Thursday, August 9, 2012

Summer Beauty: Makeup and Hair

Welcome to Part 2 of my Summer Beauty mini series! Part 1, which is on fueling your body during the summer months, can be found here

This week, let's talk about makeup and hair! If you haven't noticed already, I'm pretty low maintenance (read: lazy) in the hair and makeup department. I typically use some foundation, mascara, and concealer, and that’s it. Sometimes I will wear lipstick and for special occasions, I attempt a smokey eye, but I’m just not that into makeup. Even so, in the summer, I switch up my routine a little bit to make life even easier on me and my skin. So let's dive into some of my personal summer hair and makeup tips!

Tinted Moisturizer in the Summer

Tinted Moisturizer 

I feel like this is the best-kept beauty secret! I have dry skin that needs to stay moisturized even through the summer, so in the summer I use a light tinted moisturizer on top of my regular one for basic blemish coverage. That way, I keep my skin hydrated but avoid any heavy foundations that tend to melt off throughout the day.

I’ve been using one I bought from Target, but the color isn’t quite right for my pale skin tone; it’s a little too orange. I’ve had great success using Smashbox in the past, but it’s quite a bit more expensive so we’ll see if I switch to something else -- I'm looking into different  BB Creams at the moment! You can also mix your regular foundation with some moisturizer for another alternative.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen


I don't know about you, but I burn almost instantly whenever I go outside in the summer. I have an extremely pale complexion, so I have to be careful about wearing sunscreen. Even if you don't burn or tan at all, the sun is still extremely damaging to your skin, so be sure to wear sunscreen.

My hands-down favorite is Neutrogena's Dry Touch Sunscreen. It is the only sunscreen I have used that not only works, but feels more like lotion than greasy sunscreen. I have been a loyal fan for years and have converted many to the cause! Whatever your sunscreen of choice may be, apply it generously before going out into the sun and again every few hours (or, if you're like me, every hour).


Summer Nail Polish Colors: China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint

Nail Polish 

Nail polish is a great way to look put-together without feeling over-done or running the risk of your look melting off. Plus, I personally love wearing more fun colors in the summer, since I am not at my office job currently!

My favorite nail colors for this summer are mint and nude-ish pink polish. I can’t get over China Glaze's Re-fresh Mint polish. I feel like I paint my nails that shade over and over, but it is just too cute. Of course, I do have a mint obsession, so that might be related. I also bought a light pink frosted polish from Target that I have fallen in love with when I want a more neutral (and chip-friendly) look.

Reduce heat styling for healthy summer hair

Hair 

In the summer, heat styling can be annoying, extra damaging, and make you feel overheated. If you flat iron, blow dry, or curl your hair every day, try embracing its natural texture for a change. Updos, like cute braids, ponytails, and buns, also reduce the need for heat styling. Giving your hair a break, at least sometimes, can be really beneficial for the health of your hair.

I've definitely shifted to wearing my hair naturally since it is growing out somewhat awkwardly and it's so hot outside, and it has been great! I love having extra time in the mornings and not worrying about my hair staying straight and in place all day.

That's it for today! Next Thursday, I will post the final part of this series, which will focus on some inner-beauty goodness: mind-body health. Until then, I want to know...

How do you change your beauty routine in the summer?

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