Summer beauty doesn’t have to be a difficult thing to master. In fact, the right summer beauty tips can actually make you look healthy and gorgeous…in less time.
Water, Water Everywhere
Aside from a proper diet and consistent workouts, water is a beauty must that you cannot live without. Healthy beauty comes from within, so drink plenty of water. Plus, hydrated skin looks more vibrant and fresh.
Your Hair
Beauty: The best way to beat the heat is to keep hair off your neck. Ponytails, braids, ballerina buns, and topknots are classic summer looks. Or, try a shorter style, such as the ever-popular pixie cut.
Health: Did you know that UV rays can damage your hair? Too much sun dries it out and makes it prone to breakage. So protect your scalp by either wearing a hat, or spraying sunscreen onto your part and working it into the roots.
Another way to help your hair stay healthy in summer is to give it more moisture. Condition your hair regularly and use a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a week. For a great moisture treatment, try mixing a few drops of oil into your conditioner or hair mask, apply to your hair, wrap your hair in a warm, wet towel, and cover with a plastic bag for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out.
Your Eyes
Beauty: Come summer, the easiest way to create a fresh-faced look is with less eye makeup. Opt for a light, creamy shadow with a little sparkle for a simple wash of color.
Health: The sun’s UV rays can hurt your eyes and your vision. They can create temporary sunburn-like damage that causes redness and tearing, or worse over the long term. Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays and 75%-90% of visible light.
Your Face
Beauty: Less is more when it comes to fresh-looking summer skin. Instead of foundation, try a tinted moisturizer. Even better: choose one with SPF in it. Also, for a healthy glow, try sweeping a bit of bronzer over your cheekbones.
Health: Unfortunately, summer heat and humidity can make you break out more. So, wash your face twice a day, and follow with an appropriate toner or astringent and a daytime moisturizer that contains SPF (especially if you have no intentions of buying sunscreen). If you tend to break out, look for products that say “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” or “won’t clog pores.”
Your Lips
Beauty: Save the heavy lipstick for cooler days, and try a pretty gloss with a fresh pop of color.
Health: Exfoliate your lips regularly to help keep them soft and smooth. Also, your lips need sun protection, too, so use lip products with SPF 30.
Your Body
Beauty: Showing off a little more skin is almost inevitable thanks to the summer heat. Use a loofah or textured sponge when you shower to help slough off dead skin cells. Also, exfoliate at least 1-2 times a week with a body scrub. This will not only keep your skin glowing and soft, but can also help alleviate ingrown hairs. Another great way to make your skin glow is to substitue your regular lotion for a light body oil.
Health: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to summer skin is not applying enough sunscreen (or not applying it at all). With so many sunscreens to choose from, it’s best to think about your skin type and what you’ll do while wearing it. If you’re going to be active, look for water-resistant SPF 30. If you’re concerned about shine or greasy residue, try an oil-free formula or one that contains micronized zinc.
To get the proper amount of protection, either use a moisturizer with sunscreen, or apply 1 ounce (the size of a golf ball) of traditional sunscreen to your body, and a quarter-sized amount to your face 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply it every 2 hours. If it’s easier, you may want to consider a spray-on sunscreen – but make sure you rub it in.
Your Feet
Beauty: The boots are in storage, and it’s now all about the cute sandals. Not only should you get regular pedicures (either at a salon or DIY) to keep your feet pretty and fresh, but consider brilliant summer colors to polish those toes with – don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone (especially since it’s just nail polish). Also consider exfoliating your feet with an appropriate scrub at least once or twice a week.
Health: Apply sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF on the tops of your feet, too.
