Brand love: R + Co.

R + Co. has been on my radar for a while now, making their debut in my beauty bag when I received their Death Valley Dry Shampoo in a Birchbox a million years ago.

Now, I'm so thrilled that they contacted ME to work with them as an affiliate! #swoon

As a welcome gift, I got to choose a few products that spoke to me and share with you my thoughts.

Needless to say, those thoughts are very good.

Some highlights about the brand that I love:

• They have some really cool and innovative products! And from what I can tell thus far, they deliver on their promises!
• They are a vegan and cruelty-free brand!
• They always offer free samples! I love free samples because it gives me the chance to try another product, even when I can't afford to buy more than one thing.

HIGH DIVE

Let's start with the High Dive Moisture + Shine Creme. My frizzy, Florida curls are so grateful for this magic in a tube.

I use this as an after shower, leave in conditioner of sorts. After towel drying my hair, I slather this all up in there and then brush it through.

It leaves my hair hydrated and gives it a nice, healthy glow! I've been using it every wash for the past month and I have not once been disappointed. Oh, also, it smells really good!

MOON LANDING

When I ordered these products, I had just found out I was moving to Florida. So when I saw this Moon Landing Anti-Humidity Spray, I was like, guuurrrll give me ANYTHING to save me from having a humongous frizz afro on the daily!

After styling my hair, I make sure all my flyaways are tamed and spray away! This isn't your typical hairspray. It doesn't feel stick at all and doesn't make your hair crunch. Think of it as making a barrier between your hair and the humidity! It lightly lays on top and adds some extra shine too! I use it on my entire head, not just the top and it really does help.

Now I'm not going to say my hair is never a victim of the humidity. Some days there's just no getting around it. But on those days I just embrace it and accept that it is what it is lol.

But more often than not, this spray keeps the frizz at bay!

I also got a travel size of the Waterfall Moisture + Shine Lotion. I really liked that too, although I haven't used it too much since it's happily living in my travel bag! Although I have used it to smooth out dry strands when my hair is already styled and it worked quite nicely! Gives a similar shine that I get using High Dive but I prefer that for when my hair is wet. A great alternative!

IN MY SHOPPING CART

Here are a few products I've had my eye on! In case you need suggestions on what else to buy. ;)

Credit: Paulina Procner

• Television Perfect Hair Shampoo + Conditioner — I may be biased because of the name, but a friend of mine swears by this set, so it's definitely on my must-try list!
• Centerpiece All in One Elixir Spray — Anything that is going to get more done in one shot sounds good to me! It's fragrance is also called "Dark Waves" with notes of tangerine, pineapple and lavender, which sounds AMAZING. Yes, please!
• Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray — "Intense detangling" sounds like what I have to do every time I decide to go a few days without washing my hair. #CurlyGirlProbs. The name says it all with this one, and I'm always down for anything that is going to help me tame my mane!

If you're interested in trying any of the R + Co. products, click HERE to shop and use my affiliate code 6zqL to get a welcome credit of $10 off your first $50+ purchase AND free shipping on all orders over $50!

Happy shopping!

XO, Briana

HASK Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo

Wow, the past few months sure did fly by fast!! I may not have posted much on here, but I've been working on testing out quite a few awesome products for you guys! So make sure to keep an eye out for more noise from me!

To kick off all of the amazing reviews I have coming, I recently received one of my favorite products to test out: DRY SHAMPOO!

In my personal opinion, every girl needs some dry shampoo in her hair arsenal, as it is a gift from the beauty gods. Especially if you have hair like me, that is dry on the ends and leaning toward greasy at the roots, dry shampoo is basically a miracle in a bottle.

Now I've tried a lot of different ones and have my favorites, but as you well know, I'm always looking for the next best thing! And this new line from HASK is definitely some good competition!

HASK has just released four, count 'em, FOUR new dry shampoos all with different active ingredients. You can check out the whole collection here, which is also conveniently available at Ulta! (Yay!)

I decided I wanted to go for the charcoal one. I feel like I constantly see beauty gurus raving about the benefits of charcoal everything so I wanted to get in on the action. The HASK Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo uses charcoal infused rice to quickly absorb excess oil. Plus, the citrus scent is pretty nice too. It's not my favorite, but I'm not exactly mad at it. However, I do love the fact that it is free of all sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten and artificial colors.

