The best beauty tips for every summer problem
By: The Beauty Experts at L'Oréal Paris
Every season brings its beauty challenges (remember winter's chapped lips and staticky hair?), and while we think fondly of summer, it's not all dewy skin and sun-kissed complexions. Between our frolicking in the waves, lounging around bonfires and sipping from bottomless glasses of rosé, there's some maintenance to be done.
Here, we pinpoint what may be plaguing your hair and skin as you navigate the pool parties, and offer advice on how to stay ahead of the season's most beguiling beauty problems. And whether you believe it or not, fall will be here soon -- and with it, a whole new batch of cosmetic quandaries. But having aced these tips, you may just think back with nostalgia to the smell of bug spray and the challenges of applying eyeliner on a hot and humid afternoon ... maybe.
1. The Issue: Beachy Buildup
By July, you've slathered, spread and sprayed your fair share of sunscreen and insect repellent onto your skin. Combine that with weeks' worth of sweat and general outdoor grime, and it may feel like your complexion has a permanent film coating. To tackle this, not just any cleanser will do. Look for a face wash with glycolic acid to gently exfoliate your skin on a daily basis. Peel pads will also do the trick. Just be sure to wear your SPF, as glycolic acid can make skin sensitive to sunlight.
2. The Issue: Summer Skin Dull-drums
If your complexion looks like it could use a vacation of its own, treat tired skin to a clay mask with charcoal. Charcoal acts as a magnet, extracting dirt and oil and leaving skin clean and rejuvenated (no airline tickets required).
3. The Issue: Pore Panic
As summer rattles on, do our pores actually get bigger, somehow in response to the rising temperatures? Not exactly. Your pore size doesn't change; however, BBQs, camping trips, baseball games and afternoons on the shore mean more opportunities for debris to work its way into your pores, making them appear larger. Dig deep with an exfoliating and refining mask that boasts red algae and volcanic rock to help extract and purify clogged pores.
4. The Issue: Seasonal Dry Spells
If you haven't had pesky patches of flakiness creep across your forehead yet, beware. At some point, a combination of sun and chlorine is likely to sap your skin of much-needed hydration. When that happens, grab a moisturizer with antioxidant-rich vitamin C.
5. The Issue: Grease Is the Word
Of course, the flip side to dryness is oily skin. If a shiny T-zone has wreaked havoc on your snapshots all summer long, call on the help of a purifying clay mask. One packed with eucalyptus will help to soothe skin and nix greasiness at the same time, without overdrying.
6. The Issue: Melting Makeup
No matter how masterful the application, makeup is no match for humidity. Spritz a setting spray over your finished look to keep your face, eye and lip products from smudging throughout the day.
7. The Issue: Lackluster Locks
Just like your skin, your strands are susceptible to damage when exposed to the summer elements. Whenever possible, try to wet hair with fresh water before taking a dip. Damp hair won't absorb as much damaging salt water or chlorine. Then, try to give it a second rinse after your swim. Also, consider switching to a restorative shampoo packed with omega-3 and omega-6 to help rehydrate hair that's been harmed by the heat.
8. The Issue: Raucous Roots
Conflicting vacation schedules -- yours and your stylist's -- may delay your color upkeep. Between appointments, rely on DIY root cover-up to maintain seamless coverage. The temporary fix can be as easy as a three-second spray.
