Beauty by the Beach: My Top 8 Picks

Living in South Florida offers its beauty challenges. It’s always hot, and the humidity can be oppressive. The worst is getting ready in the morning, walking outside, and turning into a sweaty, oily, frizzy mess in 10 minutes flat. It’s taken me years to figure out a beauty regimen that works well with me and South Florida’s climate, so here are some of my favorite beauty products.

Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar, $38
I have naturally oily skin, which gets exacerbated by the heat and humidity. I figured at 30, I’ve tried every drugstore product available, so I needed to step up my game. Enter the Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar by Fresh. It can be used as a cleanser, mask, or spot treatment. I love it because it gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, which keeps my face’s oil production in check. As a spot treatment, the Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar got rid of a blemish overnight without any scarring. When I don’t use it, I can definitely feel and see a difference. At $38 it may seem pricey, but this bar lasts a long time. I’ve used it at least twice a week for six months, and I’m not even half-way done.

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel, $26
Again, with this weather, it’s all about keeping the oil to a minimum. So for everyday cleansing, I choose the Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. It’s plant-based and preservative-free, so it doesn’t have some of the harsh chemicals that you’d find in other face washes. Plus unlike some other gel cleansers I’ve tried, the Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel doesn’t dry out my skin and cause it to overcompensate.

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner, $10 each
SheaMoisture has been my go-to product for keeping my hair healthy and under control in this humidity and after trips to the beach. This duo moisturizes while it gently cleanses, helps to detangle my hair, and defines my curls. The conditioner can also be used as a leave-in, so that’s one less product to buy. SheaMoisture’s products are not only made from all natural ingredients, but they’re also free of silicone, sulfate, paraben, and glycerin. Amazingly, they’re reasonably priced and easy to find at Walgreens, CVS, and Target.

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher, $8
In the past couple years, argan oil from Morocco has become the “it” beauty product for skin and hair. Creme of Nature’s rendition smells great and has a light texture, which is awesome because the last thing you want in 90-degree weather is to feel like your hair is weighed down. I normally don’t use this without first putting on a leave-in conditioner/moisturizer. Applied afterward, Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher helps to seal in moisture and adds the right amount of shine while avoiding Jheri curl territory. (Please note: This product does contain silicone.)

Washcloths, prices vary
Call me old school, but nothing replaces a good, old-fashioned washcloth to clean off the dirt and grime from a hot, humid day.

Mr. Pumice Purple Pumi Bar, $2
As a South Florida native, I have beach flip-flops, dog-walking flip-flops, errand-running flip-flops – it’s ridiculous. But even though they’re convenient, flip-flops increase stress on the balls and heels of your feet, which can lead to calluses and cracked skin. A few scrub-downs with Mr. Pumice once or twice a week in the shower, and I feel like I’m walking on air. It’s strong yet gentle and gets the job done. I found it during a trip to Sally Beauty Supply and noticed that it was the same type used at my nail salon. Score.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20
Remember that whole oily face deal? That extends to my eyelids, and my eyeshadow disappears. Can’t look cute sipping a caipirinha on a patio if your makeup is sliding off, right? I was apprehensive to drop $20 on a tube, but I don’t know how I put on eye makeup without this for so long. Not sticky. No creasing. Enough said.

Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara, $19
At $19 this is the most I’ve spent on a mascara, but BADgal is oh so GOOD. I noticed that my previous CoverGirl brands made it look like I had nothing on at all. Not so with BADgal. It lengthens and defines my lashes way better than CG ever did. Plus it goes on smooth, but it’s really easy to layer if you like a thicker lash. Once BADgal is on, it stays put no matter what.

What are some of the products and tricks that you wouldn’t want to live without? How much does your beauty regimen change with the seasons?