Sure, squeezing in a tropical summer getaway is ideal, idyllic and inspiring, but for one reason or another, not all of us will be “summering” on the islands. Some of us will inevitably be stuck in our cubicles.

But does that mean we can’t get in on the tropical fun? Mind you, that doesn’t mean you should come into the office Monday morning in a bikini and flip-flops shouting “luau!!!” (I could never endorse wearing flip-flops to work.) But there are some subtle ways you can incorporate tropical vibes into your summer makeup and beauty routine.

1. Rather than lotioning up, try lightly oiling your legs with NARS Monoi Body Glow II ($59). The scent is long-wearing and trips your mind into thinking you’re sunning yourself in Tahiti, rather than browsing through memos on who left the coffee pot on overnight.

2. Even if you aren’t on the wide, open sea, chances are things get a little hot and humid in your region when summer comes around. Be sure your makeup bag is stocked with long-wearing products like Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadows ($15 each). I literally cannot stop raving about this product to anyone who will listen. These neutral and shimmery shadows stay on all day long and they perfectly offset a bright tropical lip … which brings me to my next point!

3. Don’t go crazy trying to look like a beached lady in your office, instead just take one feature to the tropical max. For this, I recommend you go with the lips. Sheer neons are summery, tropical and so hot right now. My season(ed) favorite remains Three Custom Color Specialists Light Brights. These have to be the most feminine neon lipsticks imaginable. If these can’t make you feel like you’re on your own island, I don’t know what will.

4. And finally, nail polish trends this summer are bright, bold and tropical! The added bonus of wearing bright colors on your tips is also that you get to see and enjoy them all day long. Whether you go super neon—like the colors in China Glaze’s Wow Collection—

or you opt for the ethnic inspired brights of Essie’s 6 Piece Summer Collection ($45), your nails can bring the flavor of the islands to your whole office.

Marina Klimasiewfski is the face behind makeuplovesme.com. She lives in NYC and loves makeup along with all other things colorful!
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