Here are a few tips to help when the weather is ridiculously hot!
- Using an antiperspirant versus a deodorant can make a HUGE difference. Deodorants and antiperspirants are not the same thing: their formulas are not alike. When choosing an antiperspirant you want the active ingredients to be between 18–20% for maximum wetness protection. Products to consider include Secret Clinical Strength and Dove Clinical Protection.
- Avoid emollient moisturizers and sunscreens, as these will mix with perspiration and create a greasy-looking complexion. For daytime wear, look for sunscreens that feel light, have a lasting matte finish and are water resistant, such as Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry sunscreens.
- For hair care, go for casual, uncomplicated styles that don’t require heat styling. It is impossible to humidity-proof your hair completely, so don’t waste time or money on such products. Instead, opt for light hold styling creams and sprays that provide a soft hold for tousled, touchable results. Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème and Aveeno Nourish + Style styling products.
- Don’t worry about a complicated makeup routine. When the mercury rises, makeup should be simplified. For most women, that means a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, a light dusting of pressed powder in the t-zone, and perhaps a bit of bronzer that can also be used to shape and shade the eye area. Finish with waterproof mascara, blush, and a glossy lipstick with sunscreen such as Chanel Aqualumiere Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF 15.
- If foot wetness is a problem, stick with sandals or slings so feet get plenty of air, which will minimize wetness. Not ready to bare your feet? Prior to slipping on socks or hosiery, dust feet with an absorbent powder such as Zeosorb Super Absorbent Powder or Odor Eaters Foot Powder.
- Get a small, battery-powered fan or just a small elegant or fun traditional fan and keep it in your purse or pocket. Believe me, when you begin to get warm outdoors this will save the day.
- Seek shade—a simple solution, but all important (and it reduces sun damage).
- Wear a cute, breezy hat to keep the sun off your head—it helps you feel cooler and protects your hair (especially dyed hair) from getting dried and bleached by the all-damaging rays of the sun!
- Stop in for an iced tea or coffee (both have lots of antioxidants, so they are healthy too) in an air-conditioned place when you begin to feel uncomfortably hot. Need to avoid caffeine? Go for soda water with a squeeze of citrus. A bottle of sparkling water is also great!
- Drink cold water. It's easy to get dehydrated in summer heat and that isn't healthy and definitely doesn't look good. Drinking cold water is even more important if you’re enjoying a chilled alcohol-based drink, because alcohol is dehydrating.