Most folks try to get the heck out of NYC for 4th of July weekend. It's not that we don't love our amazing city and the fireworks that ensue over the weekend, it's just that sometimes you just have to LEAVE for a few days. I fully plan on getting out of dodge for the 4th, so my beauty prep begins now.
Pre-trip essentials:
Caudalie Slimming Regimen (US.Caudalie.com)
Caudalie has a 3-step program for helping with a hot summer bod. Allegedly it can help shave 1.5 inches off your thighs in 28 days. I don't know about all that, but I'm sure gonna try! Regardless of whether that works or not, I know for sure that it helps improve the firmness and smoothness of stubborn areas like hips and thighs, so I'm in.
· Step 1.) Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub ($29)
This is the cult favorite signature scrub that came out of Caudalie Vinotherapie Spas. It's a wine-derived formula that drains, exfoliates, refines, and moisturizes the skin.
· Step 2.) Caudalie Contouring Concentrate ($35)
This is a plant-based elixir that treats stubborn areas like the thighs and hips. It helps diminish the appearance of cellulite and keeps you feeling smooth.
· Step 3.) Caudalie Draining Organic Herbal Tea ($14)
This tea helps eliminate water and toxins from the body. I mean, everyone knows tea is good for you, right? This is a blend of 5 organically grown plants; Red Vine, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Sweet Orange Peel, and Cinnamon. It tastes great and is just plain good for your overall well-being.
bliss ‘fuzz’ off bikini ($30 blissworld.com and sephora)
This is the 1st and only hair removal cream, that I know of, That's meant for your bikini area. Most hair removal creams beg you to stay far away form this region of the body, but this stuff gives you a smooth, hair-free bikini line in 6 minutes. It's interesting also because there's a precision applicator to help keep the cream where you actually put it, unlike formulas of yore that could end up in places where they didn't belong. If you've tried the fuzz-off formula for face, you already know the stuff works and it's GENTLE. It's also not as offensive smelling as others out there.
Trip essentials:
BY TERRY Tea to Tan Water Color Bronzer ($58 b-glowing.com) -
I'll be honest with you, I'm trying to be tan like ALL the time. I'll obvious be shellacked with one of my favorite self-tanners before I go on the trip, but on the trip it's all about this formula. It's like using water on the skin, it's so lightweight, except it makes you tan! It contains black and red tea extracts to give you a slight glow, but these extracts are also jam-packed with antioxidants to help reverse/prevent the signs of aging. And since it's a lightweight liquid formula, rather than an oil or cream, you don't have to worry about sweating it off or clogging your pores.
La Roche Posay Anthelios 30 Cooling Water Lotion
Because, let's be serious, you need to take some sun protection with you. There's no other option. One of my biggest problems with sunscreens is the texture, as I think it is with most folks. I STILL WEAR IT BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT, but because I wear the high-powered stuff, it tends to be greasy/sticky/chalk-like on my skin. This stuff, on the other hand, has a texture that's almost water-like on the skin so it absorbs beautifully. It's also cooling, so it feels refreshing on the skin while it's protecting against harmful rays. This water-resistant, paraben-free, fragrance-free formula is great on sensitive skin types, so I can use it all over my face and body without hesitation.
La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Lotion Spray
This one goes on the list especially if you're taking a dude on vacation with you, like I am. I say "dude" and not boyfriend or man or gentleman because, when it comes to sun protection, all of a sudden, every guy I know automatically turns into a grunting, complaining dude. Or "bro" if you like that term better. Why are guys so annoying about sunscreen? The whole texture thing? You'd rather burn? Anyways, this stuff is great for the "bro" in your life because it's sooooooo lightweight. Really, I don't know how these people do it with the technology, but this formula means you don't have to deal with sticky, greasy sunscreens that feel uncomfortable on the skin and clog pores. Oh, and it's extremely water-resistant, so it's good for someone who is running/sweating/swimming a lot. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it I'm not sure that I want to share this with the gentleman that is coming with me on this trip....
Post-trip essentials:
H2O Plus Solar Relief Gel ($20 H2Oplus.com) -
This cooling, oil-free gel is for face and body, to help relieve the discomfort that summer sun can bring. Whether it's just feeling overly hot, or if you've managed to get a sunbrun, this hydrates the skin with marine botanicals and aloe vera. Instant relief. Add on anti-aging nori, himanthalia, spirulina, provitamin B5, and allantoin, & suddenly you're not just cooled down, you have nourished and calmed your skin again. Total lifesaver.
Darphin VITALSKIN Replumping Engergic Cream ($72 Space NK) -
After-sun care for your skin is beyond important. People don't think about skin being dry during the summer months, but let's be serious, you're abusing your skin during these months. I'm not going to use the word "peeling" to describe after-vacation skin here, because I'm going to assume you've heeded my advice and brought sunscreen with you... but let's call your skin "depleted" after vacation. Assuming you'd rather look youthful after summer is over, rather than like a leather suitcase, I recommend this formula from Darphin that uses Mother Nature's finest ingredients to breathe life back into your skin. Apple, watermelon, and lentils help to hydrate the skin, as well as optimize skin's natural ability to combat the elements. Shea butter and Hyaluronic Acid help attract moisture to the skin, and then lock it in. The formula also contains botanical extracts from an Asian tree (Sapindus Mukorossi) and Japanese brown seaweed, which combine to correct skin conditions and stimulate the natural turnover of skin cells. 
No matter what you're doing this holiday weekend, these products are simply fabulous. A holiday weekend isn't the only weekend you should protect your skin, because you're stuck with it for life! Remember to wear your SPF, and keep your skin hydrated (inside and out).
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