3 Books to Read This Summer

Summer is one of my favorites seasons to read. I have more time to do it and I really enjoy to go out to a park in the city, to a beautiful beach or to the countryside and immerse myself in a fascinating story that completely captivates me. For my upcoming vacations that will be in August, this are the three books that I picked.

Into The Water by Paula Hawkins

I loved her first thriller The Girl on The Train. I remember to cross at the zebra crossings without paying attention and reading the book, because I couldn't take my eyes off the pages. The way she writes is addictive: the mystery, the characters, the way every detail is described...I expect of this book to be a rejoice of propulsive writing as her first novel was.

The story of this book takes place in a small-town. A mother is discovered dead at the bottom of the river. Now, her sister Jules has to take care of the teenage girl she has left behind. Jules is afraid to return to this place she taught she had escaped for good, the old Mill House. She is also afraid of the water, her past memories and a place they call the Drowning Pool...

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

The way Elizabeth Gilbert writes is very colloquial, she has an endearing prose, like you are talking to your best friend. I had a great time going throw all the pages of Eat, Pray, Love, a story based on her personal life. Each line, paragraph, made me think that Elizabeth Gilbert is a very likable writer as she narrates with intelligence, sense of humor and talent. This book is like a gift for all her devotees, as she shares her personal advice on how to improve your creative side. Based on her own experiences and her entourage, she will prove the power of ideas in life and how to avoid the fear when trying to be creative. I can't wait to read this book, because I desperately need some tips and tricks on following my dreams with my feet firmly on the ground.

The Girls by Emma Cline

I'm very interested in reading this book. Inspired by the Manson Family commune that arose in California in the late 60s, this is a story that explores the anxieties of teen girls and the dark side of craving acceptance. Evie Boyd, a lonely teen girl meets a group of girls that she idealizes by their freedom, careless dress and dangerous aura of abandon. She will be drowned in a cult move that will turn to unthinkable violence.
 This is the debut novel of Emma Cline, a feminist, melancholic, and I also hope, compelling narrative.

Face Mists and Setting Sprays

The heat is hitting hard these days and there is nothing more pleasant than spraying a good product on your face to feel fresh and superb, it is so nice to feel the tiny drops of mist on your face...I find it very soothing and relaxing. Some of them add radiance and blend, in a perfect way, your makeup making all come together and avoiding the dreaded cakey finish. These are one of my favourites.

Pai Skincare Lotus and Orange Blossom BioAffinity Skin Tonic

This vitamin rich formula hydrates and revitalises dry skin, I use it during my skincare routine as a toner, but it is not drying at all because this mist doesn't contain alcohols or synthetic ingredients. If you have very sensitive skin, this was made for you. Created to match exactly the ph of healthy skin, it instantly calms the redness on your face. Its cocktail of ingredients: vitamins, minerals and amino acids extracted from plants help to protect the skin against free-radical damage (Lotus Root Living Water) and stimulate skin cell regeneration (Neroli).  The result, a toned and brightened complexion. It can be used as a toner after cleaning your face to facilitate the absorption of further skincare treatments, to set your makeup or throughout the day.

Avène Eau Thermale

One summer day when I was nearly 16 and unconscious, I had a terrible sunburnt that hurt as hell. I was red and suffering in one of my friend's house and she brought me into her mum's bathroom to see if we could find something for me. I instinctively took the Avène Eau Thermale Spray. I thought that it would be nice to have something fresh to calm my skin. It was incredible, my skin immediately felt much better. Today my love for this miracle mist hasn't faded and I like to use it after a harsh peeling, sunburn, hair removal, shaving... I have also heard that it is great after surgery, if your skin feels like shit after a chemo and even for the common diaper rash on baby's skin. It is useful when your skin is very irritated and for any occasion like refreshing yourself during a heatwave, a trip or following exercise. This is a must-have!

Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist

This product is instant glow in a bottle. A beautiful spray that is the most moisturizing and anti-aging of my collection. This magic mist will transform a dull complexion in a gorgeous Goddess-like skin. A milky emulsion that is full of humectants and moisturizers to rehydrate the skin, perfect for dry and combination skin types. Its blend of ingredients include Squalene (from Olive Oil), Red Algae and an exclusive anti-aging complex called HADASEI-3™.I love to use this as the last step of my makeup, to have a glorious luminous finish that will draw the attention. If you want a fresh, dewy and youthful skin, this product will not disappoint you. As it is very humectant, it's a great idea to put in inside your handbag during long distance airplane travels. Flying at high altitudes can steal your glow as the blood flow less to the skin. Also the dryness of the processed air, 20% of humidity, can seriously dry out your skin.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist

Vitamin E, also known as Tocopherol is a nutrient and a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals protecting the skin against environmental pollution. It is a classic ingredient used for many years in skincare products that has amazing properties: protection against UV radiation, moisturizer, prevent premature aging and wound healing. When combined with other antioxidants like vitamin C the beneficial effects on the skin increase. This face mist is also enriched with rosewater and wheat germ oil to create the perfect pick-me up combo, an instant hydratation booster that also does wonders, not only on its own, as a skincare product, but also as a final touch after you have done your makeup. It blends everything evenly revealing a fresh, moisturized and dewy skin. 

Bioderma Hidrabio  Eau de Soin Moisturizing Anti-UV Mist SPF 30

There are no excuses for forgetting the fundamental step of applying SPF on a daily basis. This face mist can be sprayed wherever you are without having the need to touch your face. A perfect companion during summertime to renew the SPF application throughout the day. I love to use this mist the days when I'm not wearing makeup, as it leaves a tiny bit almost unnoticeable, white residue of sunscreen after doing your makeup. When you are outdoors and the sun is shining this is your skin's best friend. I use it when I'm doing any kind of sport outside, sunbathing, trekking, having a picnic or enjoying a sunny day sitting on a terrace. This stuff will be ideal for people who hate or are lazy to massage a cream with SPF. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

This one was made for party girls and to prevent meltdowns of makeup during the summer season. If you have an event, live in a humid climate or you just want to keep your makeup in place for more than 14 hours (working/busy gals), this refreshing mist is all that you need. It's like a protective shield for your makeup, I don't use it every single day, but only when I do a full face dramatic or glamorous makeup. It holds all the pigments of your together. In fact, if you spray a tiny bit on a eye shadow brush it will make the colours last longer and the pigments will be more intense on the eyelids. As it contains alcohol, it is maybe not suitable for very sensitive or dry skin types. It has a Temperature Control Technology that changes to keep your makeup in place whatever the external conditions are (hot, humid, cold and windy). My verdict: the perfect ally during summertime that will avoid your makeup to crease and fade.