Lipstick Powder N Paint

Admit it: there’s something about hazy summer days that tempts you to take a holiday from your typically healthy lifestyle and your better judgement – lazy sunscreen application, sleepless nights, unsafe summer flings, too much charcoaled red meat and innumerable goblets of sangria at backyard BBQs. Smarten up summer sweetheart: the days are longer and there’s more than enough time to make the conscious, clever choices that won’t leave you filled with regret come fall.

1. Slap it on
Applying – and reapplying – sunscreen should be second nature, whether you’re on your way to the beach, the office or a patio brunch with friends. With so many formulas – lotion, spray, foam – and choices – makeup, lip balm and even hair products – there’s no excuse not to cover every inch, from head to perfectly manicured toe.

2. Sleep in
Just because the sun is setting later, it doesn’t mean you have to tack those extra hours onto the back end of your night (or morning) out. Inadequate sleep can wreak havoc on your body and mind – you’ll have trouble focusing, your muscles will fatigue faster, cravings go up while metabolism slows down, putting you at risk for weight gain, plus your mood takes a nosedive (without serious caffeine therapy). Be sure to carve out time for relaxing and not just sleeping, cut weeknight cocktails short and, if all else fails, there’s nothing like a deep snooze in the shade.

3. Eat fresh
Balance those patio nachos and sticky BBQ’d ribs with some fresh foods. Summer is the season for flavourful eating – the tables are your local farmers’ markets are positively groaning with juicy berries, massive peaches, purple carrots, orange cauliflower, fragrant herbs and creamy artisanal cheeses. Hop on your bike, shop the market and pack the perfect picnic.

4. Drink up
Ward off the all too common sunny day headache with a tall drink of water. Staying properly hydrated will keep your energy levels steady, your skin dewy and your cravings under control – often we think we’re hungry when we’re really just in need of a drink. And speaking of drinks, keep in mind that alcohol is just as dehydrating as the sun – chase every mojito with a glass or two of sparkling water with fresh mint and lime.

5. Play it safe
Ah, summer lovin’ – it’s definitely sweet. But it’s important to also make sure its safe. If you fear that protection is the enemy of spontaneity, make a game of it: this summer, try all of the crazy and cool condoms at your local sex shop, a la Samantha Jones, and you’ll always have a little gift-wrapped surprise waiting for you (and him).