The first quarter is the hottest time of the year, and while it’s wonderful to spend weekends next to the pool, the day-to-day heat can really take its toll on your skin, hair and makeup. From shiny foreheads and runny mascara to dry hair and unmanageable frizz, there are countless ways in which the warm weather can interfere with your beauty regime.
Here’s how to prevent your makeup from melting, how to maintain a healthy (not sweaty!) glow and how to keep your hairstyle intact all day – even on the hottest days of the year.
Makeup tips
Melted foundation, smeared eyeliner and runny mascara are common when temperatures soar. But even if you’re sweating, there are simple ways to preserve your makeup:
Wear less makeup
This may sound contradictory, but hear us out: Your normal makeup routine might be too heavy to withstand the heat. Keep your makeup light by opting for a light or dewy foundation rather than a full coverage or HD formula. Your skin will breathe better, you’ll be less likely to break out and the formulation will stay put. We recommend wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation (R129.95). Specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin no-filter perfection, the dewy formula is perfect for summer.
Don’t underestimate the power of a primer
Yes, primers allow for better makeup application and a more flawless finish, but these multi-taskers have another hidden talent: they help your makeup stay put. Avoid melting foundation by applying a good quality primer before your foundation. wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer (R189.95) is a first of its kind – it’s silicone-free, yet offers the silky and seamless application traditionally achieved with silicones. It’s simultaneously hydrating and mattifying, contains a natural brightener and blurs pores and imperfections.
Try waterproof formulas
There’s no need to give up your mascara or eyeliner in fear of panda eyes, provided you switch to a good waterproof formula! Try wet n wild Mega Last Breakup-Proof Retractable Eyeliner (R55.95). This waterproof satin gel formula delivers up to 16 hours of long-lasting, pigment-rich colour in every effortlessly, smooth application. Waterproof mascara never lets you down. We recommend wet n wild Lash Renegade Waterproof Mascara (R126.95). It curls, lengthens and volumises lashes and the formula doesn’t clump or budge.
Skincare tips
It’s no secret that the skin takes a beating when it’s hot. The presence of sweat and the skin’s tendency to produce more oil (sebum) can lead to blocked pores, blackheads and breakouts. Try these simple tips for a bright and clear complexion:
Incorporate spot-busting skincare ingredients
A shiny forehead and T-zone is common, but if it’s not managed, the bacteria from sweat and excess sebum can lead to blackheads and breakouts. Keep your complexion clear by incorporating a spot-busting ingredient like salicylic acid into your daily regime. A 2% salicylic acid cleanser is a great place to start. Try NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Cleanser (R219.95). Follow with a salicylic acid-rich moisturiser like NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Moisturiser (R219.95). And if your skin needs an added boost, we recommend NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Night Pads (R349.95). They’re formulated to reduce breakouts with potent salicylic acid and a skin protective complex to support the healing process of active breakouts, to speed up recovery time.
Don’t leave the house without SPF
SPF is not just for beach days – it’s an everyday essential. Modern SPF formulations don’t have that dreaded oily and sticky consistency from previous years. Apply a facial SPF as the last step of your skincare regime, and if you’re going to spend time outdoors, reapply every few hours. Not only will it prevent your skin from burning in the summer heat, but it will help prevent hyperpigmentation and slow down the ageing process too. Try Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50 (R190.00). Sweat- and water-resistant, this broad-spectrum formula contains an anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun while keeping the skin moisturised and silky soft. We recommend Piz Buin Sun Lipstick SPF30 (R54.95) to protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun (plus, it acts as a great lipstick primer too!).
Hair care tips
The sun, the sea and chlorine water in swimming pools all have a dehydrating effect on hair, which can lead to dryness, breakage and frizz. A few key hair care products will ensure your hair stays healthy during this time of the year:
Apply a deep conditioner or treatment
It’s almost guaranteed that your hair will need some extra TLC when it’s exposed to hot weather. Because the sun has the ability to dehydrate hair, it’s important to apply a hydrating hair mask or treatment once or twice a week to replenish moisture and nourish the hair. For curly hair, try Curls In Bloom Deep Penetrating Treatment (R129.95), a conditioning mask that replenishes moisture while strengthening hair. For damaged hair, try Marc Anthony Grow Long Intense Hydration Conditioning Treatment (R69.99). Just the deep conditioning your dry ends crave to feel stronger with fewer split ends and breakage. Hair instantly feels softer, shinier and frizz-free. For textured hair, try Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque (R59.99). It penetrates deep into the hair shaft for an intense treatment to repair, restore and strengthen dry, damaged hair.
Use protection
If your hair is going to be exposed to the sun, there’s a good chance it’ll be at risk of UV damage. Apply a thermal protection product before heading outdoors. We recommend Hask Coconut Oil 5-In-1 Leave-In Spray (R133.00). This multi-tasker detangles, hydrates, conditions, controls frizz, softens hair and provides that all important thermal protection.
Cover up
There’s more to pretty hats and scarves than just a fashion statement – they actually go a long way in protecting the hair and scalp! Invest in a few different styles and wear them whenever you’re spending time outdoors to protect your hair and scalp from UV rays.
