Yesterday I decided it was about time I got my butt in gear and wrote a post about summer beauty issues, specifically what to do when it's so hot/sticky/disgusting outside that you walk around all day feeling kind of ugly, slimy and soiled. So I asked the Shine editors: What's your grossest hot weather beauty problem? Then I tallied the results, built a chart (above) and came up with some solutions (below). Take a look...
Problem one: Backne
Solution: Unless it's a chronic problem you experience all year (in which case you probably want to consult a dermatologist/look at your lifestyle), try this amazing body wash. It should work.
Problem two: Underboob sweat
Solution: Some editors actually just swab deodorant beneath their bosom, but because I reject scary chemical antiperspirants, this answer was not for me. Instead I use a lightly scented, aluminum-free dusting powder with cornstarch (like this one from Lush) which absorbs sweat and smells faintly of jasmine.
Problem three: Armpit rash
Solution: You know, I'm honestly not sure about this one, because I'm not sure if it's a chafing issue or a shaving issue and therefore part of the hellish red bump family...
Problem four: Slimy face
Solution: When it's this hot, you're kind of fighting a losing battle if you apply powders and foundations. Better, if you can bear it, to go natural. I love Boscia's Green Tea blotting papers to remove greasiness. They're larger than most blotters, so they cover more real estate and they're super-absorbent, too.
Problem five: Fluffy-frizz hair
Solution: You need an anti-frizz serum that actually works and you need to apply it when you get out of the shower. Even then, there will be some days in the next month when you'll probably need a headband and a hair band and just to pull everything up and back.
Problem six: Pits
Solution: This year Adidas actually came out with what might be a miracle product—a no-aluminum deodorant, called Absorbent Deo Wetness Control that works much, much better than the hippie-dippie completely-natural ones. I've only tried it in medium heat/stress, but it was leaps and bounds more awesome than, say, my useless Tom's of Maine stick.
Problem seven: Inner thigh chafing
Solution: People who are, like, real sporty, use this silicone roll-on stuff so they don't chafe when they do their serious running. You can use it so your inner thighs don't rub together and cause a little rash when you walk in the heat.
Problem eight: Reeking feet
Solution: The is foul, I know. But it happens and when it happens, the best solution I know of is to add about ten drops of Desert Essence tea tree/lavender oil to a small spray bottle of water and spray your feet with it when you get out of the shower. Also, shake a few drops of the concentrated oil straight into your shoes.
Problem nine: Eye makeup melt downs
Solution: There are a few, relatively easy ways to get makeup to stay put in the summer—you just have to be willing to buy new stuff. The first is to use water-proof mascara (I like this one by Cover Girl) and the second is to prep your lids with an eye-makeup primer which will prevent shadow creasing and liner smudging.
Problem ten: Wet butt
Solution: Um, unless it's far worse than I'm imagining, see problem two.
Solution: I don't know if I can help you with this one, sister. I mean, you can try waxing or (yuck) Nairing, but I think your best bet is to shave everyday with a fresh razor and with some kind of cream. I've also heard that if you exfoliate before shaving you'll have longer results. This basil-lemon scrub from Korres is a little expensive, but amazing.
