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When you live in a temperate climate, you’re probably all too familiar with the never-ending wait for summer. The flipside, of course, is seriously intense heat and humidity. We’ve all been there–the second you go outside, you feel your shirt sticking to your back and your hair expanding outward, as if the heat has placed magnets on either side of your head. Forget snow–going out in the summer can be treacherous!
If you have to be outside–be it for work, play or both–check out the below tips for keeping your skin, makeup and hair safe and looking good despite the heat and humidity.
1. Keep the oil at bay. If your skin has a tendency to resemble an oil slick the moment you step your foot out the door, be sure to cleanse it properly. Opt for an oil-free gel cleanser that’s packed with salicylic acid to help prevent the breakouts that are synonymous with oil. I love La Roche Posay Effaclar Gel for this–it’s gentle but powerful (and feels refreshing on sun-worn skin).
2. Grab a sweat-proof sunscreen. You already know that sunny days call for sunscreen (and if you don’t, we need to have a serious chat). Look for a sweat-proof formula that won’t come off halfway through the day. Your best bet is opting for anything with “sport” in the title (they’re designed for athletes that spend all day sweating!). Neutrogena has an entire range devoted to sport-level protection.
3. Frizz prevention starts in the shower. No matter how much product you load in your hair to keep it from turning into a poof, it won’t listen unless you start at the root of the problem. Use an ultra-hydrating shampoo and conditioner. I personally love indulging in Keratin Complex Kerawhip–it’s the only conditioner hydrating enough to make my ultra-fried blonde hair cooperate, no matter the weather.
4. Step away from the heat tools. It might seem counter-intuitive (won’t a straightener tame the frizz for a while?), but putting even more heat on your hair if it’s already the Sahara outside will just create more damage. Don’t be afraid of leaving your house with wet hair–you can even try a braid or chignon to keep it from dripping down your back (and when it dries, you’ll be left with pretty waves).
5. Cold water is your best friend. Besides it just feeling good on your skin and in your system, it helps to give your hair a cold water shot to help it look sleeker and shinier (read: not frizzy!). Cold water seals in moisture, which will help keep that annoying frizz at bay.
6. Your lips need some sunscreen love, too. Invest in a lip balm with SPF to keep your pucker from burning (yes, burning) and to prevent any serious skin issues (you know what we’re talking about here). Maybelline Baby Lips is a cult-favorite for a reason (plus, it’s under $5!)
7. Opt for a powder, not a liquid. Liquid and cream formulas on a hot and humid day are recipe for a cake disaster. Instead, use a powder foundation that won’t settle into your pores and cause–wait for it–breakouts.
8. Better yet, ditch the makeup for a day or two. There’s nothing worse than the feeling of your foundation and eyeliner and lipstick sliding off your face throughout the day. Let your skin breathe for a little while, if you can. If you must put something on, make it a tinted lip balm and a cream blush.
Looking for more tips? Check out 8 sleep mistakes that are ruining your skin and hair, and 6 summer scents that smell clean and not perfume-y.
