THE PERFECT SHAVE

It's not a secret that our least favorite part of summer is the need to constantly shave. Problem is, it's not me that hates shaving, it's my skin. One swipe of a razor and it's a breakout, rash, burning hell. I've done every trick in the book - shaving cream, conditioner, coconut oil, cream removal, women's razors, men's razor - nothing worked! August is almost here and I've heard horror stories about hot and humid the weather gets in Houston, so I've decided to finally figure out how to take back my skin and get a little sun on my legs (with SPF, of course). 

After countless tries of different products from shaving creams to various razor brands, I finally found the perfect combination to achieve silky, smooth skin! I start by exfoliating with H2O+ Spa Sea Salt Skin Smoother, and with a generous amount of Dr. Bronner's Unscented Organic Shaving Soap, I'm ready to shave using The Executive razor blades from Dollar Shave Club! 

Speaking of Dollar Shave Club, it's a steal. For a $9 bi-monthly or monthly subscription (pause or stop whenever you want), you get their best razor which is comparable to the top ones in the market. I always have extras when I really need them, they work well, and well, they're nine dollars! They cannot be beat, I promise.

How do you get perfectly smooth skin?

Jess

SUMMER BEAUTY AND SKINCARE

Summer is officially here! It's time to not only shift things around in our closet, but also our bathroom counter. My beauty and skincare needs and wants completely change from other seasons. Those heavy liquid foundations are now unbearable, there's no need for those thick creams to battle dry skin, and sigh, you have to shave now.

Read why I have a summer affair with all these wonderful products perfect for the hot season - and most months in Houston.

via Instagram

Shaving is always more frequent in the summer and my skin does not deal well with it. I recently switched over to Dr. Bronner's Shaving Gel (versus a cream), and my skin is thanking me. If you have sensitive skin, opt for the unscented one. Finally, no nicks and no horrible rash afterward. Bring on the short dresses! (I get mine at Whole Foods.)

Dr. Bronner's Shaving Gel ($7.64 - On Sale!)

If you're not near the ocean (or would rather not jump into the gulf), this sea salt spray from Davines is awesome. Spray generoulsy, scrunch, and bam - you've got beach-perfect waves.

Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray ($27.00)

While you should ALWAYS (did I make that 'always' obvious enough?) wear sunscreen, summer brings more reasons to wear them - the UV index is way higher and you're outside longer, so apply, apply, apply! For my face, I wear Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Face Sun Stick - it has SPF 50 and it's a STICK. I love the ease of Aveeno Hydrosport Sunscreen Spray for the rest of my body. You can legitimately spray and walk at the same time - which I do because I always feel like my skin is burning when I'm outside.

Aveeno Hydrosport Sunscreen Spray ($9.79) - Walgreens

Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Face Sun Stick ($9.99) - Walgreens

When there's summer, there's frizz - and Suave knows how to help a girl out. Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Smoothing Lightweight Weather Proof Cream is inexpensive and does the trick. Winner, winner.

Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Smoothing Lightweight Weather Proof Cream ($4.99) - Target

There is nothing worse than having sweat stuck between your skin and a heavy layer of liquid foundation. Nothing! Hence why I use Kiehl's tinted BB cream. Lightweight, SPF 50, it moisturizes, and has magical BB cream properties. This is like, the ultimate 10-in-1 product.

BB Cream - Actively Correcting and Beautifying with SPF 50 PA+++

What summer beauty and skincare products do you use?

Jess

FAVORITO FRIDAY: DR. BRONNER'S

If Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps isn't a part of your life, you're missing out! All of the products are organic and cruelty-free, and everything (except the lip and body balms) is certified vegan. While I use this primarily as body soap, it has tripled as a laundry detergent for my hand-washables and for washing dishes on my camping trip. You can use it for body, clothes, and dishes - pretty magical, right? 

Whether you're into the liquid soap or the bar of soap (making packing for your carry-on so much easier), you can get it many different scents. From almond, unscented baby, citrus orange, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, tea tree, to my favorite - lavender!

Other body products include hair products, balms, lotions, shaving gels, hand sanitzers, and more! They also have coconut oil (and you know I love that for beauty and cooking!) and a multi-purpose cleaner for your home.

Do you use Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps?

Jess