Even if you aren’t out all day in the sun, summer skin is just different. Forget about dry-skin woes or breakouts due to the humidity; here are 5 summer skincare secrets to keep your hair and skin looking fabulous, all season long.

1. Try a hair mask

Whether you’re soaking up the sun, playing at the beach or swimming in an over-chlorinated pool, the summertime can definitely take its toll on your tresses. Infuse some much-needed moisture into those locks with a good hair mask treatment. Fruits & Passion Monoi, Nourishing Hair Mask and Nu Skin Renu Hair Mask are personal faves.

2. Carry around oil-blotting sheets

AZ may be dry summer heat but when monsoon season is here, it’s anything but. Carry around some oil-blotting sheets in your purse, they’re perfect for blotting away any excess oil from hot and humid days. For a great drugstore beauty buy, try Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets. I’m also a fan of Too Faced Refresh Oil Blotting Papers.

3. Refrigerate your moisturizer

When it’s dreadfully hot outside, there’s nothing like feeling something cool on your skin. Stick your moisturizer in the fridge for a refreshing touch in the morning. I’m currently using Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer but if my skin is feeling super dry, I love Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief . Trust me when I say this stuff is amazing, especially when your skin is super dry. It has a gel-like feel and feels especially nice a bit refrigerated.

4. Apply your sunscreen first!

Gals, it takes a good 30 minutes for your sunscreen to set before you step out into the sun. If you normally do your makeup last, make sure to at least apply your sunscreen first. This way, it has enough time to be ready to actually protect you from the sun.

My latest go-to sunscreen is Aveeno Sun Hydrosport SPF 85 Spray, which I mentioned recently in my post about  3 beauty products to love. If I’m looking to apply something topical instead of just a spray,I’m liking Skin Effects Active Sunscreen Sun Effects SPF 30. Did I mention, it’s just under $5? Nice bonus.

5. SPF your roots

Sunny days feel fun and carefree, but as far as your hair goes, it’s the exact opposite. Color- and chemical-treated hair can easily become damaged and dry with tons of sun exposure, so try out a sun protection spray. Tela Beauty Organics makes a good SPF formula to protect both your hair, and your scalp. Although I have yet to try it, I also hear Oscar Blandi Capri Sun Shield Spray  is a good bet. I have tried other Oscar Blandi products before and they have yet to disappoint.

What are some of your favorite summer skincare tips and products?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

I may have waxed on the other day about making more effort and how to dress with purpose. But the reality is no matter how ideal it sounds, sometimes we just feel lazy. And that seeps into other areas of your life like looking lazy too.

For me, the perfect “lazy” day outfit has two components: it’s easy and it’s comfortable. Bonus points if it’s somehow oversize too. But even when we’re feeling like nothing but an oversized men’s shirt and leggings will do, we can apply the principles of dressing with purpose, and be armed with the perfect wardrobe to help us along the way. All we really need is some simple rules to get us through those lazy days. The secrets to “effortlessly chic.”

Want to look like that young starlet who is always oh-so-comfy and totally on trend too? There’s at least 4 things we can try to infuse some style.

1. Belt it

Feels like red wine and a cozy fireplace

This dress has all the elements I want in lazy day style: It’s big, it’s baggy, it’s comfy and it’s easy. Something I can be a total bum in.

Add a belt and it's lazy-day-style no more

Add a belt, cute boots and a big bag and it’s still super comfy, but far more chic.

2. Accessorize big

A plain white shirtdress is lazy day effort

I love a good shirtdress. It works over leggings in the fall, and on its own with sandals in the summer. Kick it up a notch by adding some bold accessories.

Oversize accessories like a colorful scarf infuses instant style

Add a colorful scarf and it’s not a plain old shirtdress anymore. Cute sandals and a nice bag finish off the look.

3. Layer

Comfy and casual? Yes, please!

On its own, this dress doesn’t impress much. But for a laying-around-the-house kind of day, it fits the bill.

Suddenly stylish

A tough leather jacket and some tights completely change up this look.

A plain, oversize sweater for a plain look

There’s nothing like a comfy top that can transition from PJs to daytime wear. Sure, it’s the epitome of lazy but hey, we’ve all been in a time crunch before.

