Summer is a time of the year when I have to spend a little extra time grooming myself. Between waxing, tanning lotions and dry hair desperately in need of deep conditioning, it’s a good thing the girls are not in school or I’d never get them to class on time.

Some of my favorites:

This Japanese conditioner. A splurge, yes. But this is an honest a-little-bit-goes-a-long-way product. And it will soften even the most coarse, dry and kinky hair. Such as mine.

And since I”m all about my naturally wavy hair in the summer, I love Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray.

This French-produced avocado body oil. I slather it on everyone in the family – especially after a day in the sun. I’ve also put it on the ends of my hair when it’s dry, to soften and add shine. And I also keep a bottle of the line’s aloe on hand, too. It’s great for when you’ve had just a little too much sun. And it also doubles as a post-shave (man or woman) treatment.

And after I shower, I always use the Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning moisturizer on my legs. The color is natural, not streaky, and I don’t care what anyone says. We all look better – healthier – with just a hint of sun-kissed color. Why not get it the safe way? From a tube?

I have really oily skin, so I have to skip bronzer. On my skin? It just looks dirty. And although I do slather on the SPF, I have skin that quickly gets brown, anyway. But I love the look of pink cheeks. You know, like you just came in from a long hike? And you’re all rosy? My favorite healthy mountain girl look. Nars has a cream blush called Cactus Flower that I”m addicted to. In fact, I wear it all year long. It warms up my sallow skin in the winter and adds a pop of fresh color to my darker summer skin. Don’t be shocked by the ridiculously bright shade, either, when you first open the compact. This is another a-little-goes-a-very-long-way product. Just dab it on the high apples of your cheeks and you’ll instantly look fresher. Younger. Definitely healthier.

For my lips, I like a little bit of color, but I am not a lipstick or lipgloss girl. I’m all about the tinted balms, and with SPF I’m really going to get onboard. Which is why I’m particularly fond of Fresh’s new tinted balm in the plum color. You can put it on without a mirror, it prevents and treats chapped lips, and it doesn’t contain any funky ingredients. Don’t be scared off by the rich and thick color in the tube. It goes on sheer and shiny, your lips only better.

And to extend the life of my regular summer pedicures, I ‘paint’ this Borghese oil on my toes each morning, before I step out the door. I swear, I don’t get a single smudge or crack in my polish for weeks. Even with all the running in the mornings, the girls and dogs tripping all over my bare feet the remainder of the day.

And I wax myself. Head to toe. I find it to be the most horrendous experience, going to a professional to have this done. So I’ve tried everything out there, every product, and the Nad’s is by far my favorite. I wouldn’t be without it. In fact, our Rite-Aid was out of it recently, and I am not kidding you, I had a mini-meltdown right there, in the store. And follow up with Tend Skin. Don’t skip it!