By: Nada Manley, Beauty Mommy
Okay, summer. I’m onto you. You lure us with your promises of long, lazy, carefree days, but you are neither long nor lazy. You are just, in the case of moms like me, a different kind of crazy. But maybe I’m just a little bitter because of my hair. For me, Florida summers mean a constant war against frizzy, fried hair. Fortunately, I’ve tackled this and some of summer’s other big beauty challenges for you no matter where you live. Here’s how to look your best this summer without breaking a sweat.
Well, okay, you might sweat a little.
1. Banish Summer Breakouts
Skip elaborate routines and heavy creams in the summer, and simplify your skincare routine. For most of us, three simple steps are all you need: cleanse, tone and treat. A refreshing gel cleanser or cleansing water will remove extra oil, sweat, and dirt without stripping the skin. Follow it with a light toner or mist, and then a light anti-aging or anti-acne treatment product, depending on your skin type. Make sure your daytime version contains sunscreen – an SPF of 30 to 50 is ideal for the summer. A gentle moisturizing treatment can even be used around the eyes as well. You can also try an at-home skin treatment, like a mask or an acne eliminating device, to help keep breakouts at bay. And for existing spots, a gentle blemish treatment can treat them without stripping the skin.
2. Meltproof Your Makeup
Summer is the time to lighten up your makeup routine, too. Eric Jimenez, Global Makeup Artist and Co-Founder of sonic makeup application device Color Me, suggests switching to a lighter BB or CC cream or mineral powder foundation, preferably one with SPF. If your skin tends to be oily, prep skin with an oil absorbing primer or moisturizer. A very light dusting of powder is an essential finishing touch on oily skin. To keep color from slip-sliding away, look for longer wearing or waterproof formulas and prime lids before applying color. A no-budge eyeliner and waterproof mascara will minimize the chance of color running and smudging. Jimenez suggests trying one of the season’s hottest trends – bright eyeliner. First, prep your lids with foundation, then sweep on a shimmering neutral shadow. Then, using a bright green, purple or blue liner, apply along the lash line, slightly thicker than usual. Finish with mascara and a glossy lip. Jimenez also loves the bronze goddess look for summer: neat brows, then a dusting of bronze or copper on lids and cheeks. Finish any summer look with a creamy lipstick in a bold hue, the season’s best accessory!
3. Soften Your Scent
The same fragrance you loved in cooler weather can overpower in the heat, so switch to a fresher, lighter scent for summer. Many famous fragrances have lightened up versions of popular scents. Lanvin ME L’Eau and Shalimar Light are two examples. Or switch to something even softer for summer. Freshen up further by switching to a natural, scented deodorant, or try deodorant wipes when you’re on the go. According to dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur, the skin under your arms is as sensitive as the skin on your neck. Dr. Marmur recommends a product like Dove Advanced Care, with humectants and sunflower seed oil to retain moisture.
4. Protect Your Hair
Keeping locks lovely in the heat can be a real challenge! Start the summer with a trim, and then wear your hair in a chic bun when you plan to be outside for a while. Ease up on the heat styling and embrace your hair’s natural texture, and protect it from the sun with specially designed products and, even better, a hat! Another tip? “Always drench your hair in non-chlorinated shower water before you dip into the pool,” says Devin Toth, celebrity stylist at Salon SCK and Rowenta Beauty brand ambassador. This way, your hair won’t be able to absorb the chlorine.
Battling a case of the summer flakes? Youbeauty expert Julie Ricevuto shares an all-natural home dandruff remedy, a Raw Honey Hair Mask. Raw honey is naturally moisturizing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Since this mask is super hydrating, it works wonders on a dry, irritated scalp. To try it, mix two tablespoons coconut or olive oil with one tablespoon honey and heat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm enough to spread easily. Massage the mixture into your scalp, then cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse well, and your scalp will be soothed and flake free and your hair shiny and soft.
5. Banish Back-ne
Body breakouts are the last thing you want when strappy dress and swimsuit season is in full swing, so follow these professional steps to treat and prevent blemishes. Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends keeping skin clear with a salicylic acid body wash to keep pores clear. Treat existing blemishes with a spot treatment, like Sebamed Clear Face Anti-Pimple Gel.
I hope you found these five summer beauty hacks helpful! With a few simple tweaks (and a new product or two), you can look gorgeous all summer long and avoid the hazards of summer skin, hair, and makeup!