Recent posts might hint that I’m a Laker basketball fan. There shouldn’t be any surprise when I say that I cried when the balloons came down when the buzzer went off in game 7. It was a terrible, yes uber exciting game against the infamous Boston Celtics. Both teams were fierce and played mercilessly, but in the end the Los Angeles Lakers took the final win to be the 2009/2010 NBA Champions. Then the fun part begins the celebration. For the past 2 years I have been lucky enough to experience the Laker Parade following an NBA championship in LA. With all great things, come preparation and luckily, my work loves me enough to have given me the day off to enjoy it. A hot day in a large crowd means a refreshing and protecting beauty routine.
In LA, June gloom was in effect Monday morning before the parade. Does that mean I don’t need SPF? Not a chance. I recently came across my new favorite SPF that I can wear during the day underneath my makeup without any application complications. Kinerase’s Daily Defense Cream SPF 30 is an amazing sunscreen and I’ve kept it tucked away in my purse ready for any moment. The added bonus is that it leaves a soft layer of moisture on my skin that hydrates throughout the day. Since I’ve had it, I haven’t gone one day without using it because it feels that good. After using my daily, moisturizing SPF, my normal natural makeup steps were done followed by a spritz of Skindinavia’s Makeup Finishing Spray to lock everything into place. #24 Jersey on, ready to sit in traffic. After a long hour and a half in traffic, we finally found a spot in downtown at the end of the Laker parade route to start the festivities and excitement. If you’ve ever hesitated to go to downtown LA, you have reason, but don’t be afraid. It’s cleaned up a lot and if you aren’t looking for trouble you won’t find any. Just as we got there the clouds melted away and the sunshine poured in clearing a perfect day to celebrate.
The crowd was huge and the anticipation was building. The hard work of the season paid off all for the fans and the city. To experience the buzz, joy and the excitement of 2 million Laker fans around you is truly an amazing thing. Words cannot describe the aura of the victory parade. While walking to the destination and standing in the hot sun on the scorching asphalt, you start to feel the effects of the sun. Luckily someone came prepared like Mary Poppins. The lifesaver: Avene’s Thermal Spring Water. It’s similar to Evian’s water spray, but full of trace minerals and silica. This is another must have beauty product during the warmer months. It’s great to use as a mister when you’re feeling the heat, perfect refresher to wake up your skin and is soothing all along the way. The fine Parisian mist is fragrance free and works wonders for sensitive or stressed skin. I carry it with me at all times, any time I need a pick me up, it’s only a mist away. Monumentally amazing for a hot, large crowded area for your precious skin.
After waiting and waiting and the anticipation building among the crowd you finally see the police brigade come down the street. 5 helicopters swarm in the sky above, vuvuzelas sounding, fans screaming, Laker flags in the air, people standing on bus stops, roof tops and even on statues at USC. Finally you see them, first the Laker girls in a double decker bus then the champions. The crowd goes wild at this moment with hands in the air, balloons and confetti being released everywhere. The wait is over and there you have Kobe Bryant, one of the best NBA players ever, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic, Ron Artest, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and more acknowledging and thanking their loyal fans for the support and momentum of the season. The wait is over, no more playoff games for the year, no more worrying or working out who will win games 2, 3 & 4. Instead of rioting, a crowd is united and joyous. 2 million people of all ethnicities are there together in harmony to support and rejoice for that one reason which is an accomplishment in itself over the Thursday before. My definition of beauty isn’t taken of what is on the outside but starts with your inner beauty. It’s how you conduct yourself and your actions that say much more about anyone than what you can see. To see a city united and so many people celebrating together under the buildings of LA is a beautiful thing. Absolutely stunning and in a recession it’s what a city needs.
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