A Southern Belle's Guide to Surviving Summer

Hello dolls, (and happy Friday!) The High Heel Mafia has returned this week to talk about a very crucial topic: Summer beauty products.

Here in Arkansas, (well, basically anywhere in the south right now), it is sweltering. Seriously, within 10 minutes of being out in this heat and humidity, your carefully applied make-up just melts right off. And as far as hair goes…forget it. We ladies below the Mason Dixon line usually opt for the ponytail during this season because our weather is not too kind to coifs.

So, we’ve devised a little summer survival list of our favorite beauty loot. All items are High Heel Mafia-used-and-approved, and we think ya’ll will dig em’ too:

Leslie’s Picks

1. Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer- {$65 from Sephora}

This miracle-in-a-jar isn’t cheap, but it is phenomenal. It’s a great day or night cream that provides just enough moisture to your face without making it shiny.

2. Fresh brand Soy Facial Cleanser- {$35 from Sephora}

With its all-natural ingredients and fresh, cucumber scent, this is the best summertime cleanser I’ve ever used. It’s gentle enough to double as an eye-makeup remover and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean and purged of all ickiness.

3. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder- {$28 from MAC Cosmetics}

I put this on last year’s “Fave Beauty Product” list and, not surprisingly, it made the list again. This stuff stands up to hours of lying by the pool or power shopping at the outdoor mall. Get thee to a make-up counter and snag some now.

4. O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper- {$24 from Sephora}

This might be the coolest lip gloss ever…I’m just sayin. You see, it reacts with your own body heat to create a lovely au’ natural glow and makes your pout look ever so juicy and kissable.

5. Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner- {price varies, see Aveda salons for details}

This is a must year-round for me, but especially during May-August. It repairs the damage of chlorinated pools, tanning beds (yep, those fry your hair and your skin, double score!) and flat irons and renders my strands oh-so-silky smooth and soft.

Dee’s Picks

1. David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray- {$9.95 from dbwildaid.com}

I read about this stuff in In-Style magazine last summer and just had to try it for myself. On those days when the humidity is 200% here in the south, (which is often), I skip the flat iron and opt for "crazy hair", as I like to call it. One spritz of this and my hair is beach-chic.

2. TIGI Bed Head After-Party- {price varies, see a TIGI salon for details}

This serum smooths my hair when it's straight, add gloss when it's wavy or provides sheen when it's pulled up. One bottle lasts forever.

3. Snag-Free Hair Elastics in Clear- {$3.50 from Sephora}

A girl can never have too many hair elastics. On rainy days, hot and humid days or days when I just don't want to get up and deal with my hair, I grab one of these. A sleek ponytail or messy up-do can look great no matter what the weather is like or how late you got up for work (oops ; )

4. H2O (We prefer SmartWater)- {$3 per bottle at Target, but any aqua will do}

Sounds simple right? It's super-important to hydrate before and after going out in the sun or if you're planning to indulge in a few frozen concoctions or lemon drop martinis. Stay well-hydrated this summer ladies, your skin and body will thank you.

So there you have it; HHM's survival guide to looking gorge this summer. Whatever you’re doing this weekend, wherever your wheels take you, be safe, be happy, and most of all-

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

P.S.- A VERY special thanks to Leigh Ashley for passing along the Sugar Doll award...it totally made my afternoon! If you haven't visited her blog, you are so missing out : )

Photo credits: Coco + Kelley