Summer weather brings with it so many amazing things — days at the pool, trips to the beach, adorable dresses. But it also brings hellishly hot weather and the feeling that you could very well melt down into a puddle at any moment. This level of sticky humidity and sweltering heat can leave you wondering how to stay fresh when it's hot outside.
At least, I know that's my first thought upon stepping out onto the smoldering streets. After spending the morning showering and smearing on deodorant, it's never fun to have sweat instantly soak through my shirt. Besides feeling less-than-pleasant, I then have to spend the rest of the day feeling weird about my armpit stains. (Cute, right?)
And that's not even talking about what happens to the rest of me. When it comes to my hair, instant grease. That's all you need to know. And my makeup? Well, after meticulously applying foundation and lipstick, I can feel it sliding right off my face. Sad times, indeed.
With all of that imagery now in your head, I'm happy to say there are ways to reign in the sweatiness, keep the grease to a minimum, and stay feeling fresh, even on the hottest of summer days. Here are some tips for doing just that:
1. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Even though form-fitting tank tops and tiny shorts are cute, they aren't going to be the best choices in hot, sticky weather. Instead, you'll want to be all about tunics, flowing skirts, and loose dresses — preferably bought a few sizes up. "The cardinal rule to hot-weather dressing is that bigger is better. ... The extra wiggle room will allow air to circulate a lot better," said Connie Wang on Refinery29.com. Not to mention, you'll be extra comfy.
2. Mop Yourself With Cleansing Cloths
Whatever you do, don't leave home without a fully stocked stash of cleansing cloths. Tote them around everywhere, and shamelessly mop your brow. Whip them out on the subway, or pat them on your face as you walk down the street. I promise, you'll feel so refreshed.
3. Try Wearing Patterns Or Darker Colors If Sweat Stains Make You Self-Conscious
All the antiperspirants in the world can't save you on the hottest summer days. Take one step outside, and the sweat will start to flow in abundance. So, what's a girl to do? Wear patterned shirts and dresses, of course. "Patterns camouflage perspiration a whole lot better than solid colors do," noted Wang. But if designs aren't your jam, go for darker colors, which hardly ever show wetness.
4. Soak Sweat Up With Dry Shampoo
Sweaty bangs and oily strands are going to happen. There's not much you can do about it, besides doing your part to soak things up with dry shampoo. Spray it on your part, let it sit, and then brush it out. It should leave your hair looking fresher, and far less... moist.
5. Own Your Greasy Hair
Is the constant cloud of dry shampoo is doing nothing to rein in your grease? Then it might be time to start rocking the wet look. Or, at least, the oily look. This can be achieved with a healthy dose of hair oil, or even some leave-in conditioner. Besides being shiny and sleek, you'll also be treating your damaged hair. "Sun, chlorine and wind aren't kind to your strands," noted Maria Ricapito on Health. "Your savior: oil you spritz on wet or dry hair to add moisture and glossiness." Look for an oil in the drugstore, and start embracing your look.
6. Be All About Hats
If you want to stay cool, whilst also protecting yourself from the sun, then a big old hat is the way to go. "Though a hat might seem like it'll suffocate your head, protecting your scalp from UV rays will eventually keep you cooler," Wang said. "Built-in ventilation doesn't hurt, either."
7. Cool Down Your Pressure Points
OK, so let's say you're totally melting and need to cool off fast. You can go find some A/C, sit in front of a fan, or chill out with some ice. If you choose the third option, just make sure you apply it to the right spots. "To chill out super-fast, apply ice packs or cold compresses to pulse points at the wrists, neck, elbows, groin, ankles, and behind the knees," said Sophie Breene on Greatist.com. No ice? Try a cold water bottle, or cool water from the tap, instead.
8. Drape Yourself In Natural Fibers
Now is not the time for the likes of polyester, if you can help it. Not only do synthetic fibers prevent the flow of air, but they lock in sweat in a pretty unappealing way. So, go for tops made out of cotton or linen. "Natural fibers are way more breathable than anything synthetic," Wang said. "But, since they're also way less stretchy, make sure you're, again, going for something bigger in size."
9. Wear Cotton Undies
Do yourself a favor, and skip the synthetics when selecting underwear, too. "When it comes to your underwear selection, your vagina has a preference: cotton," said Ashley Oerman on Women's Health. "That's why most underwear comes with a thin strip of cotton fabric in the crotch." It helps air flow, and let's your nether regions breathe.
10. Put Your Perfume In The Fridge
When you're hot and sweaty, it's not likely you smell too great. (I mean, who does?) That's why chilled perfume is going to be your new best friend. Simply pop your favorite scent in the fridge, and give yourself a spritz (preferably to those pulse points), according to Ricapito. You'll feel fresher in no time.
11. Lighten Up On The Makeup
If you want to feel light and fresh all day, then don't cake your face with makeup, as it has a tendency to melt and pool uncomfortably on the skin. If you need some coverage, think along the line of a BB cream instead of a heavy foundation. But if you can't go that route, make sure you use a primer. "You won't regret the few seconds it takes to apply a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup," said Alyssa Kolsky Hertzig and Sam Escobar on Good Housekeeping. It'll help things stay put.
And that's really all that matters on hot days, right? Feeling put together, fresh, and clean, despite the environment's desperate attempts to make you feel otherwise. If you're like me (and most people), and you dread the heat, then I hope these tips work for you.
Images: Pexels, (12)
