Beautiful summer: from makeup meltdowns to fried hair to bug bites, sunny-weather pursuits pose plenty of beauty challenges. But no matter what your favorite activity is, we've got you covered with the essentials you need to stay healthy and look your best

Natural Health, June, 2005 by Colleen Moriarty

FASHION FOOTNOTE

To unearth your inner nature lover, ease into this hippie-inspired shirt by Prana, and cover up with a sun-shielding straw hat by Helen Kaminski. Complete your gardening ensemble with comfy drawstring capris by Old Navy, grip gloves by Foxgloves, and beach model shoes by Crocs.

hiking

banish blisters & bites

Always choose sports-specific shoes that fit properly to prevent blisters. But if you do get rubbed the wrong way, try Zip's Natural Sport Scab Dab ($9; 800-361-5686) with organic beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to help heal painful sores. To keep insects away without irritating your skin, wipe on DEET-free Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 15 towelettes ($12; avon.com).

screen away sun

Hiking is no time to skip your sunscreen. "In higher elevations the sun's rays can be even stronger," says David Bank M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, N.Y. Apply plenty of sunscreen before you set out, and bring along portable sun protection to spot-treat burn-prone zones (nose ears, and shoulders). We like Clarins Sun Control Stick SPF 30 ($23.50; gloss.com) with moisturizing shea butter. Wear it around your neck for easy touch-ups.

FASHION FOOTNOTE

A happy hike requires double-duty gear, so choose sun-protective White Sierra cargo pants and store essentials in one of six sturdy pockets. Other picks: Henna sleeveless shirt by Prana, Expedition E-Com pass watch by Timex, and backpack by Camelbak.

Styling by ERNESTINE JEAN LEE

Photography by JONATHAN SKOW

Product photography by ADAM VOORHES