Summer Beauty on a Budget

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"Just let your hair go. Be natural. Summer should be effortless."

— Tracey Cunningham, Hairstylist to Hollywood stars at Byron and Tracey salon, Beverly Hills.

Bronzed Skin

Michelle Keck, makeup artist on ABC's hit show "Private Practice" loves using drugstore self-tanning products to create a summery glow.

"There are several drugstore self-tanners that do a nice job achieving a bronzed look," Keck said. "Self-tanning lotions have really improved lately as they dry much quicker and blend better than in years past. Look for products that offer streak-free application and quick-drying formulas. There's even a product that is a daily moisturizer that gradually creates natural-looking color and comes in different skin tones."

The gradual-tanning body moisturizer option is great for those who are nervous about evenly applying self-tanner, as the color intensifies so gradually that any mistakes are virtually unnoticeable.

"Spray tanning applied by an individual instead of a machine gives the best natural all-over bronze look," Keck said.

However, most recessionistas are cutting back on expenses and doing the job themselves. There are drug store products that are very similar to the professional spray-on variety too. Look for a 'airbrush' type of spray to achieve a very similar effect, which can last up to 14 days.

Remember, before you apply, exfoliation is a must.

"Buffing the ankles, wrists, knees and elbows where self tanner tends to grab after tanning will help keep an even look," Keck said. "If an area is particularly dry, I will sometimes use a sheer moisturizer, lightly applied, before self-tanning."

Keck said she loves bronzers in both liquid and powder form.

"I love pressed powder bronzers," she said. "You can control the application and can use it on the face and body. One of my favorites is a liquid bronzer to mix daily with liquid foundation. The results are a beautiful, evenly reflective bronze glow."

Protected Skin

Sunscreen is, of course, an essential ingredient in your summer beauty routine. No matter how glowing and lovely you want to appear, your skin will thank you if you protect it. It's best to create the glow with products rather than by burning or tanning your skin and aging it prematurely.

Keck suggests investing in a hypoallergenic daily sunscreen and, if possible, some sunscreen wipes to throw in your bag in case you get caught out in the sun unexpectedly and need a touch up. Choose at least an SPF 15 formula, preferably 30-plus.

Some people find that sunscreen causes breakouts, but this can be avoided by choosing a non-irritating, oil-free formula that won't clog pores.

"I want nongreasy, sheer qualities in a sunscreen and moisturizer," Keck said. "Choose oil-free if you have naturally oily skin."

Make It Up

Another fun way to make your skin glow is to use highlighters.

"I love adding liquid highlighting products to foundation for an all-over glow," Keck said. "Or even just mixing it in the cream blush to add pop and accent the cheekbones [works]. A little goes a long way, so I'd like to caution the consumer to be aware of not overdoing it."

Once you've achieved your summery glow, you also need to adjust your usual makeup to compensate.

"Summer makeup is all about natural hues to accent and show off your bronzy glow," Keck said. "A quick swipe of a slightly shimmery, neutral shadow over the lid looks good on most people. Put the accent on the lashes next. Use a thickening mascara or even false individual lashes."

If you want that fresh, just got back from the beach look, make sure you apply lighter colors in key areas. "Gel or creme blush in a peachy pink tone can give skin a dewy, youthful punch of color," Keck said. "A light gloss or balm in a color close to your natural lip tone will complement your glow."

Beachy Hair

Tracey Cunningham is one of Hollywood's hottest hair stylists and colorists. She works on everyone from Kate Beckinsale, to Jessica Biel at her salon Byron and Tracey in Beverly Hills.

She suggests letting your hair go au naturel during summer, since heat styling -- blow-outs, curling irons and flatirons -- take more of a toll than ever on sun-stressed hair.

"Just let your hair go. Be natural. Summer should be effortless. Also, in humidity there's really no point in even trying to style or straighten your hair," explained Cunningham. Using less product and styling will decrease damage, increasing shine and hair strength.

"The other day my assistant came in -- and she always blows her hair out," Cunningham said. "But this time she hadn't had time to do it. She put some oil on the ends of her hair and it just made it beautiful. Her dry ends were moisturized, and her hair did want it wanted to do naturally, which was wave and curl."

To achieve that beach-babe hair, Cunningham says less is more. Let your hair air-dry, and don't overwork it.

"I like sea spray products," Cunningham says. "Most people have a wave in their hair and it's best to let it show in summer."

Also Cunningham suggests putting a little creamy leave-in conditioning product in your hair or even some light-textured oil. But, she considers coconut oil to be too heavy for most people's hair. "It weighs it down too much," she says.

What about using that age-old sun-lightener lemon juice for a little highlighting?

"There's no control over it," Cunningham said. "You're using something that's forcing nature with no control. If you want to do that, it's better to let the sun lighten gently on its own."

If you've invested in highlights at the salon, they can go brassy and orange in the sun and green-tinged by chlorine in pools. Preserve your color by covering your hair in conditioner, braiding it and wearing a hat.

However, if it's too late and your pretty highlights are more tangerine than caramel, Cunningham suggests trying a lavender or platinum-tinted shampoo to rebalance your color and to cool the orange tones.

Of course, conditioning is a must.

"I think people should condition every day," Cunningham said. "I don't know why they wouldn't."

If you don't like to shampoo your hair every day, simply wet your hair, condition and rinse. Your hair will be refreshed and silky.

The key to achieving the hottest summery look is casual ease. Don't try too hard. This look is all about appearing "undone" and relaxed. The beauty of it is you can be ready to leave the house in a lot less time than usual.

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