I’m overdue for a Love List post, and as we head into the hot, lazy days of summer, my list is full of things to keep you cool.
Okay, not really. But a few of my summer loves will keep you groomed and pretty, a couple are yummy, and two are just random.
None will keep you cool, but you will be cool if you use any of them.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post that help me pay for the care and upkeep of this blog.
Everything I ever needed to know about beauty and hygiene, I learned from my girlfriends. I discovered these first three summer loves on a fun and unexpectedly informative girls’ weekend.
L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics Voluminous Primer Mascara
This looks like white mascara, but you put it on before one coat of your regular mascara. If you normally use two coats, you’ll only need one. I only use one coat, but by using the primer first, my black mascara looks amazing, it stays on longer, and my lashes look lusher. And while L’Oreal doesn’t make this claim, I swear the primer makes it easier to wash off the black mascara at the end of the day.
You can buy it here on Amazon for under six bucks.
Maybelline New York Great Lash Clear Mascara for Lash and Brow
This mascara is clear, but don’t use it on your lashes. Use the wand to tame unruly eyebrows, or pesky flyaway hairs that stick out near your part. Just be sure to use a light hand or you could end up looking like Alfalfa. I’d even recommend this for manscaping bushy eyebrows or facial hair. This mascara is also on Amazon for under five bucks.
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor for Women with Bikini Trimmer
It’s a regular razor on one side, and an electric trimmer on the other, AND it works in the shower. The regular razor takes Hydro Silk refills, and the trimmer uses batteries. And while this sounds a bit dramatic, this razor is life-changing. Try it if you don’t believe me. It’s under twelve bucks on Amazon.
Now that you are well-groomed, let’s talk food.
Health Warrior Chia Bars
My friend Allie raved about these on her blog, but Allie is a tri-athlete and her nutritional needs are quite different from my own. She needs more fuel because she burns more calories, but I do trust her recommendations and I know that she will not tolerate a yucky protein bar, no matter how healthy it is.
These chia bars are little – maybe three inches long. They are 100 calories and have three grams of protein and four grams of fiber, and they are perfect for a quick snack. The problem I have with protein bars is that I eat them as a snack and not as a meal replacement, but many are 220 calories or more. These bars are low enough in calories and high enough in fiber and protein to be filling. They are available on Amazon or on Health Warrior’s website, but they are also in many grocery stores and Targets if you just want to try one. My favorites are the chocolate ones and the coconut.
Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning
This little spice bottle of deliciousness is full of all the yummy seeds and seasonings on the top of an everything bagel. It is fabulous sprinkled over eggs and popcorn. I’ve even sprinkled it over the butter on the bottom half of my everything bagel, since there’s no seasoning on the bottom half. GENIUS, I tell you.
Don’t live near a Trader Joe’s? I just discovered that like most things available for purchase, you can by this on Amazon.
Let’s finish off with some random loves.
S-Town podcast
I am not an avid podcast listener, although I’m sure I could become one if I stopped listening to audiobooks. If you are a podcast fan, I’m sure you’ve listened to this fascinating seven-episode series from the producers of This American Life and Serial. Here is their teaser:
“John despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks a reporter to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But then someone else ends up dead, sparking a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man’s life.”
You won’t be able to stop listening; I went for extra long walks that week because I couldn’t wait to hear another episode.
Have no idea how to listen to a podcast? Just open the app that is already on your iPhone (or download an Android app), search for S-Town, and start playing.
Varidesk
One of the worst things I can do for my bad back is sit in one place for any length of time. Knowing it costs less than back surgery, I invested in the Varidesk, which rises and folds on top of my existing desk so I can alternate standing and sitting.
Horrible lighting aside, this is my Varidesk in the standing position. The whole thing lowers (but stays two-tiered) for when I am sitting.
There are lots of models; I have the ProPlus 36. It has been life changing. I know I said that about the bikini trimmer, but this time I mean it in a much more significant way.
I hope you’ve found something to love on this list! What are some of your summer loves?
A yummy protein bar? I don’t believe it. I’ve never really gotten into podcsts either, and I think it’s because of my audiobook addiction:)!
It is pretty yummy…not like a Snickers bar, but healthy can only be so yummy.
I listened to S-town. It’s not at all what I expected to be after the first couple episodes, but interesting nonetheless!
And I could probably stand to use (no pun intended) a Varidesk, though at this point my pregnant belly body seems to prefer to sit as much as I can.
Ha – I bet it does!
I love LOVE LISTS! My husband uses a standing desk and swears by the life-changing magic. Also, all things Trader Joe’s – will have to check out the bagel spice. Beauty links – I’ll click on them every time 🙂 Thanks and happy summer!
I love Love Lists too! Happy summer to you as well, Amy.
Thank you, Dana! I’ve been on a mascara search and will definitely try your L’Oreal suggestion. Also, I (try to) listen to tons of Podcasts and can’t keep up, but S-town sounds fascinating.
You turned me onto the mascara primer when we were in NYC, and you’re so right!!! I ❤️ it!!!
I loved S-Town so so much! I’m intrigued by the razor (a trimmer that works in the shower? Seriously cool!).
Seriously works in the shower, and I have not electrocuted myself yet.
I have been using the Schick razor/trimmer for a while and I agree that it is life changing! They do wear out eventually and have to be replaced (even new batteries won’t help) and I think I’m on my third one, but totally worth it! I’ll have to look into that mascara primer – my lashes are puny! 🙂 Hope you are having a great summer!
Good to know about the batteries. I really love the regular razor side too.
I need to check out the mascara primer and the razor 🙂
If you do, let me know what you think!
Wow, great list. Going to go check out the podcast first. Love that desk thing. It won’t work for my set up though because I have a hutch 🙁
Yep, that would be an issue – bummer.
Loved S-town. So fascinating!
Wasn’t it? I spent a good hour googling everyone involved when I was finished listening.
Just today I said I need to get a new razor because the current/old one is not up to par. I show up here and get a perfect recommendation! I saved the two mascara primers in my Wishlist on Amazon. I have a mild cosmetics/toiletries addiction so I’m trying to curb it by placing things on the Wishlist, at least for a while. And you’re a Varidesker! So am I. My brother got me on the Varidesk bandwagon; his entire office uses them. I am a convert for life.
So am I, Alison! I wish I had found it sooner – I may have fewer back issues now. And I feel you on the cosmetics addiction, but at least those picks are inexpensive, right?
Ok, now I need Voluminous Primer! I already use their regular mascara. I’m so excited!
I’m also excited about taming my unruly eyebrows!!!
And Trader Joe’s!!
Yay to tame eyebrows and Trader Joe’s!
Um, truth on that razor. I’ve been using it for years.
Really? I feel so left out – like there’s a razor sisterhood that I haven’t joined. Better late than never, though.
OK, my back back and I are so heading to check out the Varidesk, as I truly need all the help in this area sadly I can get. So thank you for sharing that here with me and so much more. Always enjoy your love lists, but this one definitely is one of my favorites so far!! 🙂
Glad you found some things to love, Janine!