Add another layer and an oversize bag and it's plain no more!

Top off the sweater with another layer and an oversize bag and no one will know you’ve been laying around in that top.

4. Try great shoes

Is there any chance these shoes could make an outfit boring? Hardly.

Honestly, with shoes like this, who cares if you’re wearing jeans and a white tee. Pick a pretty pair of showstoppers and let your shoes do all the talking.

What are your go-to fashion tips for effortless style?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

Images: net-a-porter

This weekend is bound to be a scorcher! Good thing FabulousArizona has plenty of ideas for ways to keep busy, and stay cool.

Buy One Get One Free Spa Services
Treat yourself to a spa treatment this weekend! Amomi Pregnancy & Wellness Spa in North Phoenix is offering a Buy One Get One Free special on all Amomi Spa services for the entire month of July.

7/22-7/23 Norm MacDonald at Stand Up Live
Comedian Norm MacDonald will be performing at Stand Up Live in Downtown Phoenix Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23.

7/23 Children’s Health and Wellness Carnival
The Liberty Arts Academy in Mesa presents the Children’s Health and Wellness Carnival, featuring Hayden’s Summer Toy Drive and benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Saturday, July 23, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

7/23 Kierland Summer Concert Series: Raun Alosi
Kierland Commons’ Summer Concert Series in Scottsdale continues Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. with Raun Alosi, who plays classic rock hits.

7/24 How to Make Perfect Truffles Class
Luci’s Healthy Marketplace in Phoenix is hosting an introductory cooking class on How to Make Perfect Truffles on Sunday, July 24, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more events visit FabulousArizona.com and follow Fab AZ on Twitter.

I may have waxed on the other day about my inability to find well-fitting shorts, but if you don’t have this problem, one of my favorite summer fashion trends is bright, candy-colored shorts. They’re bold, fresh and super cute.

Something about bright-colored shorts to me screams effortless style. Just throw on a white, nude or bold-colored top (if you dare) and wedges or sandals and you’re good to go. And we all love easy, breezy style. Doesn’t get much simpler than that!

What do you think? Are you wearing some fun-colored shorts this summer?

Shorts: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I’ve been slacking a bit on the blogging front. As my excuse, it’s because my place currently looks like this:

Moving is grand, isn't it?

I’m in the process of moving and boy is moving fun!

While I desperately need to take my own advice on how to build a better wardrobe (stacks of Goodwill bags are definitely happenning!) I also realized I have a lot of beauty products. And by a lot. I mean a lot.

Hello, beauty stash! (1 of many..)

That’s just skincare and lotions and potions. Shall I even dare show hair stuff?

This doesn't count the stuff on my vanity too. Don't judge.

I’m not even going to bother to show you my makeup stash.

And yes, of course I still go to Target to buy my stuff.

Why? Because like anyone, we all have our favorites! But sorting through all my items for the move has let me uncover some hidden gems, things I forgot I have and totally love. In other words, you need to try.

1.Fruits & Passion Monoi, Nourishing Hair Mask

Seriously, awesome.

I may have a ton of hair products in the picture above, but I’m not the best at actually remembering to use them. But the Fruits & Passion Monoi, Nourishing Hair Mask is a whole other story. That’s because it’s awesome, in a jar.

Apply before getting in the shower and after rinsing, you’ll immediately see your locks are shinier. I have very fine, always fried hair and this stuff is the perfect pick-me-up. It’s all natural too.

2.Aveeno Sun Hydrosport SPF 85 Spray

It's light, and non-greasy

I hate shopping and trying new sunscreens. They mostly suck. Greasy, smelly. Leave unsightly white streaks behind.But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to leave the house without it because we alllll know how bad that is for your skin.

My latest discover is the Aveeno Sun Hydrosport SPF 85 Spray. It’s light, easy to apply and not greasy. By not greasy I mean excessively so as it does leave behind a hint of shine. To be honest, I kind of like the shine as it puts off a whole sun-kissed look. It doesn’t have an overpowering scent to it either and is super easy to reapply!

