If you caught last weeks post, you know we’re back in Ohio for the summer, and it’s hot!! My beauty routine is pretty basic in general, but when it’s this hot I really strip it down. Plus, I’m on a farm! If I do attempt to wear makeup it’s because I’m heading into town and don’t want to scare the locals (or, it’s because I just caught a glimpse of an awful snapchat picture my teenage daughter took of me while I wasn’t paying attention… I really need to keep my chin out).

This month I’m sharing some of my favorite hot weather beauty must haves!  Because, while I do try to manage the effects of the summer elements, I’m clearly not trying to win any beauty pageants out here in God’s country. Next month I’ll highlight my hot weather makeup picks, but for now, we’ll start with the basics.

Here are my July Beauty Picks:

1. Defense Refresh Setting Mist by Supergoop.   It’s no secret that I love my Supergoop!  I keep this this award-winning, hot weather must in my makeup bag at all times. Just spray this refreshing, delicious smelling mist on your face, neck, and chest. In one easy step it sets your makeup, mattifies, and gives you full spectrum uv coverage. I mean, is this not the best thing you’ve ever heard of?
2. Clinique “After Sun” Rescue Balm One of the best perks of attending Pro Bowls and Super Bowls during Matt’s playing days was all the swag bags (free stuff rocks, everyone knows it). One year while at the Pro Bowl we received little bags from Clinique filled with their new sun protection line including this Rescue Balm. Of course, I let myself get completely fried the first day (thanks to my milky, mid-winter Lithuanian complexion), and decided to give the Rescue Balm a try. It worked! Fast! Literally, way faster than any other after sun aloe gel I’ve used in the past. So, if you happen to forget your sun protection (tisk, tisk) remember this soothing potion for quick healing relief.
3. Burt’s Bees Extra Sensitive Facial Towelettes  One (of the many) mistakes I used to make when it came to skincare was not properly washing my face at night. First of all, if I had completely sweat my makeup off during the day, I felt like I had a free pass to go straight to bed. And when I did wash my face, it was as quick as possible before jumping into bed. The problem was that I was just cleaning the surface makeup off without properly and thoroughly cleaning my face. Now, in my infinite wisdom (and visibly aging skin), I’ve learned that taking my makeup off and thoroughly cleaning my skin should be two different steps. These Burt’s Bees wipes are perfect for gently removing makeup and getting my skin ready for my nightly beauty routine.
4. L’Oreal Mythic Oil My fine hair gets oily very quickly, especially in hot weather, so I generally try to avoid products like these. However, since getting highlights a few months ago I realized my hair needed a little extra love to treat the consequential dryness. I find this L’Oreal Mythic Oil to be one of the few products that helps mend my dry ends without weighing down my hair. Just add a drop before blowdrying for smooth, shiny hair!
5. up&up Oil Absorbing Sheets To keep with the hot weather theme I had to add my favorite blotting papers from up&up (Target brand). When you combine hormone induced shiny face with the sweaty hot climate of mid-summer Ohio, you’ve got yourself a driving hazard for oncoming traffic. I didn’t think there was much to be done about shiny face until I gave these blotting papers a try. I found that one sheet is the quickest and easiest way to eliminate shine throughout the day.

Beauty Bonus: To help keep shine and oiliness at bay in the summer heat:

• Keep a travel size Supergoop Defense Setting Spray Mist and up&up blotting papers in your bag to use throughout the day. Both work great for touch ups without disturbing your makeup.
• When using oils and other  hair styling products, apply only to ends, avoiding your scalp completely.
• Once your hair and makeup is done for the day, hands off! Try to avoid touching your face and running your hands through your hair which can speed up the appearance of oily looking hair.