Ah, the weekend we’ve all been waiting for… Memorial weekend has finally arrived. Three (for some, four) days to relax pool or beach side, bbq, hang with friends and not do a damn thing but chill out. Unfortunately, the weather forecast in New York isn’t looking as bright as I’d like, but that won’t be stoping me from getting my outdoor time on (albeit with a pair of Wellies and an umbrella). But for those in sunnier parts of the country (I’m jealous!), while you’re enjoying the first true tan of summer, remember that the season is long – and sun damage is serious – so slather on that sunscreen!

Don’t you dare slack on the SPF… at least a nickel-sized amount to the face alone, and let it absorb 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours, more frequently if swimming or sweating even if your sunscreen is waterproof – and double up by wearing a hat and sunglasses! Try to avoid direct exposure to sun between peak hours (10-3), or at least limit the amount of time you spend tanning during these hours.

Alas, here is a current list of my favorite sunscreens:

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer Broad Spectrum  SPF 30 ($45) – “ A non-greasy, chemical-free face sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Infused with youth promoting antioxidants and astaxanthin, this 3-in-1 product is a face moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup primer all in one.” 

Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($25) – “ Powerful SPF protection in a portable package provides broad spectrum protection from aging UVA/UVB rays, free radicals, and dehydration. It glides on for easy application and locks in moisture, leaving skin smooth and supple. Broccoli extract stimulates skin’s natural defense against UV damage while antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E defend and protect skin’s health.”

The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body Cream SPF 30 ($38)  - “An all-natural sunscreen with SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection. This body cream uses a new generation of mineral sunscreens for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Infused with green tea, organic shea butter, and soothing cucumber, this luxurious formula works to hydrate, nourish, and protect.”

Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen SPF 40 ($11) – “Durable, 80 minutes water resistant (very water resistant) sunscreen for active, rugged use now in a convenient, non-greasy, milky spray lotion.”

Arcona Reozone 40  ($28) - “This full spectrum daily sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. At the same time, it soothes and restores skin and neutralizes free radicals. Reozone 40 is lightly tinted with a light texture and offers a non-greasy formula to transform sunscreen application from a chore to a simple luxury. Water-resistant and oil-free Protects against UVA and UVB rays Soothes skin and neutralizes free radicals.”

Own Renewing Dual Protecting Day Lotion SPF 30 ($23) – “Offers the protective power of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a mineral UV shield that protects skin from damaging elements throughout the day. Enjoy the benefits of a light, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly and works to boost your skin’s natural defenses for a healthier, UVA/UVB protected complexion.”

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28 Coconut ($19) – “An environmentally-safe, full spectrum UVA/UVB sun defense that offers powerfully effective protection, yet is gentle enough for infants and non-irritating near the eyes. Translucent Zinc and Titanium Dioxides provide a safe alternative to harsh chemical sunscreens. The addition of soothing Aloe and Vitamin E help reduce signs of sun induced irritation.”

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Lotion for Face & Body Broad Spectrum SPF 50  ($34) - “Features a gentle, mineral formula infused with micronized zinc and titanium to refract harmful UVA and UVB rays away from your skin, preventing sun damage and photoaging. Its water-resistant formula glides on with ease and absorbs quickly for an effortless application and long-lasting, comfortable wear.”

Note to Self: I love zinc – it is the only ingredient that actually protects completely from UVA and UVB rays.

The Riviera was buzzing with pink pouts – from glossy fuchsia to muted rose, pink is a definite trend this season. If you’re feeling up for the task, wear your shade bright and glossy like Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Hart. Or try a bold matte version like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to stay on-trend. Otherwise, you can still get the look with a stain or a lighter shade like Carey Mulligan’s muted pink or Bernice Bejo’s mauve rose shade.

Click on the slideshow above for the flashiest pout’s at Cannes. And here are some of our favorite pinks for spring – from highlighter to pale rose.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Shocking Pink (Bright Pink) $30
Tarte Glamazon™ Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick in Pure (a Matte Light Rose) $26
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Nylon (Classic Bubblegum Pink with a Neon Twist – this stuff is matte and it’s like glue – it won’t move!) $18
Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Plaza (a Sheer to Pale Pink with mauve undertones) $31
Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Shy Pink (Light Natural Pink) $20
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Palpitante (a Creamy Fuchsia) $34
L’Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Pink Rebellion (a Bold Raspberry Pink) and Rose On (a Soft Rose) $10

I asked hair stylist Luke Chamberlain ,who has worked with Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth, for tips on parting ways — from center to side. Here’s what he had to say:

*Training your hair for a new part can be tricky sometimes require a little patience. It’s best to start on wet hair and add some volumizer for hold. Blow dry the root in the direction you want it to go and while the hair still hot clip it down and allow it to cool. Repeat this process after each wash and your hair will soon start to cooperate on its own. If more effort is needed, pin the part down while you sleep.

