Ah, Sundays – the final “Hurrah!” of the weekend. If you have a pulse and aren’t currently living under a rock, you know the best way to close out your weekend is with BRUNCH.

Recently, the brunch scene has been ramping up, but you know what hasn’t - my desire to wake up at 10am on a Sunday.

Well guess what, for those of you who share this sentiment, I am here to provide you with a foolproof guide to looking like you give a shit when you have no shits to give.

First things first, let's address that face of yours. Whether you’ve been out partying or staying up until 1am watching Netflix (guilty!), tired face happens. You know what I’m talking about: puffy eyes, dull skin, and a possible scowl. But remember, you have to be downtown in like 30 minutes to meet friends; you don’t have time to shower or attempt at being your “best self.” Let's take a look at some products essential to helping you look like a fresh-faced/decent human:

·      Face Wash: Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, by Origins. With Bergamot, Spearmint, and Lavender, this face wash really wakes you up and helps brighten your visage.

·      Face Wipes: If you’re in a pinch, Burt’s Bees has a great set of pre-moistened wipes – their Sensitive Facial Towelettes has Rice Extract and Aloe to sooth the skin while removing any excess dirt or make up.

·      SPF/ Skin Corrector: Smashbox’s CC Cream is, hands down, my favorite “cover up.” I use that term loosely because it does provide good coverage, but it’ll leave you with a dewy look, versus other foundation options. Also, it has a 30 SPF rating – perfect for those summer days!   

·      Good Smells: Can you believe this is the last step? Smelling good is essential, especially if you’re waiting until you get home to shower and retire to your couch and PJ’s for the day. Perfume oils are a light and effective way to give off good smelling vibes without coming off like you dipped yourself in a bottle of perfume. I love brands like Elizabeth and James’ NIRVANA Black perfume oil. With notes of Violet, Sandalwood, and Vanilla, you’re sure to give people the sudden urge to hug you into oblivion.

  But what to wear? Let’s be real, we all want to be comfortable. I mean, you could show up in sweatpants and a t-shirt (aka, whatever you wore to bed), but you’ve already come so far with your grooming routine. Let’s kick it up a notch, but not too far up, right? Hey, its summertime, so lets pull out a pair of comfy shorts, a soft tee, and some sneaks – OH, and lets not forget the shades; the ultimate accessory.

For my summer brunch adventures, my go-to items are: a cotton tee from Madewell, Talula shorts I scored (on sale!) at Aritzia, Nike tennis shoes, and a pair of rounded tortoise shell sunglasses.

If you have any say in where you’ll be attending brunch, be sure to suggest a spot that provides good lighting, good vibes, and a slamming menu. Keep in mind; the likelihood that you’ll be putting in minimal effort when getting ready is at an all time high, so choosing a place with a “lax” dress code is key!

Yesterday, I had a brunch for one, don’t feel bad for me – eating alone is always therapeutic. It’s also a great opportunity to people watch and eavesdrop. So for my Sunday out, I decided to head to the South End of Boston and hit up the Beehive. 

The Beehive is great; they have a multi level location that features live music throughout the day, this mornings delight was some smooth jazz. Not only does The Beehive boast an artisanal take on brunch favorites (eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, waffles with fruit AND chocolate sauce), the atmosphere is the epitome of “fresh-retro.” Lots of good lighting, cute furniture, and a quaint outdoor dining spot. 

More About Samantha 

Name: Samantha Rei Medeiros 

From: Native RI'er now calling Boston, MA home

Social Media: Find her on Instagram and Twitter @samantha_rei. (Check out her beauty blog SamanthaSays.com.)

Likes: Puppies, everything chocolate, candles, spinning, and coffee scented anything

Dislikes: Rude people, bad haircuts, “recreational jogging” (I only run when its for my life.), and indecisiveness

Zodiac Sign: Libra (I’m terribly indecisive.)

Photo Credits: All pics courtesy of Samantha Rei