Summer Style and Beauty Bible

Let our experts help you navigate the mystifying seas of summer's prettiest looks

From strategic pops of color to the clever application of go-to products, this summer's beauty and fashion essentials work wonders at keeping you looking cool and crisp when you're feeling everything but.

To give you a leg up in making sense of all the options, we've consulted with several experts who've honed in on their absolute must-wear products and trends and the resulting picks are sure to add just the right amount of sizzle to your summer style.

Ready to ride the wave of the season's hottest looks? Let's dive in to this pool of cool knowledge with our first awesome option …

1. WHITE JEANS

Summer may conjure visions of crisp white linen pants and skirts but since it's so unforgiving and wrinkle prone, denim is a much more practical option. "White jeans are a must this summer," says life and style expert Alejandro Peraza. "Whether they're a tight, skinny jean, a high-rise waist or a straight leg, white jeans are a snap to pair with any combination of pieces from your wardrobe. Choose a bright top, a man's Oxford or a casual tee and you're ready to go." Plus, you can easily transform the look from day to night just by switching from a flip-flop or ballet flat to a heel or wedge.

Tip: Disregard that old "no white after Labor Day" adage and incorporate white jeans into your yearlong wardrobe to brighten any ensemble and highlight your basics.

2. STATEMENT LIPS

Burgundy and black cherry lips may scream <i>winter</i> to the uninitiated but this summer they're all the rage. "These shades are beyond in," says makeup artist Sabrina Mae, "They're very dark but if you leave the rest of the face clean, they look stunning for summer." Dubious? Scarlett Johansson's beautiful burgundy lip look at the Tony awards should help assuage any fears you may have.

Tip: To avoid smudging or bleeding, Mae recommends using a matching lip pencil.

3. SHEER BLOUSES

"The sheer blouse has made a strong comeback," says Peraza. And, why not? They're lightweight and perfect for staying cool during the dog days of summer. "These blouses are also super-versatile and can be worn over anything from a tank to a tee to a bikini top," Peraza adds. Because they're diaphanous, sheer tops are a great way to inject some fun color, bold patterns or even tie-dye into your wardrobe.

4. ORANGE NAILS

Tangerine Tango was Pantone's color of the season for 2012 and, in summer 2013, the shade is still going gangbusters -- especially when it comes to finger and toenails. "Offbeat orange and retro mod brights straight out of the swinging '60s will be big," Jan Arnold, the founder of CND has predicted. And, why not? Orange is the perfect pop of color against white, black, and turquoise -- three of the season's hottest clothing shades, plus, it looks great with a tan. (Fake, of course.) 

Tip: The new de rigueur nail shape is long and filed to be super-thin but with a soft, curving tip, not pointy or sharp as we've seen over the last few seasons.

5. YELLOW HANDBAGS

As with orange nail polish, carrying a yellow handbag is a simple, yet impactful, way of infusing some summer fun into your look. "From canary to sunflower to a vivid neon, this illuminating color is the perfect summer accent," says Peraza, who adds that yellow bags are available in every material from wicker and straw to leather, satin and even faux jewels. Carry a clutch, or load up a tote for a day at the beach, this bright beacon will brighten up every outfit.

6. Beach-y Hair 

and Kate Hudson <i>is</i> attainable -- even if you live in a landlocked state. And, if you're partial to whipping up products in the comfort of your own kitchen (and saving some hard-earned green while you're at it,) try your hand at this super-easy sea spray.

You'll need:  

-       10 oz. of water (heat it so it helps to melt the other ingredients)

-       8 drops of essential oil (choose whatever you like. I love rose. But coconut sure smells beach-y and Tahitian flower or gardenia work wonderfully, too.)

-       2 squirts (or, if it's in a tub, teaspoons) of hair gel

-       3 teaspoons of rock salt (or, if you prefer, Epsom salts)

Pour the water into a spray bottle, then add the ingredients, shaking as you go.  Spritz onto damp hair (this is key! If you apply to wet or dry hair, the result will be too crunchy), gently tousle with your fingers and you'll have that "I just got off my sail boat, dahling" look anytime you want it.

7. HOOP EARRINGS

Along with any and everything neon, another 1980's trend is alive and kicking this summer season -- hoop earrings.  As demonstrated by several top designers at Fashion Week, including Balmain and Chanel,  with these modern hoops, you can go as big and as bold as you dare.  "Hoop earrings never really go completely off the fashion radar, but this season they're back in a big, big way," says jewelry designer Colleen Berg.

"In the 80's they were about new wave glitz and now the hoop stands for all out glamour. Plus, there's something about wearing an oversized hoop earring that puts a little extra strut in your step."  Bonus: because stores like Forever 21 offer up many options at utterly affordable price points, you can experiment with different sizes, colors and embellishments without breaking the bank.

Tip:  Don't have pierced ears? Lots of stores, including Claire's, offer up a variety of pierce less hoop options.

8.  PRIMER

How's a girl supposed to look cute and have everything stay in place when the mercury's on the rise with no sign of tapering off? The key, according to Mae, and practically every other expert out there, lies in applying primer to your face. "The perfect primer is your best bet for beating a shiny face and having your makeup stay put", Mae says. "Just smooth a small dollop onto your clean, lightly moisturized skin and it will form a barrier that absorbs oil and perspiration." From there, you can apply foundation, a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer without having to worry that it will melt off by mid-day.

9. MAXI DRESSES

Whether they're sinuous and drape-y or tight and curve-hugging, maxi dresses are as hot as it gets for summer 2013. (So hot that there's no shortage of D.I.Y. video tutorials to chose from.)

From graphic prints and florals to cutouts and stripes, these comfortable, flaw-concealing garments are available in an assortment of fabrics (cotton, chiffon, silk and even leather!), a variety of styles (strapless, tank, halter) and at all sorts of prices.  

10. BLUE EYESHADOW

When you think "blue eye shadow" do visions of Honey Boo-Boo Child  come to mind? If so, it's time to change your perception of the much-maligned shade and begin to embrace it as the totally modern and amazingly flattering color it is.

"Describing the gorgeous and colossal range of blues simply as "blue" is like calling the ocean big," says Jodi Bryson, makeup specialist for Trish McEvoy Cosmetics. "This season, several makeup lines are showing blues as 'aquatic' color profiles with shades ranging from electric to deep water to green-hinted turquoise, all in amazing shimmers and mattes."

As with any "look-at-me "shade, applying blue to your eyes takes some finesse. "When it comes to shadow," Bryson says, "you do not want to sweep the blue over your entire lid, that's a recipe for disaster. Rather, use the shadow to highlight a bronze, peach or gold crease color by creating a V shape in the outer corner of the eye with your brush."

You can also use your shadow as a liner. "Wet your brush with water and practice painting the pigment on the back of your other hand to gain control and confidence, then line from the outer to inner corner of your top lid."  Tip: If you have small eyes, only line about three quarters of the way towards the inner corner.

Tip: Because this look will be all about the eyes, keep the rest of your makeup palette neutral. "Add some bronzer to pop cheekbones," advises Bryson, "And, go with a clear gloss or barely-there pigmented gloss."