In review, I actually very much like this product! It works well to take away my greasy roots after not washing for two or even three days. It also gives me some extra volume, which is always nice since oils tend to weigh down my hair. It does give off a white cast, as most dry shampoos do, but not as much as some others I've tried. But it's also very easy to get rid of! In the past I have found myself rubbing my head for a ridiculously long time trying to get rid of my "old lady hair," but not with this one!

What stands out to me most about this particular dry shampoo is that it is very lightweight. I doesn't make me feel like I'm putting a crap ton of product in my hair. It feels natural and comfortable while still doing its job! I will note that it's great for when you experience a little bit of greasiness but I wouldn't use it for a heavy duty job haha.

I would 100% recommend this entire line! I honestly want to try them all, since they're great quality and still affordable (since I go through an embarrassing about of dry shampoo.) Plus, the convenience of being able to grab a bottle while I'm spending half of my pay check at Ulta is wonderful!

So much thanks to HASK for letting me try another of your awesome products (and for the super cute tote bag too!)

What are your favorite dry shampoos? Have you tried any other HASK products? Let me know in the comments below!

XO, Briana

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Kenra Grip Trio

Hello everyone! This week I have decided to mix it up a little bit! I know I tend to focus my reviews on makeup and skincare products, but for the next few posts I'll be giving you the DL on haircare!

I was lucky enough to be chosen to try out Kenra Professional's new collection, the Grip Trio. As it's name states, the collection consists of three awesome products: the Whip Grip Mousse, Air Grip Spray and the High Grip Spray.

Together these products are the perfect set for creating some pretty awesome up-dos. Now I know you all know that I tend to let my mermaid hair hang loose more often then not, but I do love me some braids. Plus, this set will definitely be my go to for any special occasions when I need something a little more fancy! So let's go through each product!

Whip Grip Mousse- light hold defining mousse (9)

This one boasts an airy formula that will give you three times more volume without that typical mousse stiffness. I'll be honest, I am extremely picky when it comes to mousse. Because I air dry my hair, I often find that mousse is just too heavy and weighs down my hair. No bueno. However, I actually liked this one! It defined my curls and helped to keep my frizz at bay all while remaining amazingly light weight! It also smells really good, which you all know is one of the most important things for me (lol.) I personally would use this individually for an everyday, easy look, but I do think this would be awesome for girls with thinner or straighter hair to obtain a little more volume prior to creating a killer updo!

Air Grip Spray- dry wax defining spray (5)

To me, this spray was the most innovative of the three. I've never really seen anything like it. The brand describes it as a light weight and flexible hold but with 50% more grip. It definitely delivered! I used this one to create a fishtail braid. I tend to have slippery hair that forces me to use 600 bobby pins to keep anything in place. With this spray I was able to create the braid much more easily and I only used 2 pins to keep a few shorter hairs in place. Also, I decided to see how it would be leaving the spray (and hairspray) in for another day. I was able to wear my hair down in the morning without it looking, well, yucky and tossed it into a voluminous, piecey pony tail later on.

High Grip Spray- high hold defining hairspray (20)

Last but not least is the hair spray. This one claims to produce a light weight, 24 hour hold. After using it several times, I would say that is absolutely true! I really like this hairspray because it holds really well but it's not crunchy. And like I mentioned earlier, I was able to switch up my hairstyle with out any "phantom styles," like the one in the meme below. (haha!)

Overall, I really love this trio! I think it's absolutely perfect for creating some killer up do's and even individually for everyday styles. I also really liked the number system they used to determine how much hold each product has. It is a scale from 0-25 or 30 depending on the collection. I think it makes it much easier to really know how set in stone that style is going to be! Also, the whole collection is now conveniently available at Ulta! For more information on the Grip Trio collection and Kenra Professional's other products, CLICK HERE!

Are you an updo girl? What kind of styles would you want to try using this collection? Let me know in the comments and also if you've already tried them!

XO, Briana

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Reverse Your Routine with TRESemme!

In recent times I've been struggling with my hair.  I've always had a little bit of frizz, but being a curly girl I came to accept that.  However, my hair has become just unruly and barely tamable; I'm talking frizz, dryness, and knots galore.  Just when I'd thought I'd run out of things to try, my "hairygodmother" (haha see what I did there? I mean a fairy godmother of hair, not like that she's hairy...) came to my rescue.  Influenster notified me that I was chosen to try out the new TRESemme Beauty-Full Volume Reverse System shampoo and conditioner! Woohoo!

