AS summers go, 2008 has been far from a scorcher. So when temperatures do soar, on those rare sunny days at home or when you go on holiday, it can result in a bit of a beauty meltdown.
Sweaty skin, sliding make-up and a red flustered face don't make for a pretty picture.
But it's not difficult to stay fresh and fabulous when the climate becomes too hot to bear. Thankfully, the beauty world has all the summer saviours you'll need
to beat the heat, whether you're at home or abroad.
Ditch the heavy make-up when the sunshine is blazing. Thick foundations will make you sweat and could leave you with unwelcome blocked pores and blackheads. Instead, turn to a tinted moisturiser with SPF and, for a hint of colour, stick to light powder bronzers or blushers rather than creams, which will lack staying power.
Heat-fighting essentials to keep handy in your handbag are blotting papers to soak up excess oil and shine, and a face spritzer to freshen up your make-up and keep your skin hydrated.
During clammy evenings, give your face a hydrating boost with a freshening clear jelly mask. Leave in the fridge for a few hours first to bump up the cooling effect.
When temperatures are ultra sticky, we can arrive at work in the morning looking like we've just run a marathon. Starting your day off with a tad-too-cold shower using a cooling shower gel should stop you from getting hot and flustered first thing in the morning.
Follow with a body lotion containing freshening mint or cucumber extracts to keep your skin refreshed for longer.
Anti-perspirant deodorant is a must to keep you smelling sweet but if you feel like you're going to sweat throughout the day, carry refreshing towelettes with you.
Steer clear of musky, heavy perfumes in the heat, too. Instead go for a 'just-stepped-out-of-the-shower' zingy fresh eau de toilette and apply using the 'cloud' method – spritz your fragrance in front of you and step through the mist to keep your whole body, hair and clothes smelling like a breath of fresh air.
Ballet pump addict, trainer fan or deck-shoe diva? Chances are your feet are going to feel the heat caged up during summer.
A cooling foot lotion smoothed on before stepping into your shoes should help keep your feet cool through the day.
Even those who give their feet freedom in flip-flops may feel like their tootsies are hot and swollen after hours of pounding the pavements.
If your legs and feet really suffer when temperatures rise, carry a cooling tonic to make your pins and feet fresh as a daisy. And after a hard day stomping around in the heat, treat your feet to a cooling foot bath. If you can bear it, add a few ice cubes to really help calm down swollen feet.
NEXT BIG THING . .
She may be touring the country but Kylie Minogue has still found time to launch a new scent. Kylie Minogue Sexy Darling is available from £18.99 at The Perfume Shop now (0845 601 1950).
The full article contains 536 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
