TheSoko.com - 5 Style Tips to Beat the Heat

Summer heat getting the best of you? Lua Farnoush shares her tips to help you keep your cool this season.

Ah, summer is finally upon us! The sunny days and steamy warm nights that we’ve been waiting seemingly an eternity for have arrived and we couldn’t be happier...except for the darn trivialities that accompany the humid heat that typically comes with these warmer days. All of a sudden you find yourself needing to shower multiple times per day, your hair care and makeup routine has to be completely altered and all the bugs, burns and blinding sunlight demand a drastically different array of just-in-case extras to be packed into your purse. It’s almost enough to cause you to commit the ultimate in summertime blasphemy by – gasp – praying for winter! Here are some tips to get you to nip this potential problem in the bud and ensure that your summer gets off to a fantastic and trouble-free start.

Blot it Out

Blotting pads are absolutely essential in hot humid weather, because your pores open up from the heat and dirt, and dust won’t hesitate to set up camp on your face. Spending a day out means that you’re giving up the luxury of climate control and the repercussions of this will parade all over your T-zone if you’re not prepared for battle the second a bead of sweat makes an appearance. Check out the stylish and discreet pocket-sized ones by Sephora or hit up your local pharmacy for slightly less discreet, but equally effective Clean & Clear blotting pads.

Make-Under

Wearing cosmetics on hot days can often feel like a wasted effort, because within minutes of stepping outside into the summer heat your eye shadow has clumped into the creases of your lids, your eyeliner is smudging and your face feels clogged and greasy. There are two things you can do. The first one is to get some help from a cosmetician at the beauty counter of your favourite cosmetics retailer. She can help you pick makeup that feels lighter, is specifically designed to stay on during hotter weather and usually also contains some SPF protection. Your second option is to just grin and bare it. Smooth on a little sunblock and grab your lip balm. It’s better for your skin anyhow.

Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me

April showers brought May flowers, but June and July bring pesky insects ready to buzz, bother and bite their way onto our black list. First of all, avoid wearing perfumes or body sprays with strong floral tones. Second of all, use a bug repellent that contains the chemical DEET, which is recommended by most provincial health ministries. Try one that’s mixed in with sunblock for maximum convenience.

Portable Rx

For certain skin types, sunburn is inevitable, even with appropriate sun protection. Carrying along a small container of Aloe Vera gel moisturizer enhanced with Vitamin E’s healing properties means that you can sooth your skin on the go. The humidity can sometimes cause discomfort with our clothes and shoes. Straps and buckles that never used to bother us are all of a sudden chafing and itching. To avoid blistering or heat rash, always carry a number of clear Band-Aids along with you (I keep a few tucked in a small coin purse) and slap one on the moment part of your outfit starts annoying you.

Last-Minute Essentials

Before you head out the door, make sure not to forget your summer necessities. Sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays will guarantee that your peepers are protected while you’re out there soaking up your Vitamin D. Bring along some light moisturizer just in case your cuticles, heels or any other part of your body starts to feel dry and some lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 to keep your lips looking supple. A few hairpins and a hair elastic are a good idea to bring along, as well, just in case the humidity takes its toll on your mane. Lastly, grab a cold bottle of water from the fridge in case you feel parched later on and don’t feel like spending $2.50 on a bottle later.

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packing right is important

Carrying along the right items in your purse can make all the difference between a comfortable day out and a frustrating day out. A few small essentials are a good idea to keep around and they won’t take up much room or weigh down your bag. Following these simple tips will ensure that you’ll have a safe and problem-free summer. Now get out there and have some fun in the sun!