Island Chic Beauty Necessities & Polo Perfume Giveaway

I'm off to the Dominican Republic, my home island neighbors in just a few days. I'm excited for so many reasons, mainly because I've never been! My itinerary: LOTS of resort hopping and beach bumming. For 8 days. Who can ask for a better vacation? A much needed one on top of that? I've spent much of the week detoxing and eating "clean" in attempt to shed some water weight. I want to rock my 2-piece -- comfortably -- w/out feeling like I need to have a wrap while I walk the length of any given beach. I tend to swell up in the heat and normally retain a lot of agua. Do you experience that, too?

 In my virtual and real shopping, I narrowed down my essentials list to these must-haves for any beach or island vacation. Beauty prods are an absolute "can't-do-with-out" to keep your skin glowing amidst the blaring sun damage (though we think we're getting a fabulous tan, our cells are being attacked). Sunscreen for sure. Spf 50 is where I'm at these days. I'm getting older and have prioritized nourishing my skin.

Lip balm: L'Oreal, one of my favorite everyday makeup brands, has released some Colour Riche balms that have tint, too. Apply once and enjoy the SPF benefits. If you're not drinking enough water throughout the day, our lips can easily be subject to cracking. And that my chicas, is not cute. The balms come in neutral colors that can be applied before or after your lip color. I've been wearing them on its own for super natural looks. They're smooth and feel great on -- not like sporty chap sticks that are gooey or too thick.

Mascara: My every day mascara is coming with me! L'Oreal's Voluminous Power Volume 24H and Voluminous Million Mascara's are the biz! It's in it's pretty gold tube, it keeps my lashes full and long all day long, even after some splashing fun in the ocean. Their newly released update has the longest brush to date. At $7.95, I keep this very one stocked up year-round.

Anti-Frizz Serum: Yes!!! My royally unruly highlihgted hair demands an insane amount of attention. Not sure how badly salt water affects it, but from past experiences, my hair gets straw texture and there's nothing more unattractive than that (thank goodness for hats). I use anti-humidity emollients and anti-frizz serums like L'Oreal's EverSleek creme to keep the curls in check. Don't leave home w/out! 

Bronzed cheeks & eyes: Maybe not during the day, but since I'll be dining out, dancing and cocktailing it up, some dashing eyes will add to the look. Another hit by L'Oreal is their new infallible eye shadow lineup. They come in six hues but I opted for the aqua and gold ones which are perfect for the scene. As long as the color doesn't crease up while I fist pump my way through different lounges, I'm happy! And, they're only $7.95 each. I like that.

Pair your eye color with a lovely bronze powder by Clinique. You're whole look will be complete!

Sweet scents: I'm a huge fan of floral, light scents. Iconic fashion guy, Ralph Lauren's Big Pony collection has put out a sexy chic line of perfumes, each embodying different characteristics that capture the essence of different women. My favorite: "The Free-Spirited Fragrance – Bottle #3 Eccentric, rebellious and independent, this Floral Green fragrance highlights Pear & Mimosa.  The crisp, bright scent represents ultimate optimism and natural feminine radiance for a woman who dances to the beat of her own drum." I can't tell you how much this reps me! My second favorite: "The Sporty Fragrance - Bottle #1 This Flora Citrus scent features Grapefruit & Blue Lotus for a vibrant energetic fragrance that evokes confidence and energy while awakening the sense.  Confident and fearless, the sporty woman is a natural born leader and ready to take on the world." This is chicer, lighter and sexier. It's great for evening cocktail parties. 

This is it for me! If I need anything else, I'll be too focused on caking up my face, which I like to reserve for TV work... for the beach, I like to keep it natural, light, yet pretty! 

And! Because I'm anxious and over-the-top happy about visiting las playas del caribe, I'm giving away THE ENTIRE RALPH LAUREN PONY PERFUME COLLECTION, valued at $260!

Jes, you read right! One lucky reader will win all four scents, courtesy of my friends over at Ralph Lauren. 

If you're like me, I can't have enough perfumes, especially one for different situations! This fits the bill if you're that girl. 

What to do? If you fancy the required following, you'll be entered and I'll select one random winner.  Entries accepted through August 15th, 11:59 EST! *UPDATE: GIVEAWAY EXTENEDED THROUGH 11:59 PM EST ON AUGUST 17TH!* So, there's time. Winner will be announced via Twitter and I will tag you in the perfume picture letting you know! 

1)  Comment below and share what your beach essentials are;

2) Like FB Page & comment on the post where I'm posting giveaway ;

3) Follow on Twitter & Tweet "Entered 2 win Ralph Lauren Big Pony perfume collection via @BrenHerrera of #BSoChic! (include post link)";

4) If on Google+, add to your fun circles;

5) Follow on Pinterest & Pin one of first 4 images;

6) Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did each of the above, including the Tweet (auto extra entry)

(all of my links are below) 

You may leave a comment for each action which will garner you an additional entry. Totally optional. That's a total of  4 chances to win! 

Good Luck!! You're going to love them! 

* some restrictions apply. Open to U.S. residents only at this time. So sorry my Int'l readers. Just depends one the brand.

* I did not receive compensation for this post, but was given the perfume collection and some of the L'Oreal products mentioned. All opinions are my own ;)

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