In less than 24 hours, we’ll be poolside in Mexico. Can I get an olé!
It’s been a hot minute since we’ve been south of the border and this girl can use a little vacay. And not just any vacay, but the kind where there is no touring, no sightseeing. One that calls for relaxation, some tequila, and a hammock.
Just about six years ago we said our I do’s on the beaches of Playa Del Carmen, so naturally, I have all the warm fuzzies going on. This time around we’re headed to the Riveria Maya to play witness to a dear friend’s beachy nuptials, so I better prepare for some partying and dancing as well!
Usually, I buy a whole new wardrobe, however, I chose to recycle a few dresses and borrow a couple beautiful pieces from my best friend – my version of Rent the Runway.
To be honest – this list below is both my summer-time and beachy/poolside must-haves, so whether you’re taking a vacation away or going to the neighborhood pool, these are some serious items to consider having.
Here’s what’s coming with me.
*****
St. Tropez Mousse
Not all self-tanners are created equal. St. Tropez is one of the best body bronzers I have ever used. It rarely streaks, doesn’t overly smell of chemicals and most importantly, it gives the most beautiful, fake sunkissed tan one could hope for in a product.
Pro tip: If you like to hide that pretty face of yours from the sun but still want a bit of color, add a small amount of mousse to your face lotion, mix together, and apply evenly.
Shop St. Tropez, here.
Goodr Sunglasses
This is the summer of Goodr sunglasses. All of our friends are wearing them, so we decided to hop on the bandwagon. These sea glass colored sunnies will be perfect for some poolside vibes. PS. The price is extra right. $35 bucks will get these cuties out of the store and onto your face.
Shop Goodr, here.
San Diego Hat Company Visor
When it comes to traveling with hats, you don’t want to dent or destroy them, so whoever invented this visor is a freaking genius. Plus, it not only packs well, but it looks good on too. So whether you’re wearing it for style or sun protection, or both, it’s a win-win.
Shop this visor from San Diego Hat Company, here. There are several styles and colors to choose from too.
Sun Bum After Sun Gel
I have a tendency to get a little too friendly with the sun upon my first few days on vacation. Of course, I will be wearing face and body SPF, but I will also be slathering this gel all over my body post-sun in an effort to keep my skin hydrated, cool, and free of severe sunburn.
I also love their sunscreen as well – it smells like pure vacation! Shop Sun Bum, here.
H&M Bathing Suit
Of all the suits I have ever owned, this high-waisted two-piece from H&M gets the gold medal. Here’s why. I’ll repeat high-waisted. And to top it off, it’s not a grandma panties kind of high-waisted. It’s actually a bit more Euro and doesn’t cover my butt cheeks completely which is exactly the look I want. Now, whether it’s because I have a big ass or that’s just what the bottoms are supposed to look like, is up for debate.
Not to mention, the price is freaking right! The top is $5, the bottoms $12.99. It fits so well, it’s sexy, and the color will look two thumbs up with a good tan. Yes, it won’t last forever – but it’s the perfect suit for right now.
Shop this H&M bathing suit, here.
Here’s a little ditty on loving the skin/bikini we’re in.
m-61 PowerGlow Peel Face Pads
When it comes to special occasion skincare – m61’s Power Peel Pads are my savior. They deliver a facial in less than a minute and leave my skin glowing. Literally, beaming.
Michelle and I are gigantic lovers of this face pad because quite frankly, it gets the GD job done. Every woman should have a little stock of these in her vanity drawer. They’re a game changer.
Shop m-61 PowerGlow Peels, here.
Hand Fan
If there is one thing I’d want you to know about me – it’s my love for fans. Hand fans save the day/moment when it’s hot as hell. They also make a great temporary visor from the sun. Not to mention, they’re excellent accessories for the dance floor.
Basically, hand fans are the shit.
Talk about an incredibly functional accessory that keeps you looking and feeling cool. Or some may say like an 87-year-old little lady, but I’m ok with that too. I love this Parisian fan from Duvelleroy. It just screams Mexico.
To shop this fan, go here.
For more hand fan love, go here!
Mara Universal Face Oil
I am loving this face oil, a lot. I purchased it from Credo, a clean beauty shop here in Chicago, and it’s been doing its duties quite well.
When it comes to skincare, I try to get as natural as possible in the products I use on a daily basis. This here is one of them. Moringa, a superfood of sorts, is one of the main ingredients – it’s loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Mara has this oceanic, natural scent to it that I love. I can tell it’s not filled with a bunch of crap.
I have used many face oils in my day – this one tops the list. It’ll help keep my face hydrated during this Mexican adventure for sure!
To shop Mara – go, here.
Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter
Ok so at June’s funeral, everyone kept telling me how good I smelled after they hugged me. Well, here’s my big secret. Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter. It smells like lovemaking on the beach – yes, you read that right.
It has a beautiful blend of almond, coconut, and vanilla – it smells warm and cozy. I have been wearing it since 2007 and will do so for the rest of my days.
Shop this scent, here.
Daisy Jones and The Six
I think I have been waiting all my life for a book like this. It’s reminiscent of the film Almost Famous meets Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. It’s written in an interview-ish/documentary format so it feels a bit like reading a badass Rolling Stone article filled with juicy rock band details and gossip.
I need a page turner when it comes to reading – Daisy Jones and The Six is not failing in that department. I cannot wait to see how this fictional band turns out!
For more book inspiration – check out Michelle’s summer book bucket list, here.
Old Navy Gold Sandals
Doesn’t every resort type trip call for a pair of gold sandals? I think, yes. These cute little flats will work with both a flowy maxi dress and my cute high waisted bikini. Done and done!
To shop this beachy footwear, go here.
*****
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @thesisterproj to follow along on my trip and our everyday shenanigans!
Happy Summer! xo, Lauren
Leave a Reply