Summer hair and beauty secretsHot summers are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand it means more time spent enjoying mother nature, splashing around in pools and enjoying outdoor barbecues. On the other hand, we're faced with potential beauty disasters, including frizzed out ringlets, melting makeup and -- heaven forbid -- funky odors caused by sweat.
In my 20-something odd years on this planet, I've learned a few beauty secrets that help combat these very summer annoyances.
#1 Use Cream/Gel Cosmetics
From bronzers to foundation to blush and beyond, your makeup will look far better if you choose a cream or gel-based formulas over a powder version of the same during the summer. Gel or cream products absorb deeper into the skin, helping keep makeup intact for far longer.
You'll find that if you use a pressed powder or terra cotta-based cosmetic product, sweating will create streaky lines on your face. You shouldn't have a problem finding gel/cream cosmetics in department, drug, online or super stores.
My tip: Choose a pinkish cream that doubles as a blush and lippie. I love Becca's Lip & Cheek Creme.
Oh, and when you've finished applying your face for the day, use a setting spray to help keep things in place. Urban Decay's "All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray" is highly recommended by bloggers and reviewers.
#2 Moisturize/Seal Hair Shaft
If you have thick or curly hair, chances are you deal with frizz way more than your straight, thin-haired friends. Why? Because curly and/or thick hair is more porous and therefore soaks in more environmental moisture. As someone with very thick, wavy, course hair, you can bet your bottom dollar that I've dealt with my share of frizzed-out hair. There are two main steps you can take to decreasing frizziness, though.
First, make sure your hair is extremely healthy and full of moisture. The more moist the shaft is, the less it'll take in from the environment. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week and don't overdo it on heating products. Right now I'm especially digging Eufora's Urgent Repair Shampoo and Conditioner because a.) they cool your scalp and b.) they're super moisturizing for depressed hair.
My second piece of advice is to always follow up your hair styling regimen with a hair serum. For days when you need lots of help, opt for a thicker serum, such as It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum (which smells awesome, by the way). For day 2 hair or a lighter formula, I like Blowlux's Daily Shine and Repair Hair Care Serum.
#3 Wear Deodorant at Night and Be Prepared
If, like many, you deal with excessive sweating during summer, re-apply deodorant before you go to bed each night. As you sleep, the deodorant will absorb deeply into the skin. Reapply in the morning for double-duty odor/sweat protection. Through the night (and day), make sure you wear lightweight, breathable clothing. This will also keep sweating and odor at bay.
Another tip: use anti-bacterial gel if you've got a major case of smelly underarms while on the run. This will kill the odor-causing bacteria. Afterward, re-apply your deodorant. I typically carry a travel-size of each product in my purse throughout the summer. As for the deodorant you choose, I tend to prefer male-targeted, unscented deodorants.
Wendy Rose Gould is a Yahoo! Shine Beauty Guru and writes about beauty and fashion topics on a daily basis. She believes a woman should never leave the house without fabulous hair and a spritz of her staple perfume. Follow Wendy on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.
