I get kind of depressed toward the end of August, here in New England. Our beautiful summer in Massachusetts arrived late this year: it was chilly even in June. And temperatures hovering around 70 degrees during the height of the afternoon have returned. At night, it has gone down to the 50s and even the mid-40s! Too soon, too soon!
But I have my fingers crossed that we’ll have one last terrific weekend at Bass Rocks Beach Club and Good Harbor Beach before the season ends on Labor Day.
There are lots of events scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Gloucester including a boat parade, fireworks, schooner races, and the beach. We usually use the club where there are showers and changing rooms as our base for the day and evening. I bring along clothing and supplies for different activities.
Here are some of the handy items that I rely on for getting ready for summer activities.
Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Cucumber Scent
I’m always on the lookout for the perfect sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must for me (or for anybody!) when I’m outdoors. During one of my Ulta visits, I tried a tiny amount of Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, and I was amazed at how matte the dry down was. So I was very pleased to get a full size tube of the Cucumber scent version to put through its paces.
First, it is a mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as the physical sunscreen ingredients. So if you avoid chemical sunscreen ingredients, this is one you should consider. It doesn’t give me a noticeable white cast as some mineral sunscreens can.
Second, Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen contains dimethicone, and quite a bit of it. Not everyone can wear dimethicone, but dimethicone is my friend. This stuff makes for a great primer. It leaves my skin sooooooo smoooooooth.
Third, it dries down matte. It has a “dry touch” feel to it. It handles my foundation nicely.
Although I have the cucumber scent version (it comes in Unscented, too), it has no discernible scent IMO.
Love it. If you’re looking for a matte, mineral sunscreen, with minimal whitish cast, give Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 a try. $36 for 1.7 fl. oz. Cucumber or Unscented
Mirabella Lasting Lash Waterproof Mascara
I’m not really a waterproof mascara gal. Waterproof mascara often seemed harder to remove, and truth be told, I never thought I needed waterproof mascara because with my dry eyes, running mascara has never been an issue for me.
I discovered Mirabella Lasting Lash Waterproof Mascara a couple of years ago when Mirabella sent me a tube to try out. Since then I’ve been hooked on this mascara. This is the fourth tube I’ve purchased on my own. It has a slim wand and a formula that creates amazing length with enough volume for my taste. The wand is great for keeping lashes separated, too.
No clumping, no flaking, and easy to remove with micellar water or eye makeup remover. And if I decide to swim, my mascara stays put. Perfect for the beach or anytime as far as I’m concerned. Mirabella Lasting Lash Waterproof Mascara is one of my favorite mascaras. Mirabella Lasting Lash Waterproof Mascara is sold on the Mirabella website, on Lovelyskin.com where it’s currently on sale for 20% off, and at some fine salons. Regular price is $26, but on Lovelyskin.com it is on sale for $20.80 (where I bought it last time).
Aquis Hair Turban
I have an Aquis hair towel that is about 17 years old, and it’s still going strong.
But I was eager to try this new version, a turban, that’s made out of softer microfiber fabric that doesn’t catch onto my hair strands like the old one did. When I took the new Aquis Lisse Hair Turban out of the handy dandy plastic travel bag that’s great for me to take to the beach club,
it looked looooooong and somewhat complex. But was I ever wrong, this one is a cinch to use. It is clear that one end is sewn to fit perfectly on the back of your head.
There’s also a button and loop to keep the turban in place.
Place the fabric around the back of your head covering your wet hair, and twist the fabric away from your forehead. Then just put the loop around the button and the back, and you’re good to go. Frankly, it’s much easier to do it than to tell someone how to do it! But just in case, it comes with a brochure and drawings that show you how to do it.
The brochure mentions that both the new hair towel and the hair turban come in the style, Lisse, the regular version that I received, and textured/waffle for “thick, coarse and porous hair” that probably would have been what I should have chosen. Nevertheless, Lisse seems to work perfectly for me so I guess you have wide latitude in your choice.
Boy, does this turban suck the excess water out of my hair! So easy to use, and stays in place for ages. Great to take with me on the go or to use at home.
$30 for the regular turban, $40 for textured waffle version of the turban of thick/coarse hair. They come in a variety of colors, but black is best for my color-treated hair. Sold at Sephora and other retailers.
Invisibobble
My hair has been shoulder length and even below shoulder length this summer. And I often wear it in a pony tail to get it off of my neck, especially at the beach or if I’m jogging. Invisibobbles are handy dandy little items for putting my hair in a pony tail without my hair ending up with a crease in it after a few hours. There’s something about the coil that prevents creasing. Since I wash my hair every 3-5 days, I don’t want to have to wash it just to get rid of a crease from a regular hair elastic.
The Invisibobble set that I have is called the Around the World Collection.
and it comes with 4 boxes in 4 different colors of three Invisibobbles each: orange, deep purple, medium brown, and brown-black.
If you’re more creative than I am, you can create some adorable hair styles using Invisibobbles. In fact, the Around the World Collection comes with a hair styling guide that shows you have to create easy, medium and pro hair styles using Invisibobbles.
There are step by step photo instructions to make it do-able.
They look especially attractive if you have long hair, but I think I could give at least a couple of these styles a go with my shoulder length hair.
Invisibobbles are priced around $8 for a 3 pack, and like the Around the World collection that I got last year, there are more special collections now. Invisibobbles can be purchased at Ulta, Nordstrom, Nordstrom.com and UrbanOutfitters.com. Though so handy now, keep Invisibobble and its special collections in mind as we get to holiday season ‘coz they would make a fun and useful gift or stocking stuffer.
In-Style ActivESSENCE Fragrance Mist, Moroccan Orchid & Amber
I have managed to collect a lot of fragrances over the past few years. I love perfume, but I save my expensive perfumes for occasions other than the beach. Lately, I’ve been wearing In-Style AcitvESSENCE Fragrance Mist in Moroccan Orchid & Amber, a floriental of course! Whenever I wear it, people ask me what I’m wearing. And I tell them it’s an affordable body spray from Walgreens! It’s smells a bit spicy with a hint of amber. The actual notes include Lemon Verbena, succulent Apricot, Desert Sand Accord, Spiced Fig, Creamy Vanilla, and Kashmir Wood. Lovely and affordable. It’s time released so the scent really lasts. It comes in several other scents including Japanese Cherry Blossom, another favorite of mine. The fragrance mists are available at Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target among other online retailers. Priced around $7.99.
So these are some of the beauty products that I’m going to take with me to the beach club for this last true summer weekend. Sad to see it go! I’m hoping our cool temperatures will give way to a little heat for the weekend.
What’s on your agenda for Labor Day weekend? And what are your summer beauty must-haves?
And on a completely different note, I feel a little funny doing normal blogposts about holiday weekend and beauty products when people are suffering in Texas. My heart goes out to them. I hope this tragedy will end soon so the cleanup can begin, and the brave people can begin to rebuild their lives. 🙁
Good morning Allison. I live in a suburb of Grand Rapids Michigan which is about 30 minutes from Lake Michigan. Due to my husband’s illness and death I feel like I never got any summer at all. I only got over to the Lake once this summer. Also only got up north to an inland lake only one weekend. But, with that being said I plan to enjoy fall here in Michigan. I plan to try Coola when I take a short trip to Florida this winter. Now for this weekend I have no plans but sometimes that can change at the drop of a hat. Enjoy the beach!
Sandy, I know you have had a terrible year because of your husband’s illness and death. I’m so sorry. But you amaze me with your cheery attitude. How do you do it? I’m sad that the summer passed you by this time, but I’m glad you have plans to go to Florida this winter. I hear that autumn in Michigan is quite similar to Massachusetts. You have beautiful foliage and lots of apple trees too. I know what you mean about plans changing at the spur of the moment. I hope some fun things will come your way this weekend. Does your daughter live near you?
Allison, thank you for your kind words. My daughter, who also follows and comments, lives in Fishers, IN. I will go down there in October. By the way we have a wonderful event coming up in September..for several weeks…it is called ArtPrize. I would suggest you google it and perhaps visit some year. It brings people and artists from all over the world to display and enjoy many different genres of art.
What fantastic Labor Day picks, and what a GORGEOUS beach club! Have a very happy weekend!
Lola Seicento recently posted…Barneys New York LOVE YOURSELF Bag Event Gift with Purchase and Step-Up Gifts | September 6-10
You have some good stuff in this roundup. First of all, tho… Aquis makes a turbie, now? I NEED one. Or three. My old microfibre turbies are dead. Deader than dead. They are what? Fifteen years old and it’s time for new ones. I love Invisibobbles and that Mirabella mascara is so excellent. It’s the only waterproof I will use. 🙂
Erika recently posted…LVX Luxury Nail Lacquer – Autumn/Winter 2017 | Swatches and Review
I adore my Hubalou hair turban so I wasn’t expecting much, but truth be told, the Aquis is easier to use because of the button and loop closure. And the microfiber that Aquis uses now is so much more absorbent and so much softer and more terrycloth-like than the original fabric from 15+ yrs ago. You would love this, and there’s a long hair version.
And… I hope that you have a lovely Labor Day weekend and your beautiful summer weather holds.
Erika recently posted…LVX Luxury Nail Lacquer – Autumn/Winter 2017 | Swatches and Review
You too! I hope that Prescott weather is not so scorching hot now, and you can enjoy the long weekend!
Enjoy your beach weekend! We are going down the shore here in Jersey to Wildwood! Invisibobbles will be a part of my baggage for sure!!!
Thank you, Judy! Have fun in Wildwood. I lived in NYC for ages, but I never made it to Wildwood though I remember the signs on the highway. Enjoy the weekend!
I love those hair baubles! I don’t have big plans for the holiday weekend other than a football game on Saturday. Your scenery at your beach club is just gorgeous!! Enjoy your time there!
