For Summer With These Awesome Style Choices

While lock down may not have fully ended just yet, that doesn’t mean that it’s not time to start getting ready for the summer season. Specifically, we’re thinking about your new style options and there are definitely some trends here that are worth considering. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can look incredible when the sun begins to emerge:

The Right Shades:

Yes, you can start by thinking about which sunglasses you are going to wear to the beach this year. This is an easy place to begin and it’s worth noting that not every pair of sunglasses is going to suit every person. The style of sunglasses that are right for you is always going to depend on both of your eyes and the shape of your face. Some people are more suited for aviator-style shades while others will be better off with cats-eye glasses. It’s entirely up to you, of course, but a big trend this year is the wooden arms of the shades. Typically made from bamboo, these will stand out beautifully and make quite the impression.

New Jewelry And Piercings:

You can be a little bolder with your style this season and, instead, opt for some new piercings. A popular choice this year is going to be the constellation ear piercing. These look incredible and you can find out more from Urban Body Jewelry. Alternatively, nose piercings are another popular choice worth checking out this year. Studs are definitely on-trend and you’re going to see these a lot this summer with new season looks.

A Fresh Hairstyle:

A lot of people are currently wondering what their style should be when they emerge from lock down. Remember, a lot of offices are not reopening which means that employees have a chance to think big with their style. That means that many people are being a little bolder with their hair dye choices. If you’ve always dreamed about trying out a radical new color for your hair, then now could be a perfect time. Be aware that some color choices are going to make your eyes pop beautifully. Particularly when you get the makeup just right to go with the option that you choose.

From neon pink to a gorgeous silver, there are an abundant array of possibilities for you to consider. You could also match this with a brand new cut too. Is now the time to try a pixie cut? It definitely could be!

Metallic Leather:

Finally, if you’re looking to reinvent your wardrobe this summer season, then you might want to visit a retro clothing store. If you look at fashion blogs, you’ll see that metallic leather is back on-trend. You’re going to see a lot of people this season looking as though they are heading to an 80’s themed rave and we think you’ll agree, it’s about time.

We hope you have fun trying some of these trends and ideas yourself to look fresh and fun all summer long!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar10

I’m So Excited!

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I’m So Excited!

Hello! One of my favorite things about dating my boyfriend, Johnny, is that we always have so many exciting plans to look forward to. We both love being out and about, planning trips, and going to concerts and we definitely will be doing a lot of all of that as we continue trying to kick winter out the door in Ohio.

Upon the warmer weather, I can’t wait to go back to our favorite bars with a patio to have drinks and play games with our friends outside. But, I am absolutely chomping at the bit to get to our bigger plans, because we have quite a few! Including:

1) Seeing Jesus Christ Super Star at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. My dad got me and Johnny tickets for Christmas because it is my favorite musical and I am simply thrilled to be able to see it live. I am also lucky enough to see it twice because one of my old theater friends invited me to go with her, too! 😀

2) The Rolling Stones concert in Cleveland! Aw yeahhhh. Johnny, my parents, my brother, and I will be in nosebleed seats attendance for this show. My dad hasn’t seen the Stones since the 70s and Johnny and I have never seen them and they are his all time favorite band. So, needless to say, we are over the moon excited.

3) Johnny and I will also be attending a Marilyn Manson and potentially Ozzy Osbourne concert if his health permits. My MAN got me tickets for Christmas just like I asked him to and I cannot wait to see my other man, Marilyn Manson, perform for the third time. Johnny hasn’t seen him live before so I can’t wait for him to experience that! Ozzy Osbourne performing would just be the cherry on top.

4) And, finally, for Johnny’s birthday I got us tickets to Riot Fest in Chicago. Riot Fest is a three day music festival and My Chemical Romance will be headlining. We don’t know anything else about the lineup except for that but it was enough to make me buy tickets because Johnny is always talking about how he’d love to see them live again. Our long weekend in Chicago is one of the major highlights of this summer and I am so happy I was able to score tickets that sold out within eight minutes for the two of us!

It’s always nice to have something to look forward to and Johnny and I have an abundance of that. I can’t wait to fill all of you in on all of these exciting events when they happen so keep it posted!

What are you looking forward to? What concerts are you attending this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar8

Brunch Warriors ASSEMBLE!

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Brunch Warriors ASSEMBLE!

