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Set the Mood
Start by putting on some music — atmospheric ocean waves or the "Beach Vibes" playlist by Spotify will work in a pinch — then light one of the candles below. Diptyque Mimosa is bright and floral, reminiscent of clean sheets on a clothesline. Volupsa Arcadia is a stronger, spicier, woodsier scent.
HAIR
If you’re usually a two-minute shower taker or even an every-other-day-er, this is the time to take it slow (preferably while your roommates are away, don’t want to start any wars). Davines Momo Line is derived from the Cartucciaru melon, which is found in Sicily. This line is specifically for hydration; the key to soft, shiny hair. The scent is crisp and refreshing.
BODY
While your hair is soaking in conditioner, reach for The Body Shop Argan Oil Rough Scrub or Red Flower Indian Jasmine Revitalizing Sea Salt Scrub to slough off dead skin and outdoor grime. Argan oil is known as "liquid gold," and for good reason: It's rich in Vitamin A and E as well as antioxidants. Despite the name, this product is actually quite gentle on the skin; the shell pieces are suspended in a velvety gel. For something a bit more heavy duty, turn to Red Flower’s Salt Scrub. Rinse off and breathe deep, you smell lovely.
Follow up with two-step moisturizing: & Other Stories Moroccan Tea Body Souffle and Korres Jasmine Body Butter are both intensely hydrating without being too heavy. & Other Stories has a refreshing mint scent, while Korres is heady without being overpowering. Follow with Monoi Tiare Tahiti Coconut Oil, a blend of coconut oil and gardenia, to lock in softness.
FACE
Save your face for the second-to-last step, and start the process with Rituals Vitality & Energy Mask. It contains Tibetan roseroot and papaya extract, and is light but powerful. It has the consistency of a lotion so be generous with your distribution. Wipe off after 15 minutes and follow with a layer of moisturizing BUTTER Face Elixir .
LINGERIE
After all of that oil sinks in, slip into something light. The Gauze Romper by Skin is the perfect blend of playful and sexy — peachy-pink, sheer and functional (it has pockets!). For a more classic option, there's Samantha slip by Julianne in Blush. It’s simple, but still romantic.
MANI / PEDI
Finish your beautifying by painting your nails in two poppy colors reminiscent of the Caribbean. Butter London has a line of beautiful shades that are ‘3-free’ — that means they do not contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene or formaldehyde. Use Jaffa, a potent orange, on your nails and Macbeth, a shocking coral, on your toes. (Or vice versa!)
That's it. Now, curl up on your couch with an umbrella drink, or at least a sweet tea. Repeat the process when necessary.
Credits: Photo collages and watercolor by Brittany Holloway-Brown