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    Six Secret Weapons to Prevent Summer Meltdown

    By | Summer Beauty – Wed, Jul 7, 2010 10:04 PM EDT

    Humidity, heat, and sun can work for or against your looks, depending on how you deal with them. But don't worry - we've got you covered. With these tips, gadgets, and toucher-uppers, you'll be gorgeous through it all (and with less makeup).


    SEAMLESS SKIN
    When the sun's rays shine down on you, they should highlight your glowing complexion - not shine a spotlight on where your blush ends or your foundation begins. Gently wipe a tissue over your makeup to smooth any lines of demarcation. Even better: A lamb's-wool paddle will soften every edge without removing your makeup. Try this one from Laura Geller Beauty Ingenuity, $17.

    Do this to get a gorgeous glow.






    SOFTER SOLES
    In a season of sexy sandals and cute flip-flops, dry, scaly feet need some serious sloughing. A long walk on the beach will get you soft heels, but if you're landlocked, try the Perfect Formula Crystal Pedi-Buff, $32. It has a crystal buffing surface, which smooths away calluses and rough spots (use it on elbows too) and never dulls or wears out (unlike metal versions). So in the long run, you'll save your soles and your cash.

    Give yourself a perfect pedicure.





    SOFTER EYESHADOW
    Sunny days call for makeup that looks fresh and pretty, so lighten up your lids with a subtle wash of color. A large, fluffy eyeshadow brush, such as Adesign All Over Shadow brush, $22, distributes powder sheerly and more evenly than sponge-tip applicators or a brush with densely packed hairs.

    Get flirty eyelashes in three steps.







    SLEEKER OR FULLER HAIR (YOUR CHOICE)
    Some days you want to fight humidity with hair that's sleek, and other days you want to milk the mugginess for all it's worth and pump up the volume. Achieve both looks with one blow-dryer. The Gold 'N Hot Professional ionic hair dryer, $40, has an ionic generator that can be turned on and off with the push of a button. Activate the hair-smoothing ions when you want to go silky-straight; turn them off when you want more volume.

    Learn the secret to sexy celeb hair.



    WASH-N-GO STYLE
    You've always been told never to brush wet hair, but there are times when a comb just won't cut it. The exception to the rule: a flexible-bristle brush like J&D Beauty Luxor Pro Wet brush, $12, which was designed to prevent snagging or breakage. It's a must-have if you're an air-dry kind of girl.

    Repair your hair quickly with these easy fixes.








    BARE-ABLE BACK
    Backne has no place in a season full of strapless dresses, halter tops, and swimsuits - and the bacteria caught in your shower sponge can make it worse. Earth Therapeutics Naturally Anti-Bacterial Bath + Body Sponge, $6, is made with antimicrobial bamboo, so, unlike other poufs and sponges, it won't introduce more bacteria onto your skin.

    Gear your summer beauty routine to your skin type.




    PLUS: SEE MORE SUMMER BEAUTY TOOLS!

    Do you have a special summer beauty regimen? How do you stay looking cool?


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    Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.