Hi! If you’re anything like me, then you never say no to a good brunch. Despite almost always being slightly hungover, I revel in a boozy Sunday brunch complete with hearty breakfast food and fifteen mimosas. Well… more like two mimosas but I definitely think I could polish off fifteen of the most delicious mimosa mash up I’ve ever heard of…

Allow me to introduce you to the Lemonade Mimosa. Yes, you heard it correctly. A mouthwatering sweet/tart combination that I just had to read on about when someone posted the recipe on Facebook. And, let me be the first to tell you, the following recipe that can be found on Delish.com sounds… Delish! Take a look and be sure to visit Delish for more food and drink inspiration to spice up your meals!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus a wedge for rimming
  • 1 bottle champagne
  • 2 c. lemonade or pink lemonade

Directions:

  1. In a shallow dish, mix lemon zest and sugar.
  2. Rim champagne flutes with a lemon wedge and dip in sugar mixture.
  3. Place one slice of lemon inside each champagne flute, bending if needed.
  4. Fill flute halfway with champagne and top with lemonade. Serve.

 

When the weather begins warming up, I need a drink that is crisp and refreshing which is why I usually favor the Moscow Mule. So, what could possibly be better than ice cold lemonade and champagne during a muggy summer morning? The answer is nothing, of course!

Treat your friends to a Sunday morning summer brunch, follow more simple and tasty recipes by Lena Abraham, and you’ll be the hostess with the mostess by the time the second round of Lemonade Mimosas starts being poured!

What is your favorite mimosa flavor? (I love mango!) How do you do Sunday brunch? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct24

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Crop Top Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Crop Top Edition

Howdy! An article of clothing that I don’t think I give enough credit to is my beloved black crop top from Target. I have had this little number for a handful of years and I honestly can’t even tell you the amount of times that I’ve worn it. I do know that for the ten dollar price, my cost per wear is probably down to fractions of a cent! From its perfect cut and soft material to its versatility in styling literally any outfit, my black crop top is definitely an Unsung Wardrobe Hero.

 

 

 

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^^^ See the full OOTD posts from these shoots here and here!

This past summer, I have sported my crop top often simply by pairing it with jean shorts and loads of jewelry for a quick work outfit or with a pleated faux leather skirt for something more dressy seen below:

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^^^ Peep me and my boyfriend looking mighty cute!

During the summer, it’s easy to slack on your outfits – believe me, I get it. It was unbearably hot in Ohio this year, with days in the high eighties and nineties more often than not. And, for those of you who don’t know, Lil Red does not function well in extreme heat. I sweat like nobody’s business, I get fatigued, and downright cranky. Despite the major discomfort, still staying fashion forward and slaying the streets was important to me.

My black crop top allowed me to stay cool and comfortable without showing too much skin and for that, I am thankful. Looking like a blogger when I go out is a high priority for me and the fact that I could wear this shirt dressed up or down kept the possibilities endless all summer long. And, it doesn’t just stop there because there is nothing better than a crop top under an oversized blazer come fall, which I have already been rocking heavily compliments of the cooler weather.

It’s easy to hold your more expensive or flashy pieces in a higher regard than your basic staples and that just doesn’t fly with me. Sure, I love my bling, bags, and shoes but I also appreciate the many OOTDs that my black crop top has allowed me to style throughout the years and I definitely consider it one of my wardrobe staples. So, here’s to you, my darling Target crop top and thank you for continuing to serve me well! ❤

What is one of your Unsung Wardrobe Heroes? Which piece in your closet do you think you wear the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug2

Different Types Of Sunscreen: What’s The Best One For You?

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Different Types Of Sunscreen: What’s The Best One For You?

If you go out every day, you’re probably aware that you need to apply sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed to the sun. Using any kind of sunscreen is definitely better than not using any sunscreen at all. But if you can find the best sunscreen for you, make sure that it has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an SPF or sun protection factor of at least 30.

There is a high number of sunscreen options available in the market today. And it can be challenging to figure out which one will be compatible with your skin type and preferences. That being said, below are the different kinds of sunscreen you might come across to help you find the most suitable formula for your particular skin type.

Chemical Sunscreen vs Physical Sunscreen:

Sunscreens generally come in two main types, chemical and physical formulations. These contain different ingredients, so they behave and provide sun protection in different ways. Physical sunscreens primarily safeguard you from damaging ultraviolet rays by serving as a physical shield over the skin.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens react with UV rays and sunlight. They then deteriorate over time so you will need to reapply them every two to three hours. This depends on how much sun exposure you’re getting. But physical sunscreens require reapplications as well.

