Tia Williams’ Top 5 Spring/Summer Beauty Must-Haves

I know it may not feel like it yet, but the warmer weather months are just around the corner, ladies! As I imagine myself galavanting around New York City in bright and flowy dresses with sexy sandals and beach-ready hair, it dawns on me that I need to get my beauty act together. We all know that as the heat and humidity rises, our hair and skin reacts, and practically begs for a change in our beauty routines. Well, lucky for you (and me), one of my girls just so happens to be one of the top beauty experts in the game. She really needs no introduction, but just in case you’re unfamiliar, I proudly introduce you to author, Shake Your Beauty creator, former beauty editrix and freelance writer extraordinaire, Tia Williams:

Take notes as the always lovely Tia reveals her top 5 spring/summer ’14 beauty must-haves:

1. Kerastase Touche Perfection Replenishing Balm for Dry Ends

Last summer, I got blonde highlights. You really can’t tell my hair she’s not attached to Bey’s head . Fine, but then I went to Jamaica — with Ms. Renae, herself — and literally laid in the sun for hours, too cute to worry about the fact that my bleach was baking. Enter split ends and horrible dryness. So now, after I condition, I smooth just a bit of this repairing cream over my ends and super-highlighty areas. A must as hot weather approaches!

2. NYX Dream Catcher Palette in Golden Horizons

The tones in this eyeshadow palette — ten shades in twinkly golds, bronzes, coppers, and pinks — are not only gorgeous for brown skin, they’re multi-tasking. Apply with an applicator or brush for a subtle look or, for a high-drama moment, dip an eensy brush in water and trace the hue along your lashline.

3. Laura Gellar Define & Tame Brow Defining Gel

I just got my brows tinted for the first time, and I’m obsessed. Sadly, I have to wait a month for another tinting — but in the meantime, I’m keeping my arches in shape with this easy-to-use, totally clear gel brush. So pretty for a low-maintenance summer look.

4. Couvent Des Minimes Loving Care Body Balm

The backstory is weirdly fabulous (the recipes for this all-natural body care line were whipped up by 17th Century French “botanical monks”) — and the gardenia-scented cream is even better. The winter wreaks havoc on me and my daughter’s skin, but this stuff repairs our dry spots and flakes with a rich, calendula-and-mallow-infused formula. I wouldn’t dream of rocking a mini without it.

5. Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Color Gloss in Flamingo Crush

This lipgloss is my new obsession. I yearn to wear it all the time, even on playdates. Despite looking like a fierce fuchsia in the packaging, it’s actually a very wearable, sheer poppy pink. Absolutely lovely with two coats of mascara and cream blush.

If this dose of Tia’s beauty prowess has you craving more I encourage you to swing by www.shakeyourbeauty.com and by all means, follow her on Instagram and Twitter immediately (@shakeyourbeauty)!