Summer Beauty Secrets
Even though summer is the time for breezy sundresses and vacationing, it can be a cruel season – particularly beauty-wise. We have rounded up our common, summer beauty problems and more importantly, the solutions!
Banish The Burn
Tomato Citrus Sugar Scrub
Sunburns are vicious and it is important to give your skin a little TLC if you plan to tan this season. A tomato sugar scrub is ideal to use before going to the pool, especially if you are prone to bad sunburn. Tomatoes have lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and cools your skin down while the sugar helps to exfoliate your skin. For an added bonus, add a little citronella oil to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Tomato Citrus Scrub
- ¼ medium tomato – finely diced
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp. cold, pressed coconut oil
Method:
Combine all ingredients together. With clean hands on skin, gently scrub in circular motions for one minute. Store the remaining scrub in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. Use within seven to ten days.
Tame The Mane
Anti-Frizz Products And Less Shampooing
Curly-haired gals enjoy both volume and frizz from Shanghai’s humid days. Volume is great; frizz is not. Anti-frizz products such as shine spray and oil help to tame flyaway hair. We love Bumble and Bumble's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. Also, over cleansing your hair makes it more prone to frizz. Experts recommend shampooing once a week and conditioning every other day.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. RMB 234. Sephora. 388 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu. Web: www.sephora.cn
Blot Away Blemishes
Oil Blotting Sheets
The summer logic of putting extra powder on your face to avoid shiny patches is not necessarily a healthy practice. Your pores are more susceptible to clog that way. The best way to combat summer face shine is through oil blotting sheets. We like Tatcha's Aburatorigami Sheets. Now dirt, oil, shine and sweat won't be a bother!
Tatcha Original Aburatorigami. RMB 72 for one pack of 30 sheets. Web: www.tatcha.com
Liberate Your Lips
Exfoliate Then Apply A Soothing Lip Balm
We all appreciate the quick relief from a glossy lip balm, but when your lips are crying out for some hydration, gloss isn’t always the best solution. Instead, exfoliate your lips with a mixture of olive oil and sugar. Then, apply a lip balm that has shea butter or moisture-rich ingredients such as beeswax, petroleum jelly or paraffin. We recommend Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. It will seal in the moisture and keep your lips luscious.
Olive Oil And
- Sugar Scrub
- 3 tbsp. of olive oil
- 3 tbsp. of sugar
Method:
Mix them together. Apply to your lips, scrubbing in a circular motion for one minute before cleaning them with a warm, wet towel. Apply lip balm to lock in moisture.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. RMB 45. Sephora. 388 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu. Web: www.sephora.cn
Keep Your Makeup In Place
Waterproof Products
Shanghai's humidity will probably leave you sweating your freshly applied made-up off as soon as you exit your apartment in the morning. However, waterproof products are specifically designed not to smudge with moisture. We recommend Make Up Forever's waterproof line. Switch your eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow and concealer to waterproof and see the difference.
Make Up Forever Aqua Products. From RMB 200 Sephora. 388 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu. Web: www.sephora.cn