Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel
$23.50
Available at: beauty.com
The mercury is inching closer to triple-digits, your hair is limp, your makeup is melting, your skin feels swollen and clammy, and your mouth is parched. Yep, it's summer again. That time of year where every day is a struggle to balance looking good with feeling refreshed.
Let me tell you, I know a thing or two about surviving the summer. From a youth spent in northern California's humid, mosquito-infested rice country; to 5 years in literally one of the hottest college towns in CA (it was 117 degrees at noon the day I graduated); to most of my twenties living mere blocks from the temperature-temperamental San Diego shore; plus a summer in sweltering, rain-drenched London-- I've encountered the whole range of crazy summer weather issues. And, I've learned a thing or two along the way. Here are some of my favorite ways to refresh on a summer day:
* Cool your skin. Heat, humidity, and too much time outdoors can make you feel like your skin is on fire. Chill with Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel [top left]. This natural, yoghurt-based gel-cream increases the water content of the top layers of the skin, relieving UV-induced redness and the sensation of burning.
* Re-hydrate the antioxidant way. A certifiable green tea freak, I swear I feel more refreshed drinking antioxidant-packed green tea than water alone. Seriously, I live off of this stuff. Just be sure to look out for natural brewed green tea that is either un-sweetened or made with diet sweeteners to avoid unnecessary sugar and calories, and I suggest opting for caffeine-free after your first couple cups.
* Get your face mist on. No need to remove you makeup and start over to get a refreshing boost. The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist cools, moisturizes, and sets makeup hands-free, plus it has the most delicious rosewater scent. I keep a bottle in my purse and spritz it on all day long.
Burt's Bees
Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer
$5.19
Available at: drugstore.com
* Cool your scalp. The mix of heat, humidity, and styling products can leave your scalp feeling sticky and gross. Get an instant refreshing, cooling sensation by choosing a shampoo packed ingredients that are designed to invigorate. Try Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. This daily shampoo cleanses hair of impurities while the Australian tea tree oil creates a tingly sensation.
* Buh-bye sticky hands. I hate sticky summer hands. You know what I mean. Yuck. For a natural way to refresh and kill germs, try Burt's Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer [above left]. All the refreshment of hourly hand washing, but without the overly drying effect.
Ok, so the weather may be working against you, but now you have a few tricks up your sleeve for mid-day refreshment. Go forth and brave the summer!
