Summer is a month that so many love. Even if you don't have the same free time you used to when you were in school, there's an air of freedom that stays no matter your age. But for the beauty lovers of the world, summer can present some unique challenges to your normal routine. Looking for some ways to stay fresh even in the most blistering of heat? Look no further.
Stick to waterproof
When at all possible, investing in waterproof mascara and lip stains can be a subtle way to keep color and definition on your face, even if you're spending the day at a pool party. And there are other ways to preserve your other makeup, too. Consider investing in some cream eyeshadows — they'll stay on and in place much longer than traditional powders. To lock your brows in place, try out a clear brow gel. You can also follow the advice of L'Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist Sir John and save money by spraying hairspray on a thin toothbrush and then gently rubbing it on the brows before penciling them in. In more extreme cases like when on tour with clients, he has used a glue stick in place of hairspray.
Cover up your sun burns
The best thing you can do to help out a sunburn is to let it heal, but if you have a special event and you want to hide the evidence of your sunburn, some quick color correcting and spot concealing is the perfect solution.
Sir John recommends using a green color corrector as found in the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit under your favorite foundation. The green will neutralize the redness on your skin. Dab it into places that need the most attention with a soft, damp beauty sponge.
But in the future, prevent those sunburns from ever appearing by using one of these fool-proof sunscreen formulas.
Add some insurance
Even your most waterproof formulas might need a little backup support, and using a lock-it-into-place setting spray like Urban Decay's All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and "baking" your face with powder can help prevent your makeup from slipping and melting even in the most extreme of conditions.
Achieve the perfect summer glow
We know your melanin will be popping this summer, but to maximize your summer glow, Sir John recommends mixing a liquid highlighter like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator ($12.99) with a hydrating facial moisturizer and apply it on your desired areas. You can wear this under your traditional foundation, all alone, or even as a finishing touch. And don't skimp on your chest, shoulders, arms and legs. You'll be glowing in no time!
Stick to deodorant that won't ruin your clothes
Of course with the heat comes more sweat than usual. Instead of worrying about getting deodorant stains on your little black dress the next time you go out on a summer night, stick to a deodorant that doesn't leave hard-to-get-out white stains on everything it touches. Try Dove's 100 Colors Invisible Dry Spray for an affordable solution.
Keep your thighs happy
If you've ever felt the wrath of your thighs rubbing together under a sundress or in short shorts on a hot summer day, you know that there's not much worse as far as fashion fails. Prevent any discomfort by putting a little baby powder between your thighs or throwing a Body Glide stick in your purse. You won't regret it.
Protect your hair from the sun and chlorine
Your skin isn't the only thing at risk from the harsh sun rays or pool chemicals. Your hair can take quite a beating in the summer as well. Luckily by applying a leave-in conditioner with UV protection, you can protect your strands from the sun. That same coating of moisturizing product will prevent your hair from absorbing pool or ocean water, which can also damage it.