Thank you, Stacie! Have fun at the game on Saturday and have a fun weekend!
You’ll have such a great time and you are all set for it! I need a new Aquis and the turban sounds perfect. We’re going on a long trip in February and I don’t want to have to take a hair dryer so the Aquis would be so helpful. I love Invisibobble for when I put my hair up.
MarciaF recently posted…The perfect products for the hazy days of summer and you can find them at Cracker Barrel!
Thank you, Marcia! It’s going to be chilly here I’m afraid, but we’ll have fun anyway. I hope you have a good weekend too. The new Aquis turban is so much better than my 17 year old Aquis towel. I was amazed how much water it takes out of my wet hair. I’m eager to hear about your trip in February. Is this the one that includes Barcelona?
I love my Aquis hair towel, I use it every day. Have fun!!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Avon Fall Beauty Trend: Divine Wine
Thank you, Cindy! Have a great weekend too!
I purchased the Aquis turban a few months ago – I started with the towel but it wouldn’t quite cover my big head and long hair. The turban is so perfect. Have a great weekend!
Polarbelle recently posted…JulieG Beauty Bohemian Nail Polish Collection Swatches and My Story
With your long hair, the turban is a necessity! Glad you’re a fan too! Have a great weekend!
I need to pick up that turban!
Phyrra recently posted…What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag – Los Angeles
That is such a nice to location to go to. I’m heading out tomorrow to be with friends and family.
betzy cuellar recently posted…Wipe the Night Away with these Affordable Products
Have a great weekend, Betzy!
The Invisibobbles are seriously my favorite ever! My hair is super thick, so I was skeptical about them working but they do and I love them!
Same with me. Invisibobbles definitely do the job!
I was just thinking I need a hair specific towel, so I might just have to get myself the turban. It sounds so perfect!
Bailey recently posted…Mary Kay Fall 2017 Colour Collection
The Aquis turban does such a great job at pulling water out of wet hair plus it’s so easy to secure in place! I’m amazed at how much I love it
Sounds like a Wonderful set up of products. Really enjoyed learning about them. I was searching for the Acrivessence mists and haven’t found much on the sites mentioned at around where I am in OK. So hoping I will come across that scent in stores. It really sounds like something I would enjoy. I don’t have a lot of perfume and can’t tell u last time I bought a new one for me. But there r some I have had an eye on. Since my hubby left last yr at the beginning of summer survivor big ans raising my youngest sonwho will grad HS this yr has been my main focus for a hoot life. Married 30 urs. But he has problems I can’t help him with like keeping a job and not thingkng every boss he gets has something against him. Kinda paranoid and has been diagnosed bi polar but he doesn’t believe it. But my thee basically all grown now sons believe there is something wrong and we can’t help me. He has driven us bananas for so many urs now. Luckily we all moved at the same time my oldest got a job here and middle was going to college here and ex had a job here for a little while. He is now two hour away and think we all like to keep that going. My oldest told me the other day after ex losing another job. Mom why do I even consider him a part of r family any more. Let it go. I said ok I’m down with that one. When ex Loses a job he lies and hides it from us and plays word games sonhe is not actually telling is the truth or lie. Very vague. Think this is for all of us. Own after a yr. we all tried to work it out with him but he went back to his old ways he always promises he won’t. We have lost homes because of his stupidity of gambling and purchases. I have tried to deal and bandlenit for many urs and think I’m done and better off and much happier person with out him. Sorry to spill all that on u. It’s hard not having another female I can confide in here where we live. Not many left back home because they all thought I was crazy for staying as long as I have. But I made a promise before God and wanted to keep it. My dad I also promised he performed r ceremony has been gone 25 the end of Aug his Bday is 9-3 I adored the man. He was a really great man and so not judgementwl of ppl and being a pastor many who didn’t attend church flocked to him for advice Me support and funerals and weddings. Everyone adored him especially my family and it was a Grwat loss suddenly to us all five kids and r families. I wish I had married a man like my father. As they some women do. Sorry I keep rambling. I have some extra company this weekend which is always fun. My middle sons childhood friend always come to visit on these short holidays or when he can. He spent a lot time growing up at r house before we moved. And comes back every chance he gets. Middle son lived with older son and his Gf so they come here not to bother them and I don’t care they can have the whole living room. I told them it’s like a really nice super clean motel with maid. Lol. And all the comforts of home. They have me cook much they eat out a lot. But I would do some and they could do some. But it’s nice company since my youngest has started his last Yr of HS and working when not in school at McDonalds. Good first job and he is liking it. Thanks for reading my book.im very happy positive person now some road blocks or one has been removed lol. I can deal with any Cancer that returns in my own I have beat it five times in 15 yrs so far. I will always fight hard for my boys. Lol they r worth it. ❤️❤️❤️
Joyce, you’ve been through a lot. I’m so glad you have your sons. And it sounds like you’ll be much better off in the long run without your ex. Best of luck to you. xo