The mercury is rising ladies, so here’s how to ensure the only thing melting is the ice in your lemon-mint…
There was wind, there was rain, and there was even the call for a knitted jumper or two.
But winter will soon be a long distant memory, with temperatures expected to hit the 40 degrees Celsius mark this week for the first time in months.
It’s undeniable… summer is coming.
And while in other, cooler nations the season may spark bronzed skin, a Victoria’s Secret model glow and beachy waves, for us in the Middle East it’s more a case of shirts stuck to backs and foundation flooding down our necks.
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Sure, the hotter months call for less of the heavy cosmetics and rich creams, but there’s no need to ditch your beauty routine totally.
Here, we’ve put together some of our best beauty hacks to keep you looking cool in the heat.
Waterproof mascara is your new best friend
For those of you who’d rather stay inside for three months rather than be seen bare-lashed, the summer calls for a beauty bag shake-up. Ditch your favourite mascara for a waterproof formula to ensure your lids stay smudge-free (while also making pool and beach days a little more glam). Not sure where to start? Check out our list of the top summer-proof mascaras here.
Yes, a makeup fixing spray can save the day
It might feel like yet another unnecessary step in an already time-consuming routine, but a quick spritz with a setting spray really does do wonders when it comes to stopping your base, concealer and blush sliding off your face. Plus, you can top up during the day for a dewy – not sweaty – effect. We’ve had solid results with Urban Decay’s All Nighter spray, Dhs127, and Kat Von D Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist, Dhs120, both Sephora.
Blot, blot and blot some more
Rather than piling on the powder to battle the shine, which can appear cakey, snap up some blotting papers (Muji, Dhs7 for 100). These discreetly wipe away sweat and oil from your skin, without disturbing your makeup – or requiring you to pile on more of it. In a pinch, you can even use individual sheets of toilet paper…
Use shine-free SPF
While you should definitely be using a SPF (or moisturiser with the stuff) of around factor 30 or more on a daily basis, sometimes you need a midday top-up, especially if you’re out and about. Rather than slathering cream on top of any makeup, pick up a portable SPF powder that you can just swiftly dust over your face (which also helps counteract shine). These are also handy when travelling with hand luggage only as they won’t take up any of your precious liquid allowance. Our favourite? Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF45, Dhs110 at cultbeauty.co.uk (yes, it ships to the UAE).
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Make your hair colour last for longer
Harsh sunlight can make dyes and highlights fade more quickly, but there is one effective home remedy. Use colour-protecting shampoos and conditions, sure, but try finishing your shower with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Just add a capful or so of the stuff to a jug of water, and run it over your hair to seal the cuticles and prevent fading. “The apple cider vinegar coats the cuticle, leaving the hair soft and shiny,” celebrity colourist Denis de Souza told Byrdie. “It also helps to strengthen your hair by closing the cuticles and the hair shaft.”
Keep dry shampoo in your bag
Lank, greasy locks can often strike during that two-minute walk from the metro or Uber into the office. But during the summer months, pop a travel-size dry shampoo spray – available from most pharmacies – in your bag, for a quick in-the-bathroom freshen up. Failing that, a little baby powder kept in the desk drawer will do the trick, when used sparingly.
Swap powder makeup for liquid and creams
If you’re a powder foundation and blush gal, you might want to consider swapping to a creamier consistency for a few months. Why? Well, while powder formulas can temper shine, layers of them can pill and crease in warmer climes. While a restrained dusting of setting powder will wear well, switch to a long-lasting liquid foundation or tinted moisturiser and cream blush for a less cakey result.
Take care of that frazzled hair
All the heat and UV rays can leave your mane looking dry and damaged, but there are plenty of products out there designed to counteract the sun’s harsh rays. The Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer (Dhs94 at lookfantastic.com) makes for a great pre-blowdry styling spray, while also protecting your locks against the sun, and the argan-rich Lancaster Sun Beauty Hair oil, Dhs110, makes split ends and frizz a thing of the past. On a budget? A little dab of raw coconut oil also does the trick.
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