Surf’s Up: Beach-Ready Beauty for Everyday

By Alix Turoff

It’s that time of year again. You’ve made the switch from hot chocolate to iced vanilla lattes, broken out the Ray-Bans and gathered the girls to go bikini shopping. You can’t wait to show off your toned legs from a winter of prepping for bikini season, minus a few problems: your skin could use some serious exfoliating, your nails are chipped with remnants of Essie’s Wicked and your complexion can best be described as pasty. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with the best beauty products for your beach bag. Try these out and you’ll be less Twilight and more Blue Crush in no time.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $22
Beach days may as well be called bad hair days. While we always try to achieve the whimsical wind-blown wave, we usually wind up resorting to the proverbial topknot – not due to a lack of effort, but rather for a lack of perceived talent. This year, though, we have found the answer to achieving Kate Bosworth style locks! Meet Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray. Infused with salt, which adds volume and gives your hair an effortless, sun-dried wave, this spray couldn’t make it much easier to look surfer chic. Just spray and let dry while you play an impromptu game of beach volleyball, if you like. (We do.)

A bathing suit guaranteed to flatter!

Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish, $18
All of you Esse and Opi nail polish junkies out there: listen up. We have a new lacquer-love that we think you should try. Not only are Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polishes more vibrant than most we’ve seen, but the consistency is so smooth it could turn (almost) anyone into a professional manicurist. What really has us sold, though, is the trio of polishes launching this month. Inspired by the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2010 show, the surfer-girl-inspired shades (Bright Red Bangin’, Blue 360 and Diddy Mow) will have you riding the waves in no time.

Dylan’s Candy Bar Birthday Cake Batter Ice Cream Sugar Scrub , $16
It’s time to exchange the tights for denim cut-offs and suddenly the fear of showing your ashy legs on the beach strikes. There’s nothing better than a sugar scrub (that smells like dessert, no less!) to remove the last remnants of winter’s dead skin from your legs. What’s nice about this scrub is that it’s not as rough as some other exfoliators yet still gets the job done with it’s blend of jojoba beads to moisturize, pumice to remove dead skin, vitamin E to protect and safflower oil to replenish. Not only can you have your cake, but you can wear it on your legs too!

See how coffee can help reduce that pesky cellulite.

Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties, $30 each or $100 for all 5
Is there anything Gwen Stefani can’t do? If you’re in the market for a new summer scent, check out the Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties. The doll shaped bottles are seasonally dressed in beach attire (think bikinis, headbands and sunglasses). There are five scents in this summer inspired collection that run the gamut from fruity florals (fabulous for days spent in the sand)  to musks (perfect for those summer evenings spent barbecuing).

Philosophy Flavored Lip Shine, $10
While a polished pout completes every look, these lip glosses that have us addicted less for their sheen (which we do love) than for their ability to transport even our office-bound bodies poolside. With summer flavors that include Raspberry Sorbet, Melon Daiquiri, Mimosa, Apricots & Cream and Coconut Frosting, a small smear of Philosophy’s gloss is enough to give you the sensory illusion of lounging by the pool, trashy novel and icy daiquiri in hand – even if the closest you’re getting to the beach is a google search.

Can’t make it to the beach? Plan a stay-cation!