The scorching heat is here and unfortunately it comes along with the uber-frequent sandstorm in Riyadh. Hello weather? We're a lil fed-up of dusting twice or thrice a day here. Can we move on now please?
So how are you all doing my lovelies? Summer used to be my favorite season, that was when I had access to the gorgeous blue beaches, lots of super fun activities and yummy food back in my country. Then it all changed when I moved here in Riyadh...Well, it's really not that bad actually...if you love the 40+°C temperature during the day and the lack of beaches(or proper waterparks), or the fact that the only enjoyable time to spend the day (and night:D) here is to go to the mall (bet my hubby wouldn't agree though hahaha). Parks do get crowded at times and it's a little boring to go to the same old places over and over again, especially if you have to resort to nagging your husband to take you here and there just because women are not allowed to drive (and in my case, because I'm too paranoid to travel by taxi hahaha).
Ok enough of my whining and let's go back to the topic. Here are my summer essentials to "glamorously" survive summer in the desert.
Make-up
1) MAC Moisture Tint
Wearing foundation can be a bit too much in sweltering temperatures. Our skin tend to sweat more, oil can easily clog the pores and on top of that, wearing foundation on a very warm day can really make you feel uncomfortable. A good alternative to achieve that flawless looking skin minus the heaviness of foundation is to opt for tinted moisturisers. These are "hybrid" products that are designed to keep the skin hydrated with lots of goody stuff while giving ample amount of coverage for that natural, healthy glow for summer.
2) MAC Blot Powder
This a brilliant product for touchups. It absorbs oil without leaving any gunky residue on the skin. It also sets foundation/tinted moisturiser very nicely.
3) Dior Shimmer Powder
Summer is all about having a healthy, sunkissed glow to the skin and this powder does just that! It is a beautiful peachy-coral highlighter that is very finely-milled. It delivers just the right amount of shimmer to the skin. It will make you look like a total beach goddess:)
4) MAC Brow Pencil
It gives me natural-looking arches in a jiffy. You don't need to have a very steady hand in order to draw those gorgeous brows. Just follow the shape of your brow, apply the pencil in a soft feathery-stroke where the hair is sparse and you're good to go.
5) Carmex lip balm
Finally found it at last in Tamimi Supermarket:) This lip balm takes care of all the dryness and flakiness in no time.
6) Revlon Just Bitten
My newest favourite lip product. You can read my review here.
7) Mascara
Accessories
8) Sunglasses
This is a definite must-have anytime, anywhere whenever you go out under the sun. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory, they protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from harmful UV rays to prevent premature aging aka wrinkles and pigmentation.
9) Cotton scarf
Cotton scarves/stoles/bandanas, however you call them are a great way to cover your head and hair without making you feel like you are having a sauna bath. Cotton is a good fabric choice because it is lightweight and absorbs perspiration in no time. It also comes in so many beautiful colours and prints that can totally make your outfit stand out.
10) chunky earrings and leather
It's really not a good idea to wear plenty of jewelries in summer because accessories especially metals touching the skin can cause irritation and discomfort when mixed with sweat. A pair of chunky earrings though are just perfect enough to make your look a lot more interesting. Leather accessories like armbands or bracelets are also a good choice because they don't stick on the skin.
1) MAC Moisture Tint
Wearing foundation can be a bit too much in sweltering temperatures. Our skin tend to sweat more, oil can easily clog the pores and on top of that, wearing foundation on a very warm day can really make you feel uncomfortable. A good alternative to achieve that flawless looking skin minus the heaviness of foundation is to opt for tinted moisturisers. These are "hybrid" products that are designed to keep the skin hydrated with lots of goody stuff while giving ample amount of coverage for that natural, healthy glow for summer.
2) MAC Blot Powder
This a brilliant product for touchups. It absorbs oil without leaving any gunky residue on the skin. It also sets foundation/tinted moisturiser very nicely.
3) Dior Shimmer Powder
Summer is all about having a healthy, sunkissed glow to the skin and this powder does just that! It is a beautiful peachy-coral highlighter that is very finely-milled. It delivers just the right amount of shimmer to the skin. It will make you look like a total beach goddess:)
4) MAC Brow Pencil
It gives me natural-looking arches in a jiffy. You don't need to have a very steady hand in order to draw those gorgeous brows. Just follow the shape of your brow, apply the pencil in a soft feathery-stroke where the hair is sparse and you're good to go.
5) Carmex lip balm
Finally found it at last in Tamimi Supermarket:) This lip balm takes care of all the dryness and flakiness in no time.
6) Revlon Just Bitten
My newest favourite lip product. You can read my review here.
7) Mascara
Accessories
8) Sunglasses
This is a definite must-have anytime, anywhere whenever you go out under the sun. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory, they protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from harmful UV rays to prevent premature aging aka wrinkles and pigmentation.
9) Cotton scarf
Cotton scarves/stoles/bandanas, however you call them are a great way to cover your head and hair without making you feel like you are having a sauna bath. Cotton is a good fabric choice because it is lightweight and absorbs perspiration in no time. It also comes in so many beautiful colours and prints that can totally make your outfit stand out.
10) chunky earrings and leather
It's really not a good idea to wear plenty of jewelries in summer because accessories especially metals touching the skin can cause irritation and discomfort when mixed with sweat. A pair of chunky earrings though are just perfect enough to make your look a lot more interesting. Leather accessories like armbands or bracelets are also a good choice because they don't stick on the skin.
11) Comfy footwear
Shoes, sandals, flip flops and wedges which allow air to circulate are your feet's bestfriend on a hot day especially when you're running an errand. Reserve those precious heels for a night-out or for a special occasion and your sneakers when working out.
12) Lightweight and colourful tote/satchel
And of course, my must-have list won't be complete without a bag:)). A tote that is big enough to carry your essentials and doesn't give your arm a workout (who needs the extra sweat anyway when you're not in the gym?) is the best companion. A satchel on the other hand is great if you only need to carry a couple of items like a phone and your wallet.
Others
13) lots and lots of facial wipes/wet wipes
14) hand cream
15) hair serum
16) sunblock
17) perfume
And that's it! I hope you all have a fun and wonderful summer:) Enjoy! See ya<3
