I'm packing for Santorini, Greece (YAY!) and thought I'd share with you my summer vacation essential cosmetics list and vacation beauty advise. Rule #1 - keep your makeup natural and your routine simple.

Opt for a natural glow with Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder and Bobbi Brown Blush and Highlighter Cheek Palette - shades of coral brighten your face and accentuate your bronzed skin. Buxom Mascara in black will make your lashes thicker, longer and give you a naturally enhanced look. I'm a lipstick girl, so it's no surprise I have four lip products in my cosmetic bag - Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme for the ultimate pouty lip, YSL Tint-in-Oil lip gloss to nourish my lips, Dior Addict Lip Glow in coral for the perfect summer shade and Bite Beauty BB for lips to hydrate, prime and protect my lips from sun damage.

Where there are tropical temperatures there is usually humidity which = frizzy, unmanageable hair! Don't fuss over a perfect hairstyle and opt for wavy 'I'm on vacation and I don't care' hair. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder is a light dry shampoo with a fresh scent (oh and gives great volume when applied to roots). For texture and light hold in your waves use Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finish.

Protecting your body from sun damage is of the utmost importance. I use Tizo3 sunscreen on my face (day and night, cause it's a great tinted primer), Skin Ceuticals Epidermal Repair for much needed moisturizing after the sun - this cream is used to repair skin after facial procedures and works great on sunburns. After a long day in the sun, the fresh scent of Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (reminds me of blueberries) will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated - this cleanser removes makeup and oil while gently exfoliating your skin. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is effective and refreshing.

Many people comment on my eyelashes - I have been asked what falsies I was wearing more than once.. None, they're real! A quick application of LASHFOOD before bed and my lashes are thicker, longer and healthy. They appear hydrated and silky, my mascara goes on nicely, I never have to curl my lashes and they look smooth. I know - healthy lashes?! You can't go wrong adding nutrition to your lashes or any other part of your body, whether it's inside or out. LASHFOOD is comprised of organic medicinal herbs and there are no harsh side effects. I tried Latisse many years ago and my eyelids turned dark purple - I'm happy the permanent eyeshadow faded over time and caution anyone considering this lash growth method. LASHFOOD natural eyelash enhancer is Ecocert certified (meets standards for natural and organic cosmetics). I highly recommend this product.

You can purchase LASHFOOD at lashfood.com or sephora.com. 

Of course, I wash my under garments, socks and tops after each use, but I avoid washing sweaters and bottoms if I can to preserve their original color and state. There's nothing worse than washing your new jeans and finding they're covered in micro white pilling and faded. I was introduced to The Laundress Denim Wash by a salesperson at the denim company, 7 For All Mankind. Tried, tested and true, my new blue denim jeans came out looking almost perfect. Now I use Denim Wash on all of my heavy, dark fabrics to maintain their color.

When I find a brand that is this impressive, I usually buy their other products as well - and so, my collection of clothing care products is starting to look like my hair products shelf! Among the vast variety of detergents in The Laundress clothing care line, I currently use the Signature Detergent, Delicates Detergent, Sport Detergent, Wool and Cashmere Shampoo, Denim Wash (I luv this product), Stain Solution (miracle product), Ironing Water and Stiffen Up (natural starch). Each product has a unique fresh scent and successfully treats your clothes in the manner intended. I know it may seem ridiculous to purchase a different detergent for each fabric, but clothes are expensive and I want mine to look good after 15+ washes. I assure you these products will keep your clothes looking great for an extended period of time.

Purchase these and other Laundress products at thelaundress.com

Before I go on a rant about minding your midriff, let me be clear - most women have midriff concerns and it is normal to have a slight bump or swelling in your abdomen area. Only models (whom are usually in their twenties) have a flat stomach and they work hard for it. Those of us who don't obsess over our physic during the winter, might have some regrets come that first summer heat-wave. Even if you bust your ass tryna get fit for summer vacation, after the first salt-rimmed margarita and poolside burger - your bloated! So don't fret, just dress appropriately and do your best to mask your shortcomings with the right attire. Here are some bikini options for those of us trying to cover our midriff while keeping fashionable and cool in tropical temperatures. Moderate to high rise bottoms are your best friend this summer. Side ruching (gathering of material) creates a diversion and makes the area appear smaller. Prints conceal, while solid colors tend to show your figure for what it is. Horizontal stripes will make your bust look larger and your hips wider, in turn your belly will appear flatter. A pair of high-waisted shorts atop your bikini is a cute 'cover up'. It's all about playing with proportions, texture, prints and styles to find your perfect poolside attire.

Pictured here: Dolce & Gabbana Floral-Print Bustier Bikini Top and High-Waisted Briefs, Norma Kamali One-Shoulder Top and and Moderate-Rise Bottoms, She Made Me Crocheted Bikini Top and Shorts, Dolce & Gabbana Striped Bikini Top and Ruched Briefs. Visit NET-A-PORTER for these and many other high-waisted bikini styles.

LOOKBOOK.com is a worldwide online demonstration of street fashion, personal style and trends. Peruse the library of bloggers, artists, and fashionable posts for inspiration and fashion education. There are so many different fashion perspectives - someone will definitely showcase a similar style to yours (or a style you strive for). There is a large population on LOOKBOOK with exceptional fashion sense that will motivate you to expand your personal style and give you insight into trends and how to wear them.

LOOKBOOK is a fashion site where anyone can post their looks - just create an account and load your images. You can 'hype' looks you like and fan your favorite profiles. It's addictive!