It’s May and that means summer prep time is here. So what products am I putting on my “Essentials” list this month? A few of my April Essentials made the cut… (because if it ain’t broke….), but the overall goal: things that hydrate!!! You need hydrated skin before and after hitting the sun, whether it’s prepping your skin to tan evenly, hydrating your skin to maintain your tan, or overloading moisture to prevent later signs of aging. So lube up in some of these faves and get ready to show some leg!

Essentials:

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter: This lotion feels absolutely luxurious against your skin. Apply head to toe and you can say goodbye to cracked elbows and ankles this summer!

Kate Somerville Tan Towelettes: For those of you who would prefer to stay out of the sun (or more importantly for those of you who need a ‘tan’ before letting themselves be seen in the sun), this is for you. (Just beware to apply evenly to avoid streaks!)

AHAVA Dry Oil Body Mist: Imagine dousing yourself in oil but not getting that whole slimy grimy effect? This is it! I keep this Oil right next to the shower and spray my whole body down while my skin is still damp. Your skin soaks it right up! (Beware… Give it 5 minutes to dry before getting dressed in something silk just in case!)

Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Eye Creme: My new go-to eye creme. With all of the sun exposure you need to take extra care of your eyes to prevent crow’s feet!

Bliss Triple Oxygen + C Energizing Cream: It’s all of the aspects of my favorite ‘quick’ face mask in a face cream. I use it every other night to give my skin that extra boost of moisture.

Dove “Go Sleeveless” Deodorant: Moisturizing your underarms? Well, sort of!! Since it is in fact time to go sleeveless, it’s time to get your underarms in tip top shape. I love this deodorant because I actually noticed a difference in the smoothness after just a few weeks. (And it keeps me smelling light and fresh all day!)

Snag Free Hair Elastics: Nothing to do with hydration but nonetheless an essential! A huge pet peeve of mine is seeing a big thick hair tie in someone’s ponytail ESPECIALLY when going out at night. With summer frizz picking up, make sure to have a few of these in your purse in case of a last minute up-do emergency! (I recommend buying them in the color that matches your hair color – blondes go clear!)

Too Faced Primed & Poreless: Want to look like you just came from a moisturizing facial? Then you must try this primer. It goes on incredibly smooth and makes your foundation look SO even.