*Side parts tend to have a more voluminous side when parted in the opposite direction of hair growth, but make sure your hair is cut specifically to this parting. Layers need to be balanced on both sides and changing your parting will affect this.

*Soft side parts are a more feminine parting, while deep parts are dramatic and can feel masculine at times.

*Oval and square shapes tend to work well with a center parting while round, heart, pear and long shapes are more flattering with an off center or side parting.

Once you’ve gotten the part to a place that suits your face, feel free to have fun with the style. Pull it into a side pony or braid, a bun, or mess it up with some bed head volume!

Bye-bye center part!

Clinique is making a comeback with their newest nail polish line, A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins, and we’re ecstatic! What I’ve always loved about Clinique is their commitment to makeup that is allergy tested and 100% fragrance free, for those of us who have naturally sensitive skin and, in this case, sensitive eyes too. Their new nail enamel is no different, taking three years to research and develop a formula that both Dermatologists and Ophthalmologists have deemed appropriate for sensitive skin and eyes.

What better way to test their revolutionary formula than with an at-home mani and a glass of vino! Their Summer 2013 Limited Edition Collection of nine shades are fun and flirty, with names like Pinkini, Hot Date, and Hula Skirt. The polish applies easily and effortlessly, and is incredibly smooth. Though I applied two coats of color, over my base coat, I could have gotten away with one – especially good for those early mornings before work! After applying my top coat, I was curious to know how long drying would take…so I timed myself. After ten minutes, my tips were good to go. Though, truthfully, one should always be careful of impressions, I’m still quite happy that I’ve found an on-the-go polish that applies and dries as quickly as Clinique does. Now the real test! After leaving my manicure on for a total of twelve days before removing and applying a new shade, my nails didn’t chip, nor did my eyes experience any irritation. Love. LOVE!

My three top picks for Summer 2013 include (top photo: left to right): 70° and Sunny, Summer in the City, and Splish Splash.

Other shades from their Summer 2013 Limited Edition Collection include: Juiced Up, Strappy Sandals, and Grape Ice. If Summer could be defined by any one polish collection, this would be it! Clearly, I’m a fan. Happy Summer.

–written by Sara Ng

The last thing any of us ladies want come tanning season, is unnecessary hair — down there (or anywhere for that matter). Shaving is such a mundane way to spend your time, not to mention that grotesque stubble that emerges only days (or, for some, hours) later. And ingrown hairs? Ew. What a way to ruin your bikini body. I prefer to wax but, still, it’s not a permanent solution to the problem… and you’ve got to let hair grow to a certain length before you can remove it with wax. A spontaneous rendezvous to St. Tropez? Eeks, no can do. It’s in between waxing sessions. Sorry.

I’ve been wanting to laser my hair for years. Bikini line, underarms, legs… all of it. But laser is expensive – and painful! – and you can’t get sun in between sessions so I keep putting it off. Then I discovered me Smooth Elos At-Home Hair Removal System, a PAINLESS and EFFECTIVE way to remove hair permanently. I would be lying if I said I had total faith in this seemingly simple device. I tried it a few times and my hair kept growing back but, as the instructions indicate, you’ve got to be vigilant with the practice – once a week for 7 weeks. By week 7 my underarm hair is literally non existent. It’s like magic. I’ve gone three days without a single hair! (I started with my underarms because that was the smallest section of hair growth… and I wanted to test on an area that wasn’t visible). And I did this all AT-HOME! How cool is that?!

How does it work? Well, you start by shaving the area to remove the hair. Weird, I know but somehow shaving activates the follicle. By combining IPL and bi-polar radio frequency (basically it just zaps a bright light onto your skin), the energy hits the hair follicle from the root, heating it, treating it, and disabling it. You do each area 3-4 times a session (the underarms take about 2 minutes to complete), once a week for 7 weeks. You can do more sessions as maintenance if need be. And it literally is painless. The only way I knew that it was working is because the bright light flashes, otherwise, I didn’t feel a thing. It has three frequencies depending on your sensitivity. I started at the lowest and made my way to the highest frequency without a problem.

What’s even more amazing is that this new system can be used on all skin tones, from Caucasian to Asian to African American and all hair colors – blonde, brunette, redheads. AND men can use it too!

However, the me Elos system is not intended for use on the face – so keep it downtown – neck and below.

Next up, my bikini line! I can’t wait to never have to wax again.

PRICE TAG: $395 (additional cartridges are $50)

Buy here!