Summer is a great time for relaxation, recreation and
renewal. If you're like most of us, you probably take advantage of the longer
days and warm weather to enjoy extra time with family and friends. While
enjoying the hot, lazy days of summer, keep in mind that different beauty rules
apply. Here are a few tips to keep you looking as good as you feel:
Hair Care
If you spend lots of time outdoors and want to spice up your
look naturally, try combing a little lemon juice through your hair. The sun
will lighten those strands faster than your locks sans lemon, giving you an
attractive sun-streaked look. It's also easier on your budget than salon
highlights.
Be sure to deep condition your hair at least once a week,
especially if you swim a lot. Hair tends to become dry, dull and brittle if it
is soaked and dried too often.
If you like to swim lengths, try spritzing on some leave-in
conditioner under your swim cap to help ward off damage from chlorine and salt
water.
Skincare Tips
It may be hip to be tanned, and it does tend to camouflage a
multitude of imperfections, but don't deep-fry your skin for the sake of
fashion. Your best bet is a high quality bronzer in a bottle. The Body Shop has
a great all-natural formula. Just remember to use a facial scrub prior to
application to slough off any dead skin cells. You may also want to use a pair
of gloves, lest your palms turn orange!
If you spend lots of time outside, be sure to use sunscreen
with minimum SPF 15. The cancer-preventing benefits are obvious, but protection
is also a must for those of us who don't want to look old before our time.
Make sure that you are adequately hydrated - at least 8
glasses of water a day and even more when you are outside.
If you do burn, apply Aloe Vera or lotions containing it.
This will cool and soothe your skin and help you to heal faster. A personal
trick is to apply cream containing zinc to my face at night. This is an
effective way of healing my burn by the morning.
Nothing is more revolting than skin full of little red
mosquito or bug bites, not to mention the new threat of West Nile Virus, so
don't forget the bug spray. You may want to try one of the new two-in-one sunscreen
and insect repellents.
For a quick skin boost in the sun, fill a misting bottle
with a little bit of toner and water, and spritz your face and body for a quick
cool off. Just remember to close your eyes so you don't risk burning them.
Make-up Tips
Take on summer with a fresh face forward - less is best!
Accentuate your glowing skin by brushing on a light shimmering powder instead
of a heavy foundation. You don't want to appear like you are melting under the
hot sun.
Those of you who read my column know that I'm a big advocate
of the powder bronzer. This is a great way to give yourself a pretty glow. I
like to use a matte finish on my face and then a shimmer powder on my eyelids,
above my cheekbones, and on my shoulders and collarbone.
Try a light shimmering eye shadow in beige just under your
brow bone to draw attention to your eyes.
If you are wear mascara, try a waterproof. This way you will
avoid "Raccoon Eyes" when you are perspiring or near water. Don't
forget the must-have partner, eye make-up remover, or else you really will end
up with the dreaded dark circles!
In short: relax…and summer is
the perfect time to do it. Take time to sit back, relax and enjoy time with
your friends and family.
Juliana Day
