User post: NO Sweat Beauty Strategies during the Dog Days of August

I love summer, it is the season to put away the heavy makeup and brighten and lighten up your whole appearance. However, the August heat can put a kybosh on that summer look with shiny skin, frizzy hair, and runny mascara and eye makeup.


So how do you keep your makeup fresh when the thermometer is 80 degrees at noon and rising?


First and foremost I switch to a tinted moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 For the majority of us, a tinted moisturizer will work just fine to protect skin from sun damage, provide some color, and provide enough coverage to even out your skin tone. I mix my moisturizer with a touch of my foundation and there you go - a tinted moisturizer! Next is a blush to accentuate facial features and elongate the face. A powder blush should be used in hot humid weather versus cream blushers.


My skin tends to be oilier and more prone to blackheads during the hot days of August, so I use a facial exfoliate at least once a week to slough off dead skin and clean pores. I like to keep my skin care simple and natural so I just add a little cornmeal to my facial cleanser and it works great. It is an excellent scrub to penetrate and slough off dead skin yet gentle on my skin and the earth.


Creamy eye shadows are smooth and easy to blend although they seem to melt in the summer heat. Powder eye shadows on the other hand seem to stay put and last the day. I lighten up on my color selection with peaches and corals for a more natural look and save the dark smoky eyes for night time wear. Sometimes I just use a light neutral color on the top portion of my eyes and a translucent powder under the lower lash line, add smudge proof mascara and your set to go with a natural look and stay put makeup.


Next on my list is the switch from lipstick to a lip gloss, lip tint, or lip balm. If you live in a dry climate like Arizona the hot dry air can play havoc on the lips leaving them chapped, dried and sunburned, and a lip gloss, tint or balm with moisturizers is just the answer. Light colored lip tints add freshness to your overall makeup.


For those of us with thick, coarse, and/or wavy hair, an anti-frizz serum is a must. Apply on damp hair and style as usual. Although I have tried several products they all seem to be about the same. When I find one that is exceptional I will be sure to post my recommendations. Also, there are so many pretty barrettes on the market; that I do like to wear my hair up and out of my face on occasion.


Summer is also the time for pretty sandals - keep those toenails polished and calluses in check. I love a good pedicure, but now days that is like a luxury item. So get some good clippers, a pumice stone, some soothing and moisturizing foot lotion, and some pretty nail polish and do it yourself. Pretty sandals deserve well manicured and painted toenails!


As we shed our layers of clothing for shorts, tank tops, and bathing suits. Keep your skin well hydrated, internally with plenty of water, and externally with a moisturizing lotion. Additionally, exfoliate with a gentle body scrub to slough off dead skin and promote new skin cell growth and circulation, and protect the skin with sunscreen. Your skin will thank you for it!

To get some easy skin care recipes for facial cleansers, body scrubs, toners, and more, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy