I ❤ Summer TAG

When is a better time to do the "I ❤ Summer TAG" than while I'm actually on summer break? Summer in Taiwan is so humid, and even after living here for 5 years, I can't really say that I'm used to it. But, I still prefer it over winter time here, as I'd rather be too hot than too cold.

Okay, let's jump into the "I ❤ Summer TAG" questions, shall we?

1. Favorite bronzer for summer?

NARS Laguna bronzer (US$36)

More like "Favorite bronzer of ALL time". I love Laguna from NARS. I know this is a cult classic, and for good reason I believe. Even though I have quite fair skin, Laguna does not look too dark on me. It's very easy to blend and I use it throughout the year for contouring. I do tend to apply it a little more generously during the summer for a more  sun kissed look.

2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on? (Favorite summer drink)

I immediately thought of my trips to Thailand when I read the question. And my drink of choice while there seems to be Piña Coladas. Even when I have one in Taiwan, it's easy for me to close my eyes and imagine I'm back on one of those gorgeous beaches. I love pineapple and I love coconut; so put those two together and you have perfection.

3. Favorite summer lip product?

MAC Cremesheen Crosswires (US$15)

I seem to have different lip product obsessions every other week. This summer, I've been loving MAC's Cremesheen lipstick in the color Crosswires. It's a perfect pinkish-red and I wear it during the day and when I head out in the evening. 

4. Pool or Beach?

I love spending time at large bodies of water, so for me it's really hard to choose between the two. Since living in Taiwan, I haven't been to the beach that often, as it entails an hour and a half's train ride there and, being from a town that's about 15 minutes' drive from the coast, this just seems like FOREVER to me. So I tend to go to the pool more often. But that in itself is another story here in Taiwan. Locals tend to not be shy about staring at the blond foreigner, which makes me feel very uncomfortable. 

5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?

KERASTASE Elixir Ultime (US$45)

Oh geez, my hair goes insane here in Taiwan in the summer. Because of the humidity, it will frizz and get bigger by the second when I'm outside. To curb this effect, I apply Kerastase Elixir Ultime on damp hair after I've washed it. Somehow, it seals the hair and it can't absorb so much moisture from the air outside, which means my hair is way more manageable.

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?

I do a little bit of both. I have fair skin, which means I have to be very careful in the sun. I always wear sun protection on my face, but I must admit, I rarely do on the rest of my body unless I'm spending the day at the beach or pool. I do like sunbathing though, and feel great after some time in the sun. soaking up the rays and getting my Vitamin D fix. I really want to try the St. Tropez bronzing mousse. Does anyone recommend this product?

7. Favorite summer nail polish?

ESSIE Watermelon (US$8)

It changes every year, but I usually go for shades of red, orange or pink during the warmer months. I've been wearing ESSIE Watermelon a lot this year. It's a pretty dark pink, which looks almost red in certain light. It looks really cute on my toes, too. I've also been very into getting French gel manicures, as it lasts so long and looks very put together.

8. Any summer traditions?

Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee (US$11.84)

The Fiancé and I usually travel during the summer, which I guess is now our tradition. But my own personal tradition is reading. I love reading, but find myself going through a massive amount of books during the summer. Usually because I'm either lying on the beach, or by the pool, or on long-haul flights or relaxing on the couch at home. At the moment I'm reading Fiela's Child by South African author Dalene Matthee. I've read this book many times, but this is my first time reading it in English and I'm really enjoying it.

9. Favorite summer scent?

Left: Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey cologne (US$60)
Right: Jo Malone Osmanthus Blossom cologne

This year I've been loving Jo Malone Osmanthus Blossom and Nectarine Blossom and Honey colognes. AH-mazing!

10. Favorite BBQ food?

My favorite BBQ food is any BBQ food. Just kidding! My absolute favorite is my dad's grilled filet mignon.

11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?

RIMMEL Stay Matte pressed powder Translucent (US$6.58)

I'm not a huge fan of face powder, but it's a must in summer, especially with the high humidity in Taiwan. If I don't set my foundation with a powder, it will literally melt off my face within 10 minutes after walking out my front door. I like RIMMEL Stay Matte powder in Translucent.

12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans? Tell us about your dream summer trip!

The Fiancé and I usually travel during the summer and last year we took a 3-week trip to Italy, Spain, Monaco, France, Turkey, Greece and UAE. This year we went to Paris for a week. We'll be spending the rest of the summer in Taiwan.

Thanks for reading my answers! I tag everyone who feels like it, to do the

 "I ❤ Summer TAG".