3.Too Faced Cosmetics Primed and Poreless Primer

Perfect under makeup or on its own

I always kind of thought primer was a gimmick. Until I was sent a sample of Too Faced Cosmetics Primed and Poreless Primer a few years back. Now, I’m obsessed. It’s perfect for under makeup, for when you want just a little more coverage or, to wear on its own. I love the silky smooth texture and how it really does leave your skin looking primed and poreless.

What are some of your must-have beauty products?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter. 

When it’s hot and dry out like it is here, our skin could probably use as much moisture as it can get. And for that, I’ve got two steps to get it.

First, start by exfoliating.You might be thinking to pass this step since your skin is already dry. But trust, you still have dead skin cells you can totally slough off to reveal a nice, healthy glow.

I’m currently into the bamboo lemongrass foaming body scrub from Lather. I use mine in the shower and it leaves my skin ridiculously soft and smooth. As in I-just-had-a-professional-body-scrub-at-the-spa smooth. And that’s good stuff.

For ridiculously soft skin.

Once I’m out of the shower, it’s time to moisturize. And for that, even on days I don’t use the scrub, I’m totally obsessed with Lather’s coconut body creme. It’s soft, supple, light, yet has just the right amount of “whipped” feeling. And of course, it smells totally delicious.

Total whipped delight

Lather has some other pretty fabulous beauty products I’ve blogged about before, but these definitely make my summer must-have list for soft skin.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Lather’s beauty products yet, be sure to stop by their Beauty Breakfast at Kierland Commons this Saturday. It’s a fun shopping event they host every year featuring light breakfast, product demos, hand treatments and 15% off anything purchased! Plus, anyone who makes a purchase over $100 gets a free gift.

Make sure you RSVP at 480.483.6633.

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

When I’m style gawking celebrity photos, one of my favorites to look at is airport fashion. Most blogs point out how stylish, put together and effortlessly chic they seem to look. It’s approachable, but it’s still fashionable. Yet when I go to the airport, it’s not what I see at all.

Anne Hathaway travels stylish yet still casual

Maybe it’s because we don’t have paparazzi stalking us and the only thing we have to worry about is having a horrible Facebook photo tagged, but shouldn’t we be more prideful and less lazy about how we dress when we travel? Or anywhere for that matter. Yes, I think so.

Even though I blog about and am always thinking about style and fashion, I’m totally guilty of often missing the mark on dressing with purpose. Whether it’s because I’ve fallen into a style rut because it’s 115 out or I feel I’m not going anywhere “fancy” enough, I’m full of excuses to not look, dress and feel great everyday. And I’m thinking this means I’m probably not the only one hoarding my “best” outfits for special days and this is just downright silly.

Forget all the excuses, let’s seize the day and dress with purpose. Today. Bust out your best outfits and let’s go. Here’s 3 ways to get you there.

1. Stop waiting for the moment. Create it

I’m not a celebrity. I’m not a socialite. Though I do get invited to “cool” events sometimes, it probably won’t be until my New York Times bestseller gets sold and then made into a movie that I’ll be walking a red carpet with A-listers. Which is somewhat unfortunate because A. this hasn’t happened yet and B. as a lover of fashion, I’m OF COURSE lusting after the ball gowns, the couture, the drama of it all.

Shouldn't we look and feel this excited in everything we wear?

For my truly special outfits I always think, “let’s wait for a special occasion” or “no one else will be as dressed up”. Sometimes, it’s even sillier than that: “No one will be there who truly can appreciate what it means to be wearing this.”

Seriously?

Who cares! Who are you dressing for anyway?

Most women who are into fashion dress for themselves (and other women to ogle at them of course). Stop waiting and create a moment that’s “special” enough to wear something fabulous now because really, what are you waiting for?

Celebrate an ultra glamorous anniversary. Find a local charity event gala to attend. Maybe Tuesday is just plain old Tuesday but I bet if Tuesday was the day you picked to wear your very-favorite new dress around town, it wouldn’t feel like an ordinary Tuesday anymore. And really, why should we let everyday be plain and ordinary? It’s in our hands to spice things up and in our wardrobes too.

