This 4th of July weekend has been a special one for me. I've returned to my family's home in Maine for the first time in almost 5 years, prepared to do nothing but lounge on the lake, the dock and the porch. The fresh air and massive amounts of vitamin D have done wonders for my spirit, but the lake lifestyle presents a new set of beauty challenges.

First and foremost to protect my skin from the sun's rays, I am relying on Janson Beckett Cosmeccuticals Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer ($34.95). This moisturizer, featuring shea butter and aloe vera, has been my go-to daytime moisturizer since spring first began. It's SPF 40 uva & uvb protection feels especially necessary as I lay near the lake.

Equally as exposed, but often neglected, are your lips. While most people carry a lip balm year round, the need to protect your lips from sun damage is often overlooked. This weekend, I've brought along Payot's Hydration 24 Protection Levres lip balm, wiith SPF 10. For many months, this balm has been my night lip care product of choice due to the formula's immense hydrating abilities. Using shea butter, macademia oil and jojoba oil to hydrate and protect, this balm can be all you need and more.

While lounging, I love to experiment with subtle pops of color. Already inspired by Fall's impending military mania, I've been loving olive green tones more I expected.  MAC's To The Beach Collection offers products with many gorgeous tones of bronze, coral and orange, with the unexpected reintroduction of Rosemary & Thyme Eye Kohl ($14.50). Described as a 'mid-tone olive gold with shimmer', Rosemary & Thyme can be the right unexpected pop on an otherwise neutral face. Pick it up before its gone dressed in limited edition To The Beach packaging or as part of permanent collection before you find yourself longing for an olive option.

Of course nothing is more essential to enjoying the day than a beautiful pair of sunglasses. My pick for this season has been the DVF 5185 ($245.00) - the name isn't remotely as sexy as the eyewear. While one arm is bare, the other is crystalized wth a large square signature DVF lip print. The frames themselves are large, offering maximum coverage on both the front and sides of your eyes. I've selected these frames every day, whether I am lakeside or in the city - I just can't get enough.

What beauty products did you chose to bring along on your 4th of July (stay)vacation? I'd love to know!