We asked experts used to the hottest
temperatures to tell us their heatproof tips for avoiding a summer meltdown
Kimono
$519, La Perla. Swimsuit $393, Melissa Odabash, Necklace, $23; bangle, $19, both
Daisy + Eve at Evans
Hot hair
Keep summer hair carefree and casual.
Australian hair guru Kevin Murphy says, “Off-the-face styles such as updos and
high ponytails are great when it’s hot as they keep the nape of your neck, a
naturally hot part of your body, cooler.”
“If your hair’s thick, add layers or try
this season’s shorter styles,” suggests Israeli-born Shai Greenberg from top
London salon Gielly Green. Your hair grows faster in summer so you can be more
daring (your body produces more vitamin D in response to increased sunlight, so
both your hair and your bones get stronger).
No time for showering before a party and
your hair feels sticky and flat? “Dry shampoo is the best way to revive any
hair type,” says Kevin. Just remember it’s not a hairspray: use it only where
needed – mostly at the hairline and parting. Looking for extra bounce? “Wrap
your hair around large rollers and blast with medium heat from your hairdryer
to set, then switch to a cold setting for the last 10 seconds to boost shine,” says
Kevin. “This is a great way to refresh a tired style.”
Okay, so now your roots are dry and
sweet-free, but so are your ends. “Use a little nourishing oil on them for some
TLC,” says Shai. The sun’s rays are drying, so this is a great time to use
leave-in conditioners and nourishing oils to feed your parched strands. Cosmo
loves Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair, $24, and Gielly Green Argan Ultime, $43, to tame
frizz and nourish hair.
Dress,
$699, La Perla. Earrings, $98, Inspired Treasures. Necklace, $83; cuff, $180,
both Azuni
Smokin’ hot makeup
By hot, we mean hawt – not melting. “Use a
primer on your lids so your eyeshadow stays on longer,” says Eric Jimenez,
creative director of Urban Decay (and south California resident). Cosmo loves
NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer, $6, to make your shadow last past cocktail
hour and even out your skin tone.
Next, opt for cream shadows such as
Givenchy Luminescence Cream Shadow in Pearly Rose, $35, if you have olive skin;
By Terry Ombre Blackstar Color Fix Cream Eyeshadow in 8, $41, for paler
complexions, or Maybelline Color Tattoo in Eternal Gold, $7, for an on-trend
summer hue that suits everyone. “Cream shadows are easier to wear in the heat
as they stick easily to your lid and don’t crease,” says Givenchy artistic director
Nicolas Degennes, a part-time Marrakech resident. Choose a water-resistant
mascara to prevent it from running when the heat goes up. “You only need
waterproof if you plan to jump in the pool to refresh,” adds Eric.
On your lips, go for stains and lip balms:
they’re more heatproof. We love Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Passion Fruit
Crush, $24, a deliciously scented treat that will stay put after a couple of
margaritas. Fancy giving your makeup setting spray to keep it in place. Try
Urban Decay De Slick, $29, which is also oil-free. Keep it in your fridge for
an instant cooling effect.
Feeling oily? Blot excess sebum with
Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets, $4, a classic, fail-safe option without added
powder to dab away oil, not makeup.
Tunic,
$330, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, Ring, $68; bracelet, $68; bangles, $45, all
Mirabelle. Earrings, stylist’s own
Cool skin
As your natural barometer (and air-con in
the summer), your skin adapts and reacts to environmental factors such as sun
exposure, pollution, wind and, of course, heat. By regulating your body
temperature, it protects your other organs and ensures you stay healthy. So, on
a hot day, it sweats to cool you down and gets oilier to stay waterproof and
resist bacteria (yes, really)
But why do you still get breakouts? The
combination of sweat and sebum (oil) forms a film on the surface of your skin
called acid mantle that has one protective function: to keep the germs out but
the moisture in. “Bacteria and viruses are mainly alkaline, so keeping your
skin’s pH levels at a slightly acidic level of 4.5/6 is key,” says Tracy
Tamaris, training director for South African skincare brand Environ. “To
normalize the pH of your skin so it functions more efficiently, use oil-based
cleansers. These dissolve dirt the fastest, including in oily skin. They also
prevent pores clogging,” says Tracy.
“Adapting your skincare routine to the hot
weather is essential,” Tracy adds. “Choose skincare packed with antioxidants,
to help to protect your skin against UV damage,” Cosmo love antioxidant-rich
Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cleanser, $27, and Environ AVST
Cleansing Lotion, $42.
When it comes to choosing a summer
moisturizer, Tracy says, “Some people find lotions more comfortable, but
texture isn’t all that relevant to your skin.” Oil-free moisturizing creams
such as Estée Lauder Daywear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Oil-Free
Crème, $59, are perfect to keep both your skin hydrated and shine at bay. If
your skin is dry, try a hydrating serum such as Clarins Hydra Quench Intensive
Serum Bi-Phase, $60, to repair and trap the moisture that humidity and
perspiration take away from your skin.
Feeling flushed?
Cool down with a mist of hydrating spray,
such as Super By Dr Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench Hydrating Mist, $34,
which contains coconut water and fatty acids to hydrate and nourish your skin.
Sensitive skin?
“Thermal water is a great soother for
sensitive and irritation-prone skins, which tend to be provoked by the heat,”
explains Tracy. Cleanse your skin with Avène Micellar Lotion, $19.
Avène
Micellar Lotion
What about your scent?
“Bright, fresh citrus notes are best to
wear in warmer climates,” advises perfumer Lyn Harris. Choose scents that cool
you down such as Armani Code Luna Eau Sensuelle, $51, with bergamot, moonflower
and pear, or Miller Harris Le Pamplemousse, $135, with grapefruit and green
melon. “If you’re wearing fragrance in the sun, try spraying it on clothes
rather than directly on your skin, or apply the scent to hands and run fingers
through your hair,” says Lyn.
Sweat the sexy way
We asked top athletes to share their
heatproof tips when working out
·
“I apply leave-in conditioner to my hair so it
doesn’t get dry and tangled in the heat, such as Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair
Veil, $29,” says Team GB volleyball player Lucy Boulton. “And as I train in the
sun, Clinique SPF30 Body Cream, $28 (120716), is a must – it’s
sweat-resistant.”
·
“A sarong is a must-have item for me when
training or competing,” says Denise Johns, also a Team GB volleyball player.
·
“I use it to wipe off sweat or instead of a hat
as it’s so lightweight.”
·
“I keep myself cool by wearing my hair in a high
ponytail or a little bun so it’s off my face,” says heptathlete Jess Ennis.