If you can’t choose between physical and chemical sunscreens, consider hybrid sunscreens. This kind of sunscreen contains both chemical and physical ingredients and offers the same benefits. Try the Aloe Soothing Sun Cream from COSRX, one of the best-selling sunscreens in the Philippines. It’s enriched with Aloe Vera extract and has SPF 50 as well as UVA and UVB protection. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast and greasy residue.

sun1

Sunscreen Recommendations for Different Skin Types:

If your skin is susceptible to rosacea, acne, and dermatitis, avoid sunscreens that contain fragrances, preservatives, and those that have the ingredients oxybenzone or PABA. Opt for physical sunscreens, which have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are ingredients that individuals with sensitive and reactive skin can tolerate better. If rosacea or dermatitis is your primary concerns, avoid alcohol-based sunscreens as well. If your primary concern is acne, you can consider trying gel formulations. These can help regulate oil on your face and are less likely to irritate your skin.

You should also avoid heavy cream preparations since these can aggravate breakouts. On the other hand, if you’re using prescription acne topicals, these are notorious for drying out the skin. You can opt for lightweight creams or lotions instead of gels that might be too drying.

A Note on Natural Sunscreens:

“Natural” sunscreens usually have mineral bases. If you want to try one, look for a product with a coconut oil or olive oil base. These already contain natural SPF protection and can offer the most optimal protection.

Using sunscreen regularly is a vital way to counteract the adverse effects of sun exposure. For best results, choose the best formula that won’t irritate your skin so you can wear it whenever you need it.

Jul30

Groovy Movies: The Lion King Edition

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Groovy Movies: The Lion King Edition

Hey hey! This has truly been the summer of Disney movies with Aladdin, Toy Story 4, and The Lion King being released in theaters. One of my clients has a particular fondness for Disney movies, so taking her to see the new Lion King was an absolute must. Now, you all know that I am a scary movie girl through and through with some suspense, thriller, and comedy peppered in for good measure. So, of course, I didn’t enjoy this film as much as your average bear. But, it still had its moments so take a look at the trailer and let’s discuss:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video.

I can’t exactly say that I had a strong Disney childhood, because I honestly barely remember any of the movies. As the baby of the family, my older siblings weren’t interested in watching the classic Disney flicks by the time I was old enough to enjoy and comprehend them. So, although I know the basics about The Lion King, it is definitely not one that I can recall in detail.

I feel like this was an advantage for me to go into this movie not really knowing much about it, because I didn’t have any expectations based on the cartoon. Overall, I can’t say that I loved The Lion King, by any means. But, it was a pleasant enough flick to sit through.

The Lion King really did boast an all star cast including James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, and BEYONCE for crying out loud. And, they were alright. But Seth Rogan as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon took the cake. Rogan and Eichner were freaking hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud in all of their scenes. They had great chemistry with each other, the singing wasn’t bad, and they were the only characters in the live action movie that I could actually envision saying their lines.

And, that, brings me to my main qualms about The Lion King. Rogan and Eichner embodied their characters perfectly and somehow managed to sound like how a warthog and meercat might if they had human voices. But, all of the other characters felt so disjointed from their voices and the songs that they were singing. It almost made it feel like a documentary with Beyonce just happening to do the music for it.

I also was a bit disappointed with how the scenes with Scar and the hyenas played out. From what I do remember of the cartoon Lion King, Scar was a major A-HOLE. Like, he was this sneering, rotten villain who killed his own brother. In the live action version, Scar just appeared bored and the hyenas were really annoying. I didn’t get this sense of looming darkness that I remember Scar having and that made Mufasa’s death be kind of like an “oh” moment, instead of bringing me to tears – which I totally thought it would.

Was this movie worth seeing in theaters? For die hard Disney fans, yes. For anyone else, use your discretion. As your average person going in to this movie expecting nothing, I’ll give it an average rating of six out of ten stars. I think that it was a difficult task to create a live action version of singing animals and this one missed the mark for me.

How did you feel about the new Lion King? Which Disney movie are you hoping they remake next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Heroic Hollywood

Jul12

City Escape OOTD

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City Escape OOTD

Hello hello and welcome to a new OOTD post here on lifewithlilred! A week or so ago, I enjoyed exploring downtown Akron’s Lock 3 park with my friend Markus, who helps me take pictures for the ol’ blog. Lock 3 is a cool place where summertime concerts happen and an ice skating rink that I love going to is put up in the winter. The bar scene surrounding it isn’t bad, either!

Markus and I hit the pavement to take some pics and just have fun so check it out, enjoy, and read on to find out how I styled this OOTD:

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Who? What? Wear?

