There are two narratives to summer: the paradise variety where you sip on coconut cocktails by the Caribbean, and the nightmare variety where you suffer from the heat. However, fear not: There are beauty hacks to keeping cool this season. Your key to breezy beauty is just a few spritzes away.
As a native of Southern California, I am no foreigner to year-round sunshine and therefore year-round heat. However, as a recent NYC transplant, I suddenly found myself fighting a new war against humidity — a foe rare in my homeland. Now, with both heat and humidity to combat against this summer, I will have to resort to extreme measures. Degrees are rising, and beauty junkies must think outside the box to avoid the worst kind of fatality: melted makeup. Well, that and morphing into a sweaty catastrophe by 11:30 a.m.
From investing in holy grail products to instant DIY remedies, there are a multitude of ways to stay refreshed during the summer. And no matter your geographic location this season — whether that actually be an island destination, a jaunt across town, or even just in the comforts of your bedroom, prep yourself with these 10 beauty hacks to combat the sweltering weather.
Beat the heat (and Mother Nature) in no time.
1. Set Your Makeup
NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray, $6, Amazon
Repeat after me: Never step out the door without at least one spritz of setting spray. I get it — setting spray is easy to dismiss, but trust me when I say that a dusting of this stuff does wonders for your beauty routine. For the price of three seconds (time is money, after all) effectively seal your makeup and mattify the face. Sweat will never stand a chance.
2. Prime Away
Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials Brightening Eyeshadow Primer, $35, Nordstrom
Oily lids and liquified eyeshadows, no more. The number of times I've perfected my smokey eye only to have it disintegrate in 90-degree weather is infinite — that is, until I started using eye primer. This beauty cabinet must-have from Trish McEvoy is a double whammy for it functions as a long-lasting shadow primer and radiant eyeshadow. Best of both worlds!
3. Use Life Saving Body Mist
AHAVA Dry Oil Body Mist (Mandarin & Cedarwood), $40, Amazon
For when you need that revitalizing pick-me-up, have a hand at this summer-proof body mist. Each spritz is infused with a rich blend of algae, sesame seed oil, vitamin E, and jojoba seed oil to bring instant hydration and nourishment for the skin. And the plus: Eliminate any signs of sweat with a fragrant mix of mandarin and cedarwood.
4. Make Your Own Facial Mist
Muji Spray Bottle (18ml), $4, Muji
Want to concoct your own magic elixir? You'll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up your own batch of facial sprays right at home. Whether you're more team lavender and aloe vera or the romantic rosewater type, keep your trusty mists in a travel-size bottle for on-the-go fixes.
5. Say Yes To Baby Powder
Johnson's Baby Powder, $5, Target
Summer is also the season of razor blades and shaving galore — and while it may be hard to avoid those inevitable nicks and cuts, you can bypass chafing, razor burns, and ingrown hairs by sprinkling baby powder to keep everything in control downstairs.
6. Indulge In Face Masks
Tony Moly I'm Real Aloe Mask Sheet, $4, Ulta
Korean face masks are the answer to everything. Not only is the packaging totally Insta-worthy, but you'll find a face mask for virtually every skin problem out there — hydration, brightening, wrinkles, collagen, you name it, it's probably there. When it comes surviving the summer heat however, you'll want to stock up on aloe masks. Simply pop on a mask for refreshed, moisturized skin — no one will ever know that you just came straight from the depths of humidity.
7. Or DIY Cucumber Masks
Alternatively, get crafty and concoct your own hydrating face mask — cucumber face masks are especially suited for replenishing dehydrated skin and giving your visage that necessary lift, according to Livestrong.
8. Moisturize + SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with Sunscreen, $30, Amazon
There is torture, and then there is wearing layers of heavy makeup on a sizzling July summer afternoon. Not only will your pores feel clogged, but what are the odds that your perfectly pressed lashes will stay curled? That's why you should resort to a moisturizer and SPF duo — this translates to less makeup without sacrificing hydration and protection.
9. Waterproof Your Lashes
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, $4, Amazon
Beach day got you feeling the blues? Waterproof mascara will forever banish all your raccoon eye afflictions — smudges not allowed. Additionally, an eyebrow primer also works great for that resilient flutter.
10. Don't Forget The Deodorant!
Schmidt's Cedarwood + Juniper Deodorant Stick, $10, Amazon
This one pretty much speaks for itself — deodorant is an absolute essential during the summer months, but the question is, which deodorant? This cult fave from Schmidt's is everything that one could dream of — free of aluminum, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, made of plant-based powders, and is certified vegan and cruelty-free.
Images: Matt Cowan/Getty Images; Courtesy Brands