Now this is not your average haircare line.  For this set you condition first and then shampoo!  It seemed really weird at first, but the results were actually a lot more wonderful than I expected. You use them just as you would normal shampoo and conditioner, just in a different order. TREsemme says that you condition first to give your hair moisture and hydration and then shampoo to "wash the weight away."  The system is formulated to give you soft, healthy hair with lots of volume, and I can vouch for that.

Even after the first time I saw a noticable difference.  My hair was not at all as frizzy and it seemed lighter and bouncier.  After a couple more uses, my hair is back to its normal state of crazy (I've named it Miley because it can't be tamed lol...I need to stop....).  Honestly, I'm not sure if it's the reverese aspect of the system or just the formula, but whatever it is it definitely worked for me.  Also, it smells really good, which you know I'm all about.  Another thing that I appreciated is that I don't need nearly as much conditioner for some reason.  I only need about 3-4 pumps to nicely coat my ridiculous amount of hair, which is a lot less than I normally need of other conditioners.  If I had to estimate I'd say it's about the size of a golf ball compared to a tennis ball.

My "reverse" picture! A LOT less frizz.

Overall, this system is great and I will absolutely buy it again.  Also, I should mention that all of the photos show my hair without any additional product.  Definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for a weightless feeling and a nice amount of volume.  Great innovation TRESemme!

A Few of My NEW Favorite Things!

Over the course of a few months, I tend to accumulate new things in my beauty bag.  Some are samples, others are things I picked up on a whim.  Without further ado, here are a few of my NEW favorite things!

NKD SKN Gradual Tanning Lotion

In the summer time, I normally have a glorious tan.  My Puerto Rican skin sucks in the sun and allows me to get a sweet glow.  However, I am also half German so as soon as summer ends my tan slowly starts to fade.  By the time January/February rolls around I am a nice pasty white (for me) and it's pretty depressing.  I've tried tanning beds, which are horrible for you, and I'm strongly against spray tans because #cheeto.  So I had been on the hunt for a good self-tanner.  Alas, I did my research and found the NKD SKN brand.  They have several different kinds of self tanner, but I opted for the gradual tanning lotion.  I have to say I am super pleased with it!  It's easy to apply, goes on clear, and starts to show color within the first couple applications! My only advice would be to make sure you are super aware of the amount you put on your knees, elbows and hands.  If you put too much on your joints they'll start to get a little orange.  But I feel like all self-tanners have that issue, haha.  Overall, I give it five stars! Oh, and I also recommend using a mitt, just in case.  I got this one from ULTA!

Too Faced Le Grand Palais

My mom and I got this to share when it came out at Christmas time.  Needless to say, I've kind of hi-jacked it.  This kit has it all, but I want to focus on the pallet and the mascara.  I am obsessed with this pallet because it has everything.  Sparkly shadows, matte shadows, and the perfect base and highlight colors!  It also has a bronzer, highligher, and two blush colors that are all seriously to die for.  Honestly, I didn't expect my favorite thing about this pallet to be the highlighter, but I now use it every day.  It gives my cheek bones that perfect pop! Also, all the colors are great and the shadows have the perfect amount of pigment to really blend for a nice smoky look! I could go on about it for days, but instead I'll move on to the mascara.

Better Than Sex Mascara.  I'd been told of the magic that is this mascara, but was  always afraid to drop the dollars without getting to try it first.  So when I got a full size tube in the kit, I was super excited to take it for a spin! Let me tell you, this is probably the best mascara I've ever tried.  I absolutely love it.  Talk about big lashes, mine look like huge falsies when I wear this mascara!  I can't even explain the sheer greatness of it.  Like, I'll just wear this mascara with no shadow and no liner and look fab.  

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

I really like this foundation!  I don't typically wear foundation unless I'm planning on doing a full face of makeup for some special reason.  But what I like about the Naked Skin Foundation is the lightweight feel with a good amount of coverage.  I'd say it gives a medium coverage, but you really don't feel like you're wearing anything! Awesome for every day!

Nao Bay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer

I got this originally as a sample in one of my Birchboxes and fell in love! I'd been in need of a new face moisturizer, so I splurged and bought the full sized bottle.  I love it because it smells ah-mazing, feels great on my skin and works great under makeup!  Plus it's organic! And, how cute is the packaging?!

Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark & Deep Brown

As you know, I am an avid dry shampoo user and connoisseur.  I'd heard a lot of good things about Batiste and had been wanting to try it, but it was my friend's recommendation that made me go and try it for myself!  I chose to try the dark & deep brown version, since I'm always worried I'm going to miss a spot and have a streak of grey hair left over!  I really like this dry shampoo!  It doesn't have that powder smell (that I hate) and is a lot closer to the color of my hair.  It also does a great job getting rid of the unwanted greasy roots and give me a little extra volume!

ULTA Dual Action Cleansing System

I'd seen a lot about different facial brushes and really wanted to try one.  Again, was not about dropping $50+ on something I knew nothing about.  So I went on the hunt for one that was more reasonable.  The ULTA brand system works great!  I love using it to exfoliate and whenever I feel like I need a deeper clean.  It's also helped a lot with clearing up my blackheads. It's super easy to use and comes with two heads: a brush and a sponge for moisturizing.  I've yet to try the latter, so I'll have to update on that one later!  Overall, it was absolutely worth the $25.  Now, I will say this provides a pretty gentle cleanse, so if you're looking for something a little more intense or that has more features then you might want to splurge a little. But if you just want something for every day use, this one is the bee's knees! 

HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection

I was lucky enough to be chosen to review the HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection!  The set arrived in a cute little drawstring bag that really made me smile! In the bag were four pieces: the Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner, Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner, and the Argan Oil Shine Treatment.

I first started off using the shampoo and conditioner for a few days.  I honestly couldn't believe how great my hair looked!  After just a couple of uses, my hair was super smooth, shiny, soft and my waves were very defined and not frizzy! Overall it felt and looked super healthy, even though I know for a fact at that time it was not.  It also smells fantastic, like oranges and happiness.  That's the only way I can think to describe it, haha!

The only thing I found odd was that it seemed to brighten my hair.  Normally I would be all for that, but since my hair was dyed blonde at the time, I was worried it would lighten it too much.  I actually decided that I was now Princess Anna of Arendelle because I had one piece that was almost white, lol.  But I decided it was worth it for the awesome effect of the set. However, after getting a darker dye job, I'd been hesitant to start using it again for fear of it stripping my color.

I'd like to note that I did NOT use any additional products in my hair.  It is au natural!

After deciding to try the set again, I'm happy I did.  I used the shampoo, conditioner, and the deep conditioner in the shower.  I also used the oil in my hair after being towel dried and let my hair completely dry over night, as I usually do.

I will say in using the additional products, my hair came out even more amazing!  It was super shiny, barely any frizz (can't ask for none when I'm sleeping on it lol), and my waves were even more defined than before!  And even though I'm pretty sure it wound up lightening my bit of blonde still in my hair, I would continue to use this only every once in a while when my hair needs some refreshing!

Overall, this is a great collection of products that I would 100% recommend!  I love the way it works, and how it makes my hair look, feel, and smell!  Also, I appreciate that it is free of all sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors.  It's easy to use with clear directions on the packaging and is fantastic for when your hair really needs a boost!  As I said, I'd plan to use this only when I feel like my hair needs repairing, just to make sure my color doesn't fade.  But if your hair is not color treated, use it as often as you like!  It's a great product that will become an integral part of my hair care routine!  Much thanks to HASK and BrandBacker for allowing me to try it out!!

Follow the link for more information on the HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection, or check out HASK's other hair care collections, on their main website HERE!

XO, Briana

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KISS InstaWave Curling Iron: Review & Tutorial

Hey all! It's that time again, where everyone is starting to get into the holiday spirit!  Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years etc!  I know I'm starting a little early this year on the Christmas train.  I've already started shopping and planning my outfits (#fashionbloggerprobz)  Any who, with outfits come hair and makeup. And I've found the perfect tool for all of those party hair styles!

Introducing the KISS InstaWave curling iron!  This tool is pretty awesome if you ask me.  It's a super easy way to get beautiful waves and curls with only about half the effort of a regular curling iron or wand.  I don't know about you, but I have a LOT of hair and my arms get pretty tired after curling my entire head.  But with the InstaWave, I found it's automatic capabilities to make the job wayyy less daunting.

Here's how it works:

After prepping your hair for heat styling, pull out the piece of hair you wish to curl.  I found that sections at about 1 inch worked best with the iron.

Next, place your hair on the iron.  There are spokes around the edges where you can slide the piece in.