Styling summer outfits can be difficult, especially if you’re like me and you always want to go all out with your OOTDs. But, sometimes that’s just not feasible with the extreme heat. Although Markus and I took the pictures seen above in the evening, it was still hot as hell so this is definitely one of my more “basic” looks. I was still really feeling myself, however, because I made sure to follow a few simple rules:

1. Let it flow:

To me, there is nothing more boring than jeans and a t-shirt so if you want to add some visual interest to an outfit, then let it flow. Wear a top or bottom with movement to it and it will instantly add that little something something to any outfit. The billowy sleeves on my Japna top are not only fun, but it certainly gave a nice breeze to my upper half because the fabric wasn’t vacuum sealed to my body.

2. Legs for dayz:

Shorts are necessary in the summer and you can keep it simple or, you can pull a Sarah and go all out with some heels. But, you can’t wear just any heels with shorts. If you want to create some body magic for an illusion of legs for dayz, you must be mindful of what kind of straps are on your shoe.

If the heel must be strapped, make sure that it is a slingback so that there are no lines cutting off the flow from your feet to your hips. This will create the perfect leggy length, even if you’re a vertically challenged chick, like myself. Mules are an excellent way to go to avoid any kinks in your length, which is why I went with my Betsey Johnson pair. Embroidered flowers, a black and white striped heel, and super model style legs? Bye bye, boring!

3. Beat the heat:

I am both pale and extra enough that I have absolutely no problem carrying around my goth Princess Peach style parasol. I hate getting tan, I hate getting burnt, and I hate being hotter than I have to be when it comes to being outdoors. Not only does the parasol add length to my look because it’s not stopping at the tip of my head but it also makes the OOTD a lot more interesting. When it doubt, accessorize, and the outfit will become much more exciting to look at.

We all know that Lil Red thrives when it comes to fall fashion. But, summer has always been a challenge for me. So, I follow the steps above for looks that don’t thrill me as much as my fall OOTDs but certainly help keep me cool in the heat while still being fashion forward. Creating outfits that make someone’s eyes dance when they look at you is the name of the game and I think that my City Escape OOTD definitely achieved that!

How do you style OOTDs to keep yourself cool in? How do you add visual interest to your looks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

New Lucky Brand Sunnies

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New Lucky Brand Sunnies

Howdy! If there’s one thing I’m a sucker for (other than shoes, jewelry, hats, clothing, and accessories lol), it’s sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to the light and I always need to wear them when I’m outside to prevent irritation and squinting – which, in turn, prevents premature wrinkling! 😀

Whenever I spy a cute pair of sunnies, I normally always buy them, because I know that I am going to use them. And, a lot of the pairs that I have are older and have been breaking, which puts a lot of empty spaces in my collection. So, I was happy to find these gorgeous bubblegum fun Lucky Brand sunglasses at TJMaxx to fill that gap. Take a look:

luckylucky1

I have never owned a pair of sunglasses like the ones above and I am absolutely obsessed. I love the mini cat eye, the clear frame, and the clear pink color. They are just pure sweet, fun, and sassy and I have been wearing them every day since I bought them this past weekend. Lucky Brand accessories are the best and I have plenty of their jewelry but no sunnies so it was an obvious choice to put them in my shopping cart.

My only qualm is that the lenses are not the most protective to sunlight because of the pale pink color. They still do a half decent job, but you can definitely tell the difference in protection between these and a dark lens. But, they’re cute as can be and that’s a small price to pay, I guess!

What is your favorite brand to shop for accessories? How do you protect sensitive eyes in bright light? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul1

Orange You Glad For An OOTD?

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Orange You Glad For An OOTD?

Hellloooo everyone and welcome to an OOTD post brought to you by my BFF birthday outing at Sarah’s Vineyard. When it comes to summer OOTDs, it is so important to dress appropriately for the heat. And, for some, that just means shorts and a t-shirt. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! But, why settle for shorts when you can bust out a skirt or dress without wearing tights underneath! So easy with a breezy above AND below the kneesies, skirts and dresses are perfect for staying cool and still looking oh so chic.

The outfit below features my favorite summer staple that really packs a punch for styling made simple. Take a look:

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^^^ I had to throw that last picture in there! 😉

Who? What? Wear?

The great thing about a staple skirt is that you just throw it on, pair it with a crop top and killer shoes, and go. I absolutely adore my body con skort by Zac & Rachel featuring oranges, flowers, and polka dots for a combination that’s totally sweet and summer approved. The stark white fabric against such a bright pattern creates a delightful contrast and it screams fun in the sun… or at the winery!

Because the Zac & Rachel number is a statement in itself, the rest of the outfit didn’t need much for it to work. My go to black crop from Target hit just the right spot above the higher rise of the skirt for an enhanced hourglass shape. And, to create some more body magic, a pair of wedges were a must to give legs for days. I love my Carlos Santana wedges for a more leggy look because of the slingback strap, which doesn’t make an awkward cut off line and provides all the length, even on us short girls.

