My Top 6 Summer Beauty Must Haves

I don't know about you, but sticky summer temperatures make me reach for a whole different set of beauty products. And, if I'm really being honest here? They make me reach for a whole lot LESS. There's nothing I hate more than hair on my neck and makeup on my face when it's over 80 degrees. (That pic above? It's me in all my summer glory, during my recent vacation to Martha's Vineyard.) These XXX products are the ones that are getting me through this summer in style.

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Throwback Thursday: Pretending to Shave with My Dad

During a recent visit to my dad's house in Columbus, I was looking through some old photographs (honestly, mainly for upcoming Throwback Thursday posts). All of a sudden, I came across this complete GEM of a Polaroid of my dad and me, circa 1982. Here we are, both with shaving cream slathered all over our faces ... and I couldn't have been more excited if I tried.

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Bonkers for Blueberry: Whish Blueberry Shave Crave Shaving Creme

I can't help it -- I always think of Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when I think about blueberries. But in the case of Whish Blueberry Shave Crave Shaving Creme, that's actually the furthest thing from my mind -- because it smells so delicious and performs so well, a giant blueberry girl doesn't even factor into the equation.

To be frank, I normally don't even use a shaving cream or shave gel -- I'm just a soap and water kind of girl. But I've been making an exception for this one, because it smells absolutely divine and it makes the razor just glide over my skin so smoothly. No nicks, no cuts, no gashes -- just a soft expanse that somehow stays that way for hours afterward!

I didn't even know this glorious product existed until a sample size wound up in my Birchbox last month, but I'll definitely be stocking up for the future.

Whish Blueberry Shave Crave Shaving Creme retails for $20 at birchbox.com.

Double Duty: LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower & Shave in Vanilla Grapefruit

Here's the thing. I really hate taking long showers. It just feels like a waste of time to me. Yes, there's the odd time where I like to just stand in the shower and let the hot water run over me for awhile, but for the most part? I get in and get out as quickly as humanly possible. So when I discovered LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 2-In-1 Shower & Shave in Vanilla Grapefruit (say that name three times fast), I was immediately intrigued.

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My Newest Obsession: Almond

There's something so deliciously soothing about the scent of almond. It's rich and lush, and the products it's infused with always seem good enough to eat. That's definitely the case for me lately, anyway -- especially with these two by Whish and Laura Mercier.

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The Top 5 Reasons L'Occitane Shower Oil Is Better Than Shaving Cream

People had been telling me about this product for years. YEARS. Yet I refused to listen, believing that actual shaving cream would do the trick so much better than a shower oil. Well, was I ever wrong once I finally decided to try L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil. Below, my top 5 reasons why it's so much better than shaving cream.

1) It smells divine. The rich, heady scent replaces your need for perfume.

2) A dime-sized amount is enough for the entire leg, from ankle to upper thigh.

3) Your skin will be super soft after you rinse off the remainder and towel dry.

4) Your shave will be super close, and will last for at least two days.

5) It's unisex -- so your BF can enjoy it, too.

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil retails for $24 at loccitane.com.

A Close Shave: Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin

I have a secret to confess. I use men's shaving cream.

Now, I could go through a whole litany of reasons -- it foams more than women's, it's better for my sensitive skin since they use it on their faces all the time, one can lasts longer than a can of women's shave gel, my mom only has to keep one can in her bathroom cabinet for both my brother and me. But here's the real reason I use it. It's cheaper. And we're not talking just a few cents here or there -- we're talking at least a dollar less than any women's shave gel for at least three more ounces!

I used to be a huge fan of Skintimate shave gel. I tried every scent and loved them all. But then I realized that each sweet-smelling can has about 8 ounces -- and Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin has 11 ounces!

And if I'm being completely honest, I'll just tell you this. I really do love that Gillette can. It lasts me for months no matter how often I shave and how much I squeeze out, and it makes my legs seriously smooth, leaving behind no trace of razor burn and a comforting, menthol-like aroma. Try it -- I swear you'll thank me.

Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin retails for $3 at drugstore.com.