Friday Favorites : Summer Skin Care
I’m a skin product junkie and enjoy trying new things. But once I find something that works, I’m totally brand loyal. In the summer, I’m in the pool 6-7 hours a day teaching swim lessons. My skin gets super duper dry from the sun and chlorine. Here are five skin care favorites I’m pretty obsessed with :
Sun Bum SPF
I love anything by Sun Bum. This summer I discovered their mineral tinted sunscreen face lotion with SPF 30. I feel like this is a product I can try to continue using, even during the blah months. SPF is super important for me, and Sun Bum offers everything from 15 to 50. They even have after-sun products plus hair products that work great. July is also UV Awareness Month (who knew this was a thing?). Daily SPF helps protect, support, and preserve healthy skin year-round!
Buff City Soap sugar scrub
I like choosing local when I can, and Buff City Soap is a favorite. I use their sugar scrub at least three times a week during my swim season. After shaving, I turn off the water, apply the scrub (pretty liberally), and then turn it back on to rinse. I immediately get out and pat dry. My skin is SO SMOOTH and moisturized that on the days I use it, I don’t need to apply a body lotion (although they sell those too). You can pick your scent (if they don’t have it, they’ll make it) and I prefer the coconut one and island nectar one during the summertime.
“It’s Pool Time” hat
I got influenced on Instagram when I saw an ad for this trucker hat over and over again. It’s hard always wearing sunglasses in the pool and we know the dermatologists are always promoting HATS — bonus is not only is this one FUN, but it’s comfy. There are multiple color combos to choose from, but pink and green are my favorite colors so it was another win win.
Lily Hill Farm | Lily Hill Tallow Co
Years ago I discovered Lily Hill Farm on Instagram, following the story of the original farmer’s daughter and husband leaving corporate America to head back to Georgia to save the family farm. Since then we’ve ordered shipments of beef, knowing our orders are supporting a family-owned farm. Last summer I got hooked on their whipped tallow balm (especially their “reserve” line). I’m currently on my fourth jar. Their balm is crafted from leaf fat (beef suet) from their pasture-raised cattle and blended with organic cold-pressed jojoba oil. There’s no fillers or synthetic ingredients, although there are a few kinds with essential oils, like lavender or frankincense. I use it daily — usually after I shower off my chlorine or at night for a PM moisturizer. It pretty much cures my dry, tight skin.
The Only Facial
I never had a facial until I was well over 40. I don’t get them as often as I’d like, but I’ve had 3 in the last year, and I fully intend to keep up the habit. I’ve tried a few different “med spas” but I actually have great skin (humble brag) and don’t necessarily benefit from ones geared towards blemishes or breakouts. So when The Only Facial opened up in East Memphis, I was super excited. These hour-long facials are a combo of cleansing, microderm abrasian, red light therapy, facial massage (it’s glorious!), and they end with deep moisturizing salves. Your experience is all-inclusive, including the tip. They don’t even sell the products they use, so there’s no “follow up” pressure to purchase anything. The Only Facial has been a summer “skin saver” for me this year.
