Surviving Winter: Essentials

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful and the fire radiator is so delightful..." 

Yes, I am aware that it's been well over a month since Christmas...but with this weather, I do find myself singing them festive songs. A couple of days ago, I shared the only 3 coats I needed for surviving winter (I know, can't believe I narrowed it down so much) and now, because I have the lowest tolerance of the cold, here are some things that I absolutely can't live without when the temperatures drops to the minuses or I will freeze my butt off...

Guest Post // Beauty Must-Haves

Hello lovely readers of The Craziest Paradigm!

I’d like to thank Yuen for having me guest post and for the opportunity to share with you some of my favorite beauty must-haves for summer. From protecting my hair to treating my toes, there are so many products and so little time (at least in my native Boston) to prepare, primp and perfect summer looks before the season is over.

Keep reading to find out what I use to get my glow on and stay radiant throughout the summer!

Yes, it is possible to fall in love with a shampoo. (Buy it here.)

Hair

Aside from wearing a hat, using hydrating shampoo and conditioner can preserve the life back of that shiny, vibrant hair of yours. On of my favorite hydrating shampoo brands is Euphora because it works on your hair & his hair which means you're getting a great product everyone can use, will have fewer bottles in the bathroom and more money to spend nothings like sangria, ferry rides & ice cream cones.

Winner of the 2013 Allure Best of Beauty Award-Natural Wonders Category (Buy it here.)

Face

Not that this has ever happened to me but, sometimes there summer days that start out cloudy and at some point, early in the afternoon, the sun pokes out of the clouds except that you don't really noticed that this has happened until you're already out on the water and in someone's boat without a bottle of sunscreen to be had. Worst. problem. ever. If only your sunscreen could multitask, then perhaps you would stop forgetting. Sound like you? Didn't think so. If it sounds like a "friend" you have, share this tip with her: Suntegrity Skincare 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen. It has an SPF of 30, is vegan, non-greasy, non-toxic, is tinted and is cruelty free. This sunscreen is the total package.

"…With NIA-114™, discovered during skin cancer research to help accelerate the rebuilding of skin layers." (Buy it here.)

Hands

To whom it may concern, yes, I am aware of this bizarre hand-plumping plastic surgery trend that seems to be sweeping newly engaged women everywhere and to them I say, clearly you have never heard of StriVectin. After years of slathering on sunscreen with your hands, have you ever thought about actually making sure they're slathered as well? The tops and hands (and tops of feet!) are often forgotten spots where aging appears the earliest but you can help restore your skin with the SD Volumizing Treatment, just in time for the season of sandals and spectacular jewelry!

Toes

Meet the color of the summer: Sand Tropez. (Buy it here.)

I'm a big fan of Essie nail polish. Maybe it has something to do with the likeness of our names but regardless of what we're called, there also seems to be a similar passion for color and quality. Take Sand Tropez for example; it's perfectly understated, matches every maxi dress you own and doesn't take the spotlight away from your beachy waves, statement lip color or bright bikini. Basically, this color is your best friend.

Body

Get your glow on. (Buy it here.)

Sometimes a beach day is not in the cards. Whether you work a 9-5, are feeling under the weather or are forced indoors for some other terribly unfair reason, don't worry. Your glow can go where you go. As I've mentioned before, Jergens Natural Glow is one of my most favorite beauty products of all time. It works great in the colder months when I'm trying not to look so pasty white (but natural) and in the summer when I want to maintain whatever sun-kissed look I've acquired. 

"This pencil combines intense colours with an amazing sheen and a soft finish for a captivating look." (Buy it here.)

Eyes

Aside from your typical primer, foundation, bronzer and blush, there's one item you might not know you need in the summer and that is gold eyeliner. Line your inner lashes to make your eyes seems wider, draw an exaggerated line under your lower lashes to make your eyes pop and sub out your white or cream liner for gold for a gentle but gilded look for nighttime. I promise you won't regret it!

For more on summer style, other brands I love & fashion inspiration, be sure to follow me on Foursquare, Instagram & Pinterest.

xo, Vanessa

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

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Thank you for the lovely post Vanessa! Hope you all have a great summer if yours have already started (:

Summer Series #6 // Fashion Essentials

Image Source

My sixth post in the Summer Series. To read the other posts, go HERE (under 'Summer 2013 Series')
What's great about summer is that you can have a completely new wardrobe to welcome the warmer weather! The aim however, is to stay cool in the heat. So think less layers, and more flowy, light material! (Sorry for the different sized pictures :/ ) 
Here are my top 10 fashion essentials this summer:

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Cover ups - graphic tees, tank tops, kimonos, crop tops... the options are endless Perfect to throw on over your bikini when you're in a hurry or when you do not wish to show too much skin (:

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Can be transformed into a cover up, or just a simple, breezy dress to wear either at a night beach party or when you're out and about (:

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A more elegant and sophisticated version of the sundress in my opinion. Just as flowy, but enables you to cover up more leg and could be an emergency solution when you have an unplanned fancy dinner night out!

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To me, rompers always scream summer as they are so lightweight! They have a greater mobility than a dress, but are equally as trendy (:

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Ditch those jeans for shorts! It'll keep you cooler! Don't just go for plain old denim shorts though, experiment with different types of prints to switch up your look!

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Easy to take on and off for those moments when you want to just sink your feet in the warm sand or dip your toes in the ocean. Those are also great for walking around and keeping your feet cool! From plain to embellished, the designs are limitless.

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Trade your heels for wedges this summer! Wedges give you more support so you can walk around longer without having sore feet after a long day.

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Everyone needs a hat to shade themselves from the Sun's blazing rays. What better way to do it than a large oversized floppy one!

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Of course, you can't forget those chic sunglasses to protect your eyes! There are lots of designs to choose from, but be sure to get one with high UV protection!

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Finally, a bag to store ALL your items. Tote bags are great because they are bigger and can fill more things and be extra prepared

What are your summer fashion essentials? (:

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