Beating the heat: Avoid humidity blues with these cooling down tips
You’ve saved up all year and dreamed of blue skies backlit by a scorching sun but in truth many of us suffer separation anxiety the moment we were parted from air conditioning or industrial fans.
Put these tips on ice and you’ll be looking fresh as a daisy — no sweat.
Whether it’s a balmy evening or daytime by the pool, an alcohol-free facial mist is just the tonic for stressed, overheated skin. Think of it as a drink for your face.
There’s no need to rub or pat in, just enjoy the instant cooling relief and let your complexion absorb the re-hydrating vapours.
Fighting make-up melt can be tricky, particularly if you’re prone to sweating and your T-zone goes into overdrive.
“If you get shiny, especially during hot summer months, try applying a thin layer of mattifying moisturiser on top of your foundation with a foundation brush,” advises skincare make-up artist Lisa Valencia.
“This will help minimise shine instead of applying extra powder, which can leave the skin looking dry or aged.”
Swollen ankles don’t just afflict pregnant women. If you find your lower limbs always tend to expand in the heat or after a dehydrating flight, keep your legs and feet happy with cool-to-the-touch products featuring invigorating ingredients. Extracts of peppermint or cucumber are especially effective for refreshing the skin.
“Cool your pulse points by running cold water over your wrists for a minute, which will make you feel instantly cooler,” suggests Rosi Chapman, founder of Transformulas skincare.
“Also try storing your body, hand and foot lotions in the fridge for an instant cool fix when required.”
If you’re in close proximity to a fridge, employ a bucket of ice instead and chill your potions next to the rosé wine.
Sun-seekers can beat the heat with the latest in SPF products and aftersun soothers boasting cooling qualities.
Cuticles can have a mind of their own when humidity strikes, turning tresses uber-big (not in a good way) and frizzy. Tame unruly locks with a spritz of anti-humidity spray and always try to work with the natural texture of your hair as much as possible.
When temperatures are scorching, dry shampoo might just be your saviour from damp locks.
Leading session stylist Paul Percival says: “If your hair gets a little sweaty from the heat, simply spray a dry shampoo into the roots and shake out – this will leave your hair feeling, and smelling, fresh and clean.
“If you have a fringe that gets oily in the heat, spray dry shampoo directly onto a brush and work through the front of your hair to give it a quick touch-up when required.”
If the wet look has gone one step too far, embrace it with a firm-hold gel. A perfect holiday style, working slicked-back locks will keep your hair looking modern, controlled and completely free of humidity frizz.