Then, let the iron do its thing!  Use the curl dial to choose which way you'd like to curl your hair.  I found with my long hair that it worked best twirling away from your head.  Just make sure you're careful that you don't start too close to your head.  You don't want the iron to catch on other pieces of hair and pull toward your head.  With some practice, I think I pretty much mastered avoiding this.

Last, hold the iron with your hair on it for the desired length of time.  Like any other iron, the longer your hold it there, the tighter the curl. When you're satisfied, just pull the iron down to release.

And viola! Easy, awesome curls!  There's a lot you can do with this iron too which is one of the reasons I like it so much!  When curling my top/short layers, I was able to use the iron at different angles and it still worked great! Plus, you can change the temperature to further customize your curling experience.

Here's the specs:

• KISS InstaWave is completely automatic and tangle free
• Curl dial features left and right options
• Iron has low and high heat settings
• Highest temperature is 420 degrees
• Iron shuts off automatically in 90 minutes

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this curling iron!  It's really great and so easy to use.  It also made the process quicker for me.  Plus, it was actually really fun to use!  Much thanks to KISS and BrandBacker for sending it to me to try out!  More than stoked to have it in my collection.  For more information, check out the KISS InstaWave website, or try the iron out for yourself!  It's available at Ulta, Target, and Amazon.com!

XO, Briana

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Beach Essentials

As the last month of summer begins, us beach babies flock to the motherland to squeeze as many sun-soaked days in as we can before the leaves start to fall!  So, a cute beach bag full of essentials is first on my packing list!  Here is a compilation of some of my favorite beach essentials!

1. The Cute Bag

Any fashionista knows that you can't be caught anywhere without an adorable bag!  Not even the beach.  So if you haven't got your adorable beach bag already, you better go snag one before they're all gone!  I got this Lilly Pulitzer You Gotta Regatta beach bag way back when there was still snow on the ground!  I absolutely love it, not only because it is in my favorite Lilly print, but also because it's big enough to hold all of my loads of things!  It's also plastic, so the sand rolls right off! Since I got this bag so long ago, it's no longer available on the Lilly Pulitzer site. However, here is the link to the same style bag if you really like it!

2. Beach Seating

Some use a chair, some use a towel, and then there's me.  I use this awesome beach mat by Tommy Hilfiger. Another thing that I've owned for quite some time.  This mat is comfortable with a built in pillow and super convenient because it rolls up and has a handle!  Bonus: it's adorable.  Pink and green palm trees can do no wrong! Here is a link to a similar mat, but I've seen them around at places like Walmart and Target.  I have also seen these Tommy Hilfiger ones up for bid on eBay!

3. Sunscreen!!!

SPF is sooo important when you are at the beach!  I'm sure you've seen countless articles on the importance of sunscreen and that you have to reapply constantly, so I won't lecture you.  What I will tell you is that this Sun Bum sunscreen in SPF 30 is to bomb diggity (am I showing my age yet?).  As a mixed chick, my skin likes to be difficult; sometimes it's Puerto Rican and tans instantly.  Other times it's German and burns instantly.  So finding the right sunscreen to balance those out is essential.  I've tried just about everything.  After coming to the conclusion that I couldn't follow in my father's footsteps and use SPF 3 (jerk.), I settled on about a 30.  That seemed to be enough to protect my skin, but still let me tan!  Then I found Sun Bum.  I'm not going to lie, I bought it because it was cute.  But the slightly hefty price tag was totally worth it!  I have been using it, sparingly, all summer and I absolutely love it.  It smells delicious, and I've burnt ONE TIME. ONE! And that was my "first real sun of summer burn." So it's definitely worth a try!  And the company also makes companion products, like lip balm and a face stick!

4. Lip Protection

And that brings me to my next item!  Lip protection!  People often forget that your sensitive lips need protection from the sun as well!  So make sure you bring a lip balm or chapstick with SPF to protect your lips from those harmful UV rays!  My favorite of the moment is Baby Lips by Maybelline.  I'm in love with all of these lip balms, but make sure you grab the one with SPF when you're headed outside!  Also, if you like a little more punch, top it off with a neutral lip gloss!  I'm in love with Beach Party by Philosophy!  It gives me just a little bit of shimmer, isn't goopy or sticky, and it's rightfully named!