2. Always style

A simple dress is ordinary no more with a patterned scarf and skinny belt

Even when you’re just not in the mood to think about an outfit, it’s easy to add just a bit of style to something seemingly ordinary.  A chunky necklace, interesting bag, bold shoes or even something as simple as a belt can elevate your outfit to the next level and make you appear more put together. In other words, you’re now dressed with purpose. And with little effort. Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?

3. Be who you want people to see you as

I envy women who I see doing something mundane like running errands yet are dressed totally fabulous. I think wow, she’s so chic. So stylish. I could be her, but I’m being lazy today.

But am I really her? That’s clearly not what I’m projecting to the world if I’m doing my errands makeup-free in raggedy jeans and a tee. Even if it isn’t always the case.

Britney Spears takes a style break too

I love clothes just as much. I may even have cuter outfits. But I’m full of excuses and sometimes laziness kicks in and let’s face it, jeans and a tank top is just easy.

Dress the way you want people to see you, at all times. Sometimes when people ask what I do, I almost don’t want to mutter it if I’m in an awful outfit. And that shouldn’t be the case. I should heed my own advice as even as I type this, my outfit is just “meh” today. So why do I even own it? What am I waiting for? Stop waiting for tomorrow to be who you want or dress how you like, make it happen today.

What do you think? Do you always dress with purpose?

For constant style and beauty chatter,  follow me on Twitter.

Ask and you shall receive

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This blogging thing…it’s been around a while now, and many are realizing what a rewarding endeavor it is, on a sartorial and psychological level. One thing I love about blogging is the opportunity to ask a question, ponder a theory—and have others share their thoughts and opinions as well. In this week’s roundup, several bloggers reflect on the positive influence blogging has had on their lives and self-esteem. (Superb! Yay for blogging!) Others ruminated on everything from whether style is really subjective, to whether fashion as an exhibit is a trend. Or not.

Stumped for post ideas? Want more engagement with your readers? Been contemplating the style-related proclivities of society? Ask, lovelies. Everyone has an opinion, and most are chomping at the bit to share. But the most wonderful aspect of this kind of engagement is not more comments. Those are nice, yes. It’s through discussion that personalities are revealed and relationships are forged. Your readers aren’t just a little avatar and some words. They are vibrant individuals—and your biggest fans!

Links à la Mode: June 30th

• Alex Drake Vintage: 10 Things I Like About the 1980s
• Angela Osborn: 6 Lessons Learned from Coco Chanel
• Any Second Now: Heartfelt lessons and thanks in this first year of blogging.
• Beautifully Invisible: We Are Women. We Are Beautiful. We Are Real.
• Beyond Fabric: On personal style and individuality—because redundant is the last thing you want to be.
• Blah Blah Becky: Proof that it’s always worth trying a trend: cropped tops without muffin top.
• Boheme Noir: Fashion Show Coverage: Roberto Cavalli S/S 12 Menswear
• Bubbling with Elegance and Grace: Fashion Designer Exhibitions: Is this the new trend?
• By Anika: Closet check: Do your clothes make you feel good about your self?
• College-Style: #Trending in Milan: Using Twitter to keep up with girls’ and guys’ fashion #trends
• Divergent Musings: Five ways that blogging has improved my life (it can improve yours too)!
• Grit & Glamour: Worker V:2.0 (Ode to the Pencil Skirt)
• Hippie Lace: You Cast Your Spell On Me: Spell & The Gypsy Collective
• Idee Fixe: Kindness: A Tale of Kindness, Generosity, and a Vintage Coat
• KP Fusion: In the business of blogging, is style really subjective?
• My Orange Stilettos: Just because you’re short doesn’t mean you can’t wear a midi.
• Oranges and Apples: On “going out” clothes and sexual attractiveness.
• Seamstress Stories: Boundaries on body confidence and a culture of bonding through body bashing.
• Style Sizzle: 10 fashion lessons learned from living in the desert.
• The Stylish Butterfly: The advantages of being the worst dressed—it works for Helena Bonham Carter!

SPONSOR:

Day Dress Sale at Shopbop: Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, DKNY, Lela Rose, Daftbird, Tibi, Red Valentino, Rebecca Taylor, Lucy in Disguise, Shoshanna, & DVF Wrap Dresses

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine