Spring Break Essentials ♡ Twenty Fourteen

Whether you're heading to warm weather or staying in your hometown, spring break is a much needed week of relaxation, which usually means a great combination of pampering and sleep for about ten days. I've put together a few of my favorite beauty and miscellaneous products that are perfect for heading abroad for the first few beach days of the season, or just staying home to hang out and catch up with old friends.

Beauty

First and foremost, spring break is a great time to start your self-tanning for the season. Before heading onto the beach, or starting your spray tan or foam self-tan, I recommend starting with a few days of self-tan moisturizing for preparation. My favorite lotion to start with would have to be Jergen's Natural Glow Moisturizer in Medium-Tan. It not only moisturizes your skin, but also begins to give it a nice natural glow so that you can gradually build up to a nice shade. I'd recommend using this mainly on the legs, arms, and chest area. 

If you prefer not to immediately jump into tanning this Spring Break, moisturizing is still super important to transition your skin from wintery dry skin to smooth spring skin! I prefer using Lush's Body Lotion in Vanilla Dee-Light for this, because it's super hydrating and it smells amazing. This product will also last you all the way through spring into summer, so it's a great investment as well.

As far as hands go, they need special attention during this time of year. Weather changes can take a toll on your hands! I'd recommend picking up a travel size version of L'Occitane En Provence Dry Skin Handcream. Guys, this stuff is literally amazing, and is perfect for cracked cuticles and peeling skin. The travel size is great to throw in your purse or travel makeup bag too.

Weather changes also calls for some major-changing oil patterns on your face! This is where my holy grail blotting product comes in to save the day. Clean and Clear's Oil Absorbing Sheets do just the trick, and keep your face matte all day, not matter how long you stay in that bright sun.

Lip balm is another must have during the start of spring, after all, who wants chapped lips in warm weather?! My tip would be to go for a lip butter instead of a balm during the start of spring. I'm currently using Korre's Lip Butter in Pomegrante/Grenade. Not only is it extra extra moisturizing, creamy, and cute, it also doesn't make you feel like you have to apply it every 20 minutes. It's super long lasting and gives a nice tint of hot pink.

Another great lip item to have handy this spring break would be some super shiny pink gloss. Whether going to the beach on vacation, or just grabbing a cup of coffee with a high school friend, pink gloss is quick, simple, and so versatile. Here I've chosen Mac's Orange Tempera from the Hey Sailor Collection. A creamy pink with orange undertone is a shade that you won't want to pass up, like, ever. 

Spring 2014 calls for one HUGE trend, bold bold bold lips! Here I picked Mac's Sail La Vie, also from the Hey Sailor collection, to complete my beauty items for my must-have Spring Break list! This gorgeous red-orange is a new take on a classic red lip, and it's totally eye-catching for any bold beauty looks this spring break. 

Miscellaneous 

It was super hard to narrow down to one nail polish, but I decided to go with Butter London's Fiver as my go-to Spring Break polish. This icey-minty-blue will compliment any outfit, whether beach bound or shopping at home. It does justice to every skin tone and is a perfect transition color into spring.

Matte nails are a constant trend this year, so I threw in my American Apparel Matte Top Coat. After a few coats of this (about 2,) your nails will be super chic and trendy for this spring. Matte nails can be dressed up or dressed down and they totally compliment any shiny arm candy or rings.

You can't start spring break without a good book at your side! I'm going to probably read Dark Places, by Gillian Flynn this upcoming week. I believe this is book also just got film rights, so it's definitely a must-read. 

Finally, no matter where you are, a fun Polaroid camera is a great addition on Spring Break. It's super trendy, and makes for great bedroom decor (see background above.. lol).

Happy Spring Break!

"O' What may man within him hide, thou angel on the outward side"

[Measure for Measure 2.3]

Cheers, x

PS Check out Miss Lindsey's Spring Break Essentials!