Ready or not, here it comes, and its time to think about what you need to get ready for the year’s most skin-bearing season.  From head to sandy toes, we have compiled a list of products to help you look your best on the beach and by the pool.

UV Hair Protection
Especially for you brunettes rocking the chocolate  browns and the raven blacks, a product that protects your hair from the sun’s fade-inducing rays is a must for fun in the sun.  Look for UV protection cited on the label of your favorite hair care products, usually found in those designed for color treated hair care.  If your products fall short, check out Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner for cleansing and conditioning with added UV filters, Fekkai Technician Glaze for shine and protection, or Oscar Blandi Capri Sun-Shield Spray for a product created solely for this task.

SPF, SPF, SPF
A natural tan looks gorgeous now, but it is not worth sporting a face like a textured leather handbag in ten years.  Be smart about the future of your skin and look for daytime skincare and cosmetics with a high SPF.  If you are on the hunt for some great finds check out Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 55 which contains both UVA /UVB filters, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock Stick for a quick and convenient protection from UVA/UVB rays to toss in your handbag or beach tote, or Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 for a dual purposed product that is safe for sensitive skin and both moisturizer and protects from UVA/UVB rays.

Beach Friendly Cosmetics
A face full of makeup by the water is simply a waste of time.  But for those not brave enough  to display a naked face, there are light and natural beach-friendly cosmetics.  Tinted moisturizers are perfect for lounging around in the sun because they provide coverage and even skin tone without looking obvious.  If you do not already own one you will want to take a look at Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer for medium coverage, no grease, plus added SPF 20, or better yet, CoverFX Skin Tint FX with a SPF of 30 and added highlighting and bronzing for an all over glow.  For lips pick up a lip product with SPF such as Nivea Lip Care A Kiss of Protection SPF 30 or  MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15, available in a variety of lovely shades.  Avoid lip glosses which can attract rays and cause the sensitive skin on lips to sizzle and burn.  Throw on your favorite waterproof mascara and you are ready to hit the sand!

Bronzed Skin
A natural tan my be out, but you can still look like a bronzed goddess even without the sun’s harmful rays.  Self-tanners have come a long way in the past ten years and telltale tangerine skin is a think of the past.  Bronzing sticks and powders also lend the opportunity for sun kissed color without the week long commitment.  Both self-tanners and bronzers range in price and color intensity, so try a few out to find the right fit for you.  Some good self-tanners to start with are Dior Bronze Natural Glow Body for flawless streak-free color with a pleasant scent, L’Oreal Sublime Tan Towelettes for quick, easy application with natural color, or Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion for gradual buildable color.  For bronzers, check out Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel for a bronzing cream color base, gloMinerals gloGolden Bronzing Stick for a stick bronzer with glowy highlighting bronze, or NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna for a deep bronze powder great for darker skin and contouring.

Hair Maintenance
Legs, underarms, and bikini hair maintenance is never more important than summer time when it is all on display.  There is nothing beach sexy about unwanted hair popping out from mysterious locations.  To maintain the whole lot of it with one tool, pick up the Schick TrimStyle razor and bikini grooming tool in one.  There also shaving free options available such as spa or at home waxing, Veet Spray On Hair Removal Cream, or Smooth Away hair removal pads.

Pretty Feet
No one wears sneakers to the beach without looking out of place, so sandal pretty feet are a must.  After being hidden in shoes all winter, feet may look dry, callused, and just generally unattractive, so you are going to want to invest in an exfoliating product like the PedEgg or even better, a Bliss Spas Diamancel foot file.  Rub on your favorite foot cream, paint toes a pretty, bright, summery hue and then feel free to prance around the beach with your naked feet on show.

Now you are ready to prance around the beach or poolside like you just won the Miss Hawaiian Tropic contest.  Have a great summer!