Summer must-haves

Fashion is not always about the trend but also about comfort. Considering the hot weather this summer, besides being trendy, comfort is also one of the things fashionistas must consider before taking a plunge at the nearby beach. Here are some fashion tips that would make your summer fashionable and apt for the hot weather.

Summer 2011 fashion is all about a strong feminine vibe. Fashion from 60s and 70s will be revived. Maxi, granny and halter-neck styles, draped and voluminous dresses slit high and cut low dresses from 70s are revived. A fierce chic look would be in this summer. A light shade of makeup which expresses femininity is still in, a natural look is still best. High-waist pants and jumpsuits are back. Two-piece swimsuits are still in trend. Boyfriend shirts and shorts are also in this summer. These originated from ladies who sneak out the clothes of their boyfriends out of closet because it is comfortable to wear. Boyfriend shorts are originally a pair of pants cut and folded in the edges.

These are some must-have items this summer.

Striped shirts are also not to be missed, it is always in. You can mix and match this striped shirt with whatever bottom you wanted.

Printed dresses also give both comfort and style, it comes in any length and it may be floral or patterned which can also be paired with a cardigan or a blazer that would give the effect of elegance.

Denim would not be out of fashion, anytime, anywhere it can be worn. You can do different styles with just one pair of jeans or you can cut it and turn your old pants into shorts.

Flip-flops are the best footwear this summer. You can choose from a wide variety of designs that would fit your personality.

Woven bag is not hard to pair with anything that you wear, it may be paired with your simple outfit and also it can go with your sophistication because of its neutral colors and style that is best with any ensemble.

Pastels are the perfect color palette to cool-up the heat of summer. Bubble gum pink, ice blue, aquamarine and acid yellow are the perfect colors to be hip this summer.

Sunglasses would always complete your summer fashion. Sunglasses are not just to protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun but also a perfect accessory for a summer getaway.

Summer Health & Beauty Tips

While summer gives everyone the chance to have fun and let loose, we should never neglect health and beauty. Summer’s hot and humid weather calls for extra care and attention.  These can be done by doing the following:

Protection
Protecting your skin is very vital this season, since it requires us to go out and expose ourselves to the harsh, unforgiving weather. Following these simple tips will assure you that your skin is taken cared of while having fun in the sun:

Always apply sunscreen. This will protect the skin from harmful UV rays which cause premature skin ageing and darkening. You will be needing at least SPF 15- this amount will last for about 2 hours before the need to re-apply.  Also, remember to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out, to allow sunblock to set.  To add up, you can always bring fashionable accessories that double as protection, such as fancy hats and oversized sunglasses

Moisturization is another key to keep that healthy looking skin this summer. Use a moisturizer as frequently as possible because this is the time where our skin and body is most dehydrated. Drinking lots of water will not just rehydrate you, but will also prevent your skin from getting dry.
Our lips are the most neglected part of our body and need equal care and protection. Apply lip balm, preferably with SPF too, to avoid dry chapped and darker lips.

This very hot season, your crowning glory is vulnerable and at risk of breakage, dryness, and dandruff.  Condition hair as frequently as possible, specially after swimming in the pool or beach to prevent damage caused by chlorine and salt water.

Use makeups that have built-in sun protection. Many cosmetics nowadays (specially pressed face powders and foundation) have extra sun protection, making these kinds of makeup accessible in a tropical country such as ours.

Summer  makeup trend
During summer, it’s best to go for a natural, clean and simple look. Use makeup sparingly; just enough to flatter your features.

For a polished summer look, remember that you’ll never go wrong with neutrals. However, do not be afraid to use a pop of color if needed. Just remember to concentrate on a certain area-may it be your eyes, cheeks or lips. Avoid using shimmer- this will only make you look oily.  Water-based foundation or those in gel form work better than oil-based ones. Again, pick something with SPF.

For that perfect summer glow,  apply bronzer on the areas of your face that gets hit by the sun usually on the nose and at the high points of your cheeks.

Avoid anything that can look heavy. Always remember that less is definitely more.

On damaged skin
1st and 2nd degree sunburned skin can be easily remedied by the following: applying cold compress on the affected area,  taking a cold shower and applying aloe vera gel or sunburn ointments right after. Never use oil-based products on sunburned skin - it will only make the condition worse, and could also lead to infection.

You should seek professional medical help if you have a 3rd degree burn. This is already a serious type of burn and cannot be handled by home remedies.

On damaged hair
Condition your hair at least twice a week if ever it gets damaged.

For natural looking highlights, try spritzing calamansi juice through your hair; this will give it a light highlighted effect after it has been exposed under the sun all summer.

Though fleeting, summer is indeed one of the most fun and anticipated time of the year. We have to make the most out of it by assuring that while we are savoring the moment, our beauty and wellness is always kept in check.

How to Get the Best of Summer

While everybody is busy getting tan on white sandy beaches, why don’t you try some other exciting activities that would help you maximize the whole season? Summer time is not just beach time. Summer time is fun time so get off your lazy butt and make the most out of the season! There’s a lot more to summer than just swimming or bumming around in your house. You don’t want to just be confined at home, doing nothing while your friends are having a good time. So if you are all worn-out with those swimming activities and still don’t have any ideas on how to spend summer, here are some tips!

FITNESS ACTIVITIES – You don’t want to have a floppy and plump body this summer, don’t you? Why don’t you spend the season making yourself fit and your body healthy? Call your girlfriends and involve yourselves in fitness activities. Summer time is getting sexy time! There are a hundred ways to burn calories and some of them are joining summer “fun run” offered by several companies. Run with your favorite stars like Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes and other hunks which you see only on some fashion magazines. You may also start burning those unwanted fats by doing some physical exercises at home. You can have sit ups while watching TV or do some warm up while watering the plants.

TAKE UP LESSONS – What interests you? There are lots of fun activities that would help you develop your talent and skills. This summer, take up summer lessons which you are interested in. It may be swimming lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons and cooking lessons. Give yourself a try!


REACH OUT – If you’ve been very blessed this year, why not try giving back what you’ve been receiving to the less fortunate people? Volunteer on an outreach program or do some community service. In this way, you can enjoy while at the same time, make other people smile.

MAKE MONEY – With all the getaways here and there, no doubt, summer is one of the most expensive seasons of the year and being broke is not part of the plan. Make money out of your skills! Start a small business with a small amount of capital by just simply being business-minded. Design a shirt or create a shop online!

GET IN TOUCH – Summer is also the best time for reunions and get togethers as another school year has just ended. Reconnect with long lost friends and get in touch with each other again by planning a reunion and throwing-up a party!

DO EXTRAORDINARY – Be adventurous this summer. Doing the usual is boring. Do something different. Go hiking or camping with your friends and have a good bonding experience while telling your stories around the campfire.

START A HABIT – It’s now time to enhance your reading skills and discover new things. Why not spend summer time reading books? Read the newspaper and be aware of current events or get your cooking book out of the shelf and discover new recipes. I know reading might at times be boring but not ‘til you enjoy the joys of reading!

MAKE OVER – After all of the stressful days brought by the school or the workplace, this season is a great time for a self make over. Getaway of your old look and start looking new and fresh this summer! Be not afraid of style and fashion. Go to a parlor, get a new hair-cut or have a foot spa. It’s time to give yourself a treat!

PLAN A VACATION TRIP – Except for the holidays, summer time is also a perfect time to unwind. Spend quality time with your family. Plan a vacation trip with them. Going out of town or out of the country will be a great idea.