5.  A Good Read

Whether you enjoy a good sci-fi novel or a fashion magazine, don't forget to bring something with you to read!  There's nothing like cracking open this months issue of Glamour with a backdrop of waves and sand! (Can you tell I'm dreaming of the beach?  I live 10 minutes away and the weather has been awful!!) Pro tip: Don't expect to see your iPad, Nook, or Kindle out in the open sun.  Believe me, I've tried and you can't see squat.  The only one you might be able to use is the ones that are "paper white"

6.  Perfect Beach Waves

Everyone is going gaga for beach waves, and I am guilty.  Personally, I enjoy just throwing my hair in a bun and dunking my head in the ocean. Let dry and take out of the bun and viola!  However, my hair already has somewhat of a natural beach wave texture (told you I was a mermaid) so for those of you who don't I have a handy dandy tool for you.  My favorite beach spray that I've tried is Not Your Mother's Beach Babe spray!  I've been using it for a couple of years and I love it.  It really works and is super affordable! You can use it on wet or dry hair, and it always looks like you just stepped out of the ocean! Use it if you want to feel like Ariel!

7. Cheap-o Sunnies

One thing I will never ever understand is people bringing their super expensive sunglasses to the beach.  One, your chances of losing them multiply by at least 100, two, you will get sand on them and they will get wet. Why tempt fate by even bringing them?  I always bring a cheap pair that are still cute but that I won't have an emotional breakdown if they get messed up.  I honestly don't even remember where I bought the ones in the picture, but I usually get them on sale at places like Charlotte Russe or Forever 21.  They'd probably only last you a couple weeks anyway so who cares?  These are super cute ones from F21 and they cost a little more than $5. #STEAL.

8.  Electronic Companions

What are the two worst things that can happen to your phone at the beach...within reason.  It gets wet/sandy or the battery dies.  Well, I have two solutions for you.  First is the waterproof pouch.  You just stick your phone inside, lock the top and you're golden!  Now, I wouldn't recommend taking it in the ocean with you, but if someone splashes you or you drop it in the sand, your phone is safe. (phew!).  Some of them, like mine, come with a lanyard for extra paranoid protection services!  Next is the solar charger.  If you get a decent one that doesn't quit working after a few uses (lammeee.) then this is a great concept.  Especially when you are directly in sunlight.  Just plug your phone cord (or any other USB electronic cord) into the charger and then plug it in to your phone!  Presto, chango, your phone is now charging!  Now keep in mind, this works like other solar powered things: you have to let it suck up some sun first.  Don't expect it to work if you've had it out for ten minutes.  I assure you it won't.  But this is great if you plan on being at the beach all day.

9. Lots of Hydration!

Whenever you plan on being in the sun for a long period of time, make sure you bring lots of fluids to keep you hydrated!  Obviously, water is the best, but I'm difficult and don't particularly enjoy water.  So the next best thing is tea!  Even though some of them are high in sugar (calm down, you're on vacation.) they are delicious and made mostly of water anyway.  The one I have here is a Marley's Mellow Mood Tea.  I believe the flavor was the black tea with peach raspberry passion fruit, but I do remember for sure that it was delicious and very thirst quenching. I got mine at Lowe's supermarket, but you can probably get it at Walmart or other grocery stores. Also, don't forget to bring a koozie to keep that precious drink cold!! Nothing worse than hot tea or water or anything for that matter when you're already baking in the sun!  Koozies keep those puppies cold for longer so you don't have to chug! I mean, how cute are these monogrammed ones from Haymarket Designs??

10.  After Sun Protection

Whether you burn or not, it's essential that you moisturize after prolonged sun exposure.  When you burn, you're more likely to put on aloe or something to sooth the burn.  But don't overlook it when it comes to getting a tan!  Being in the sun all day strips you skin of moisture, so after you get a shower make sure you use something to replenish that essential moisture.  The leathery look is so not cool.  My favorite thing to use is the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion.  Not only does it give you tons of moisture, but it also locks in your tan!  Plus it also smells really, really good.  (Can you tell I like to smell really good? Because I do.)

So those are my top ten (respectively) beach essentials! I'm sure I could go on forever with things I didn't mention (like headphones, but duh right?), but these are the ones that made the cut!  What are the things you can't leave for the beach without?  What's your favorite sunscreen or lip protection?  Have you tried any of these things?  I want to know your opinions and suggestions! Don't be shy, leave me a comment!!

XO, Briana

*I have not been compensated to market any of these products.  These are my personal opinions.

**All photos linked to their source as well as where they can be purchased, unless otherwise noted.