Easy Beauty Tips for Summer

In our part of the country the summer has been exceptionally hot and dry. Although I love summer and prefer it over the cold gray of winter, some beauty problems come along with it. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, it may turn frizzy. Longer hair is hot on your neck. You feel sweaty as soon as you step out of the shower. Well, there are some things we can do to help relieve these problems. Here are some ideas.

Keep Hydrated

You lose a lot of water from sweating in the high temperatures. It’s important to get plenty of pure cold water throughout the day. Sodas and other sweet drinks won’t do the trick. In fact, they just make you thirstier.

Keeping hydrated can also help to prevent a heat stroke. Webmd.com says that “heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury, and is a medical emergency.”

Staying hydrated also helps to fight dry skin, whether it is winter or summer. It’s a good thing to make a habit of carrying water with you. Try to keep track of approximately how much you are drinking. You may be consuming less than you think.

Also, remember that there are many fresh fruits and vegetables that are chock full of water, such as watermelons, peaches and plums. Along with getting needed fluids, these fresh yummies give you a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Go Easy on the Make-Up

One thing I notice when I start sweating is that my eye make-up starts smearing. It’s a good idea to get rid of the heavy make-up during these hot days. You might wish to choose a lighter, water-based foundation. Getting one with sunscreen protection is a plus. Try switching dark mascaras and eye-liners for a softer, cleaner look for the summer.

Protect Yourself from Sun Damage

When I was a teenager in the sixties and seventies, it was quite popular to “lay out” and get a good tan. Thankfully, I never could last long. I gave up long before I started to get that bronze look. That is now a blessing, because many women my age are fighting skin cancer or have more wrinkles than they should for their age.

Make sure that you are always wearing sunscreen or even sun block. Choose the protection level that is right for your skin type, and the amount of time you will spend in the sun. There are even products available that take the place of make-up foundation.

Cooler Hair Styles

At the first sign of high temperatures, my hair goes on top of my head in a ponytail. I can’t stand it down on my neck. I also don’t like to use sprays, gels, or even mousse in the hot weather. It just makes it feel heavy and sticky, not to mention that the bees might be attracted to the scent!

If you have shoulder-length hair or longer, you might want to look for some attractive styles that sweep your hair into an up-do. Do some online searching for pretty, easy-care ideas and unique pins and clips.

Dress to Stay Cool

Most of us want to wear shorts and light-weight tops for a casual summer look. But if you work outside the home, this probably isn’t acceptable attire. If you must wear dressier clothes, try light, flowy skirts and blouses. Cotton is cooler than most other fabrics. You’ll probably want to avoid tight jeans, close-fitting tops and so on. These tend to make you feel even hotter and more uncomfortable in the warm weather.

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