Coconut Oil
How could something that smells so yummy be anything but good for the body? This is my go-to for head-to-toe beauty care year-round, but it’s especially useful during the humid summer months. I use it as a hair conditioner to protect my hair from the sun and tame frizz; as an after-shower body oil to moisturize and prevent dry, ashy skin; as a remedy for chapped lips; and as a massage oil for my feet to keep them soft and sandal ready. Trick of the trade: I rub some above my lips after waxing and on my legs and underarms after shaving to soothe my skin and prevent razor bumps and rashes.

Oxy Face Wash
Oxy has been part of my cleansing regimen since I was a teen. That was many, many years ago, and I’ve made it part of my twice-daily routine ever since. It’s oil free, so it doesn’t clog my pores or leave oily buildup. Perfect for those hot summer months when I tend to sweat more. And it’s fast acting in zapping away those unfriendly little blemishes that always seem to creep up at the wrong time. Not to mention, it’s very gentle on the face, even though it packs a mean punch on breakouts. oxyskincare.com

Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion
This little wonder is a whole lot of cleansing in one bottle. It not only exfoliates and unclogs pores, but it also reduces excess oils to control shine and prevent breakouts. And Acne Solutions always leaves my face feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Ahhhh, my little multitasker. clinique.com

Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer
There’s a very good reason why this product has been successful for more than 60 years—it works. My mom used this when she was younger, when it was a lightly scented pink “beauty fluid” named Oil of Olay. Today, it’s simply called Olay Complete. And although the name has changed, the quality and effectiveness remain. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is loaded with sunscreen and vitamins that protect, nurture, and pamper my face—all summer long. Olé, Olay. olay.com

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder
What do I call a talc-free face powder that gives me weightless coverage and always makes my face look like I’ve spent days basking in the sun? Perfection, perfection, perfection. lauramercier.com

Blistex Lip Medex
I love a matte lip, but mine tended to look a bit dry in the summer. So I started applying a little Blistex Lip Medex on my lips before putting on lipstick. It adds moisture to the lips and gives them a pop of shine, but not so much shine to take away from the matte look. So now, while my lips stay beach selfie ready, they’re also very well protected. blistex.com

M.A.C Ruby Woo Matte Lipstick
Nothing says hello summer like a bright red lip. And while I love experimenting with different shades of reds, I always come back to M.A.C’s Ruby Woo “Retro Matte” Lipstick. It’s bold, beautiful, and says, “I’m here, and I’m ready for whatever.” maccosmetics.com

Loofah
Want to know what helps me eliminate winter skin and prep for maximum summer exposure? My trusty loofah, of course. I only use the one made from natural fibers, because I find it to be a more effective exfoliant than the synthetic ones. Using this once or twice a week leaves my skin soft and smooth, and I’m always ready to suit up in my favorite two-piece. However, the loofah is very porous, which makes it prone to attracting germs and bacteria that can be transferred to the body during cleansing. So it’s very important to take care of it. Tips: 1) Rinse the loofah thoroughly after every use, then store in a dry place to allow it to dry completely between uses. 2) Avoid using on irritated skin or after shaving and waxing. 3) Replace every three to four weeks. 4) If you notice any mold or weird smells on your loofah between use, discard immediately and replace.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
My morning shower isn’t complete without my Body Clear Body Scrub. This does for my body what Oxy does for my face. It gently scrubs away dirt, while the acne-fighting agents help prevent breakouts, all without clogging my pores. And the exfoliating properties keep me saying bye-bye to dead skin and hello to summertime glow. I just lather up, and bask in pure cleansing bliss. neutrogena.com

Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Good-bye, sweaty summer nights. Behold: My very own personal air conditioner in a bottle. Showering with this soap at the end of a busy day keeps me feeling clean, cool, and collected all night. And it smells so good sometimes I don’t want to get out of the shower. drbronner.com

Clarins Paris Delicious Self Tanning Cream
I found this beauty last summer after someone suggested a self tanner as a quick and easy way to give my pale legs some color after being covered up all winter. With a name like Delicious, and the scent and look of the richest, most decadent chocolate, is it any surprise that I wanted to eat it right out of the jar in the store? I applied it three days before my trip to Barbados hoping my legs would have the same color as my arms and face in time for my trip. It’s a light caramel-colored cream that goes on smoothly and gives noticeable results within hours. No mess, no fuss. By the time I got off the plane in the Caribbean, my legs looked like I had spent days sunning in the tropics instead of just starting my vaca. And I smelled as delectable as I looked. So this year, whether I’m sitting on a sunny deck on a dream cruise or hitting the local beach, Delic’ will definitely be my plus one. clarinsusa.com

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Sunscreen Lotion
I have shopped around, from high-end to low, to find the perfect sunscreen. This is my winner. Light, sheer, nongreasy, oil free, water resistant, and it doesn’t dry out my skin like some of the others I’ve used. It smells divine, and makes my skin feel luscious. And its golden shimmery undertones enhance my summer glow. I re-up every two hours when I’m out and about, and every 80 minutes while splashing in the ocean, and I’m good all season. hawaiiantropic.com

Baby Foot
Haaaaallelujah! The foot care gods have answered my prayers just in time for summer. At first I thought that at $25 it was a bit pricey, but let me tell you it’s well worth every penny. I popped these plastic booties on my feet and waited for them to perform magic. I was very impressed by the results. With Baby Foot’s 17 plant extracts pampering and cleansing my feet, a few days later they were noticeably softer and smoother to the touch. I wouldn’t say they’re now as soft as a baby’s (a second application is recommended to achieve perfection), but definitely a vast improvement from my crusty winter soles. babyfoot.com

Kiko Milano Nail Lacquer
I complement my Ruby Woo–ed puckers with an equally bold nail color from Kiko Milano. I discovered their awesome nail polish collection while I was living in Florence, Italy. And I’m so excited that they have opened a bunch of stores throughout the U.S., because they carry the absolute coolest colors. Whether you want your mani-pedi to match the bright blue sky, the sand between your toes, or the clear ocean waves, Kiko has got your nails covered. kikocosmetics.com

SuperBand Premium Insect Repelling Wristband
I’m a mosquito and bug magnet. If I even think about going outdoors, those pesky pests prepare for pounc-ation. And after using this for the last two months during weekend walks in the park, I can honestly say that it does keep insects and bugs at bay. It’s DEET free, nontoxic, waterproof, and doesn’t leave any greasy residue on my clothes or skin; and each lasts for more than 10 days of continuous wearing. Bonus: SuperBand comes in a resealable pouch, so I prolong its effectiveness by putting it back in the pouch when I’m in an insect-free zone. bugbutton.com