With a pattern as bold as the one on my skort, I didn’t want to go overboard with accessories. However, I loved the color combo of the oranges with my turquoise purse by Urban Expressions for a sunset style pairing. Big hoops, huge sunnies, and BOOM – you’ve got yourself a slammin summer OOTD.

How do you style a simple but chic summer look? How do you stay cool in your outfits when the warm weather hits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun23

How To Get Flawless Skin For Summer In Under Ten Minutes

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How To Get Flawless Skin For Summer In Under Ten Minutes

Hello everyone and welcome to a very special guest blog from one of my dearest blogging friends, Carlie, over at Bombshell. Carlie is a pinup queen, artist, and makeup extraordinaire and is here to chat with you today about achieving flawless summer skin. Be sure to check out her page for more good stuff and give it some love. Thanks a million, Carlie! ❤

How To Get Flawless Skin For Summer In Under Ten Minutes

I’m writing this post as yet another collaboration with my girl Sarah AKA Lil Red. If you haven’t seen our past collabs, definitely type in her name into my search bar and check us out. For my new subscribers who may not know this, she was the first girl I met when I started Bombshell and we’ve been great girlfriends since then. And, by the way Sarah, we must Skype again soon so we can plan you coming to visit me. hehe. (YES!!! xoxo LR)

Anyways, Sarah likes getting other bloggers to collab with her for certain topics. For example, this article I’m writing for her and I is about SUMMER, whether it’s makeup tips, the best places to go to the beach, travel, etc. which I think is a great idea and I think I’m going to be doing that more on my sites, too.

My summer topic is how to get flawless skin for summer super quickly. For this, you will need your favorite powder foundations, a Kabuki Brush, a cream concealer, possibly a brightening powder, and a waterproof setting powder. No setting spray this time. I’ll be taking you step by step along with my product recommendations for this look.

OH! ONE MORE THING, this quick way of having flawless skin isn’t only for summer. When I travel and want to do site seeing, I don’t usually want to fuss with wetting a beauty blender and applying liquid foundation and then having to set it before it creases. I save my higher end full face makeup looks for special occasions, like if I have dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant or a night on the town with my hubby.

Okay, here we go:

First step: Is to have your face washed and toned (duh) and apply a nice moisturizer that isn’t too thick and is for the day time.

Second step: Take your kabuki brush and your loose powder foundation. I love Bare Minerals loose original powder, from when Bare Minerals first launched, or their loose Matte Bare Minerals foundation powder. For my Kabuki Brush, my favorite one is also from Bare Minerals but feel free to use whatever one you want. You can find them everywhere. I just like the Bare Minerals one because it holds the powder really well because of its shape so you don’t have to use very much product.

Open the lid to your loose foundation powder, pour a little into the lid, take your kabuki brush and swirl the product onto the brush. Tap any excess and swirl and buff the powder onto your face all over. (Another reason why I like Bare Minerals, especially for summer, is because it has sunscreen in it. So, it keeps your face safe and flawless at the same time!)

Third Step: Take your concealer and touch up any imperfections, like pimples or dark circles by dotting it right on. For this, I recommend Studio Fix Concealer by MAC. After you finish concealing, take your compact or powder puff with the powder foundation and press it into the areas where you applied the concealer. Make sure not to smear the concealer.

You can use your loose foundation powder for more coverage and I recommend Studio Fix Powder Foundation Compact from MAC. After you set the concealer, take your kabuki brush and blend in a tiny bit more of your foundation powder so everything looks seamless. (That’s one of the great benefits of powder foundation, even if you mess up or have to retouch during the day, it’s so much easier than having to remove half of your face or dig through your tote for liquid foundation or setting powder.)

Now, you are done making your skin look flawless for summer! I don’t recommend setting spray with the powders because if you do need to reapply throughout the day, the areas you sprayed can leave creases and that is so not flawless!

Here are some additional tips and tricks that you can add to this routine but it’s optional. If your eyes still have dark circles underneath after you’ve already applied your concealer and powder, you can use a brightening powder for under your eyes. My go to is the “Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes,” by Laura Mercier. Also, if you plan on going swimming and want to make sure your easy flawless skin look will last, I recommend the Urban Decay “All Nighter” waterproof setting powder.

Hope you all enjoyed these tips, tricks, and short routine on how to get flawless summer skin in under ten minutes. xoxo Carlie

How do you achieve flawless summer skin? Which products do you swear by? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah