The summer sun brings with it its own set of beauty challenges! I’ve written before on the topic of Beauty 911 and thought it would be helpful to share a few more ‘beauty hacks’ that I’ve picked up that really work.
Issue: Smudgy Mascara
Heat, humidity, salt air…they can all make our mascara smudge. ‘Why not just wear a waterproof mascara?’ you may ask? Well, not all of our favorite mascaras are available in waterproof formulations (like Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary Lashes, to name one). There are a few different products on the market for this, but my favorite is NYX Proof It! Waterproof Mascara Topcoat ($10, Target).
Issue: Getting a Close, Lasting Shave
If you’re like me and you live in shorts and sundresses all summer, you’re shaving your legs fairly often, or at least more often than in the winter. Beach vacations call for more frequent underarm and bikini area hair removal, too. This can cause awful irritation and unsightly red bumps or rashes. One of the easiest ways to get a closer shave and prevent irritation is to use beard lube. Yep, those hipsters were onto something…kind of. Instead of using it on your man’s beard, use it like you would a shaving cream on more sensitive areas. Trust me!
To get a closer shave, just in general, I suggest skipping the ladies shave cream and using a men’s ‘brushless’ shave cream. (my husband had a few bottles in the shower, so I thought I’d give it a try!) Your legs will feel smother post-shave and your shave will last longer, too! My faves include:
Issue: Shaving Bumps
Sometimes, despite using a new blade, great shaving cream or exfoliating accordingly, we still end up with bumps from shaving. The quick fix is closer than you think! Any acne spot treatment with salicylic acid works wonders! Just dab a drop on any unsightly shaving bump or ingrown hair and it should be gone (or significantly reduced) in 24 hours. My absolute fave is Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel ($32).
Issue: Sweaty, Smelly Feet
I hate wearing socks – even in the winter! I also love to wear slip-on sneakers sans socks, which can sometimes turn into smelly sneakers and smelly feet over the summer months. To keep your feet from sweating and smelling, I suggest rubbing a small amount of Routine Cream natural deodorant on your soles! Their formulas are all-natural and there is a scent, or lack of scent for all preferences!
Samples are $4.99 and full-sized jars are $28.
cover photo credit: nutritious life