Spring Break Style + Three Ways to Get Vacation-Ready

I just returned home from a long weekend in Sarasota, Florida and the sun and warmth is exactly what I needed to recharge. It gave me a little taste of what’s to come to Michigan in several months and I can’t wait for sun, sandals and beach time.

An Afternoon in Sarasota

We spent the morning at Siesta Key walking along the beach and then people watching in the sand. I’ve never been here or any other beach with white, powder-like sand and was mesmerized by it. I only know Lake Michigan’s rough sands! I dipped my toes into the ocean for a minute too, but my favorite was just sitting in the sand digging my toes in. And then we were so exhausted from the beach walking and it turns out it was only .8 miles. I felt like it was at least two miles! I wore my red bikini from Target and a leopard print sarong for the beach morning and then changed into this look for an afternoon exploring St. Armand Circle.

We grabbed a delicious lunch at Shore, a trendy indoor/outdoor restaurant with a clothing shop on the first floor. I ate a deep friend chicken sandwich and truffle oil fries after complaining I needed to tighten up after the beach walk, while Matt ate an heirloom tomato bisque and pear/brie grilled cheese combo.

Three Ways to Get Vacation-Ready

Mentally, it was easy to transition to vacation mode. I set my out of office email and was ready to mentally take a break from email and work, BUT physically I had a couple things to do feel my best! Read on for a few tips to feel your best for your upcoming vacation:

A Professional Spray Tan

I’m still learning how to properly use sunless tanner, but there’s nothing quite like having the pro come to your house with an air brush and make a tan look so natural and even! I’ve been feeling like a bloated blob since I keep eating Reese’s Cereal and jalapeño chips, but I felt so much better after an airbrushed spray tan! I got it the night before we left so it was super fresh!

I also love a body oil to make my skin look extra glistening out in the sun. A few of my faves include:

Hair Removal

Usually five days out, I make sure I get a brazilian wax and luckily, I’ve had my armpits lasered making it easy to ignore shaving for a long weekend. I always get the wax just before the spray tan along with a pedicure so none of the spray tan is ripped off or exfoliated away. I think I’ll get my bikini line lasered next just to make it easier this summer and beyond!

Pack Your Beauty Essentials (and Keep it Low Key!)

If you’re going somewhere warm and humid, it’s best to embrace your natural hair and stick with a natural beauty look since it’s simply easier to do. A tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier’s, swipe of Diorshow mascara and tinted lip balm or moisturizing lipstick like Bobbi Brown crushed lip color lipstick is all I do–and makes all the difference without feeling too done up.

I think skincare products are the best way to prep your face and it’s worth packing your skincare essentials and just your beauty basics. I love my KPS Essentials brightening cleanser since it leaves my face feeling smooth and hydrated following by Claudalie beauty elixir (I packed the travel size!) and then Drunk Elephant marula oil.

 

Jeans, sunglasses and Free People top from Sparrow Boutique | sandals c/o Blowfish Shoes | hat by Lack of Color | bag by Louis Vuitton

Photography by Matt Thompson