Summer is a pretty high-maintenance season
With all the sweet perks (beach vacations, breezy sundresses, longer evenings) come some not-so-nice beauty challenges: Hair color starts to fade, foundation builds up, sunscreen and sweat cause breakouts—and don’t even get us started on frizz. Luckily, we’ve got nine simple tweaks to help make over your routine.
If you’re the only person left on the planet who hasn’t converted to BB creams, consider this your final warning. They even out your complexion and cover redness while making it look (and feel) like you’re not wearing makeup—and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one without SPF.
You probably already know about the importance of exfoliation in summer months when oil can build up and clog pores, but did you know that you should be doing it only at night? Scrubbing off a layer of skin in the morning makes you more susceptible to sun damage during the day, according to Ellen Marmur, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai. Try a lactic or glycolic acid peel once a week, or use a moisturizer which contains alpha hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate.
Trust us when we say the last place you want a sunburn is on your lips. Shiny lip glosses reflect sunlight and increase your risk of a burn, so choose a tinted balm with SPF instead.
Switch to a Daily Body Lotion With SPF
We get it: Slathering sunscreen all over your body after a shower isn’t the world’s most luxurious experience. But if you’re going outside in a skirt or tank top or both this summer, your arms and legs need protection. To make it not feel like a chore, choose a daily body lotion that has SPF.
Protect your hair color from sun fading by switching to shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. Most contain UV-absorbing filters and extra moisturizing ingredients, so they’ll prevent dulling and dryness better than your regular shampoo.
Rich, creamy, moisturizing body wash is great for winter, but for summer, we want cooling, refreshing, and tingly. Look for one that contains tea tree oil—it’s a natural astringent that will fight body breakouts, and the strong scent will wake you up even before your first sip of coffee.
First things first: Get out of the bathroom—the steamy environment locks in moisture and causes frizz. Instead of wrapping your hair in a towel, brush through it with an ultra-absorbent microfiber brush, then apply a smoothing serum from midlength to the ends. And if your blow-dryer has an ionic setting, switch it on (negative ions fight frizz and break down water molecules) and focus on drying the underside of your hair first.
When the thermometer hits 90, you want the fragrance equivalent of your favorite summer cocktail—light, crisp, and refreshing. Perfumes with citrusy, fruity, and floral notes are all fair game.
The cutest sandals in the world won’t make up for callused heels or a chipped pedicure. To soften calluses, use a metal file once a week before getting in the shower (you can end up taking off more than just the dead stuff when your feet are wet). Move the file from the outside to the center to avoid creating rough edges. Paint your toes with a high-shine, gel-finish polish.
Need help with Summer skin and hair care products? Stop by The Salon Professional Academy and we’ll hook you up with what’s going to work for you!
