Warm-Weather Finds I Think You'll Like Too
Today in Ann Arbor, it’s sunny, 93 degrees and feels like mid-July. To me, this signals it’s time to start spritzing Bobbi Brown Beach again—and indulging in these warm-weather finds:
Nest Linen Fabric Refresher We are eight month into (and living in) a construction project that’s left us temporarily without a washer and dryer. I’ve been schlepping weekly loads to the local laundromat (as a longtime New Yorker, I’m used to communal cleansing so this probably bothers me less than it may some of you). But I’m also relying on this clean, sunshiney-smelling fabric spray to freshen up stain-free pieces between laundry visits. Subtle notes of apple blossom and white orchid impart a scent that’s crisp but not too perfumey-—like a clear June morning.
It Cosmetic Bye Bye Pore Bronzer If you’re a regular reader, you know my hangups re: bronzers: Too much shimmer will play up lines and pores—and too much pigment will leave you looking muddy and weathered. I started experimenting with this brand-new formula from It Cosmetics over the long weekend and found it left my skin looking velvety but not too matte—like I’d been Instagram-filtered, in a good way. It also smells faintly of coconut/a Pina Colada, a scent I happen to love, but if it’s not your thing, now you know. One final caveat: This bronzer only comes in one “universal” shade (called Beach), and the hue works for me. I think it would be fine for most light-to-medium skin tones, and, because it’s very easy to blend, may also work for the very fair if you really blended it down. If your skin tone is deep, however, I think you’d be underwhelmed by the color payoff.
Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil Once I start wearing shorts and tanks again, I’m all about a light layer of body oil. A subtle sheen on the skin instantly makes my arms and legs look smoother and firmer, and this formula from Ouai absorbs quickly so I’m not leaving a trail of oil stains everywhere I sit. It also smells florally-tart, thanks to a blend of rose, bergamot and lychee, and can be used to flatten frizz (though, fine haired types, a little goes a long way.)
Salux Super Hard Exfoliating Bath Towel I discovered this skin slougher at Sarah West’s Brow Bar here in Ann Arbor. (I wrote about her eclectic assortment of global beauty finds here; this towel is imported from Japan). Thanks to its gently-abrasive but not scratchy texture, this towel exfoliates deeper than your everyday wash cloth, leaving skin baby-soft. It also helps me reach the elusive middle of my back—and it’s the perfect exfoliation strategy for anyone averse to body scrubs because they leave slippery oil slicks on your shower floor (or staining granules in your grout). I use it once or twice a week—and always before self-tanning to ensure even application.
