Summer Beauty

As summer heats up and the makeup melts down,
take a break and don’t sweat it. There are plenty of ways to
chill out and put on a happy face.

Here are some beauty tips to help you keep your cool in the sun.

Make sunscreen a priority. Don’t burn, but learn about SPF’s. The Sun Protection Factor is an important way to make sure your skin isn’t damaged by penetrating UVA and UVB rays. Check to make sure the sunscreen you choose offers “broad spectrum protection” from both.

Stay hydrated. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Skin needs extra care during the extreme cold and heat. So keep slathering on the moisturizers. Many sunscreens do double duty and incorporate not only protection from the sun’s burning rays, but nourish and hydrate skin as well. There are also moisturizers that give your skin a healthy glow.

Lighten up. Time to put away the heavy foundations and break out the lighter formulas of BB, CC or DD creams. These so-called alphabet creams basically improve your skin with added ingredients like anti-oxidants and SPF. Just remember that since they are lighter than many traditional foundations and may not provide as much coverage. If you do use these creams, make sure you choose one with SPF.

Brush on the powder. Don’t be afraid to soak up some of summer’s “glistening” skin with a little moisture-absorbing powder. Portable packages of blotting papers that you can tuck inside your handbag or beach tote may also come in handy. If you skip the foundation, face powder will provide a little coverage and color. Choose a bronzing powder to give your skin a sun-kissed effect.

Do your lips a service. Always check to make sure the lipstick or gloss you use also has sunscreen. The matte lipsticks are still fashion favorites, but in warm weather, shiny lip-glosses have a shining moment.

Open your eyes. Clear away the smoky eyes and black cat-eye liner, and go streak free with smudge-proof mineralized eye shadows. Then top off with just a smidge of waterproof mascara.

Refresh your fragrances. Take a break from the heavy duty musky scents and spritz on some lighter refreshing sprays. Fresh citrusy fragrances are perfect for summer. (Neroli Portofino Forte by Tom Ford is one to consider or Walk on Air by Kate Spade.)

Cool off with icy nail colors. Pastels are always favorite summertime hues, and one of the best ways to take a break from the heat is to cool off with nail colors that are reminiscent of ocean blues and greens and sunset peaches and lavenders. Think “Viva Antigua!” (Summer 2016 collection by Essie)

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.