Great Summer Style

Well ladies! Summer's first official weekend being over, I thought I'd share a few summer style and beauty tips. Don't forget to share yours as well!

Summer Tip #1 is not only for summer - Wear garments that fit. I, like many of you am so ready to shed the bulky, heavier clothes of winter but let's be mindful of what we are shedding girls! The old saying, "less is more" is not always appropriate. If you have some dimples showing through your dress or light summer slacks, please consider a pair of briefs or a nice light short legged "booty smoother". My new fave is found at Target in the Lingerie department. It's by Assets by Sara Blakley (get it). It's short enough that I wore mine this weekend with a pair of short-shorts. Not to mention, it lifted me very nicely.

Summer Tip #2 – Sunscreen! No matter what your ethnicity or complexion, skin cancer is on the rise and it is preventable. There are good moisturizers that contain at least an SPF 15. I personally use one with SPF 45 (Neutrogena with helioplex*). As for those who don't like the grey, lavender or ashy look that many of the sunscreens leave on darker skin, try these two (our friends at Ebony have) Rx for Brown Skin Protect and Defend Sunscreen (sephora.com) and Fashion Fair Hidden Beauty Daytime Moisturizer (Macy's)

Summer Tip #3 - Please ladies keep up or start getting regular pedicures. You may need more than once a month if you spend time at the beach. The sand dries out the cuticles and can eat at the polish. Don't stop going to the beach, live life and buy the polish for in-between appointments. Also, a pumice stone should have a permanent spot in your shower. Just like we exfoliate other parts (which will remain nameless for this conversation) give those heels and balls of the feet a good rub or two every day to keep the smoothness. Also, make sure your salon is using sterilized tools and they are thoroughly cleaning the tub after every use. If they have an attitude when you ask, please take your business elsewhere. Salons should be proud of their policies regarding cleaning and sterilization. If they're not proud, they're probably not clean enough for us! Run!

Summer Tip #4 - "Jump in, the water's great”! Don't allow the heat and humidity or summer activities like swimming, ruin your summer do. Braids, weaves and wigs are all great ways to enjoy the summer and all its' glory without being chained to a blow dryer and curling iron. Me? Girls, I have two wigs (Insta-Weave type) for most of my styles. After my swim or power walk, I wash the salt, sweat or chlorine out of my own hair while in the shower, towel dry it, spritz on a good leave-in conditioner and put on the fresh one. Pow! Fabulous again in no time!