Something about summer often has us feeling our most beautiful. Maybe it’s the long days filled with Instagram filter-esque light, the freedom to apply bronzer more liberally than usual, or the fact that we’re dressing to impress rather than to survive freezing temps, but the mirror’s feeling particularly friendly these days. That being said, summer doesn’t come without its unique array of beauty issues. Fortunately, fixes might be easier than you think. Read on for our solutions.
The Problem: Your favorite makeup isn’t cutting it.
The Fix: Check your consistencies.
Ever tried to surreptitiously blend a little liquid highlighter onto your cheekbones after dusting your go-to powder bronzer across your face? If so, you know exactly how perilous mixing consistencies can be. This problem is only exacerbated in the summer, when heat and humidity cause makeup to clump, drip, and streak. (Ew.)
While your impulse is probably to reach for powder formulas to keep oil and shine at bay, liquid options actually hold up better this time of year. Our advice? Swap your heavy foundation for a tinted moisturizer. We recommend Aveda Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisturizer.
Remember to toss some oil-absorbing papers in your purse before you head out.
The Problem: Your locks go limp the second you step outside.
The Fix: Treat the hair itself instead of layering on products.
While layering on the volume-boosting products may work when humidity isn’t raging out of control, they’re more likely to weigh strands down this time of year. Instead, try bulking your hair up with a protein treatment like Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment, which actually fills in damaged cuticles to help strengthen and reinforce hair.
The best part? This not only repairs the damage you’ve already done—it also fights future damage. Which means you can enjoy long days at the beach and by the pool confident that hair will remain healthy, beautiful, and strong.
The Problem: Your nasty new sunburn is wrecking your backless dress visions.
The Fix: Replenish moisture, the proper way.
First things first: Get out of the sun, pop an Advil, and start guzzling water. Assess the damage to any rule out serious concerns (think blistering). Accept that you won’t be looking innocently bronzed by dinner, but know that the right decisions can get you there faster.
Choosing the right moisturizer will help accelerate healing. Look for formulations that contain soy, aloe, and ceramides, and avoid anything with petroleum, as that will trap heat in. Aveda Replenishing Body Moisturizer fits the bill, and has the added bonus of featuring anti-inflammatory lavender. Make sure to leave any blistered areas alone. Most importantly, though, learn from your mistakes and double up on SPF next time!
The Problem: Your happy hour indulgences are wreaking havoc on your complexion.
The Fix: Double up on the caffeine—in more ways than one.
More hours of daylight means more hours to linger over margaritas with friends without checking the clock—or your intake. The sooner you introduce water into this scenario, the better, whether that’s concurrently with your other beverages or when you wake up at 3am feeling inexplicably parched. (We’ve all been there.)
In the morning, cleanse with the gentlest formula you have on hand—your skin is already working overtime to stay hydrated. If you’re cursed with post-cocktail blotchiness, keep an aloe-containing moisturizer on hand to soothe it. And most crucially, reach for an eye cream enriched with caffeine to perk up tired eyes and tame inevitable puffiness. Our choice? Aveda Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Creme. If you’re ahead of the game, toss it in the fridge the night before for an extra ahh-inducing moment.
The Problem: Your hair color is falling victim to sunshine and chlorine.
The Fix: Step up your haircare game.
Both UV light and chlorine have an oxidizing effect on hair that can bleach the color right out of it. If you haven’t already, update your daily routine with at least one color-preserving product. We recommend Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect, which both seals in color and protects it from environmental effects.
When you’re vacationing or upping your outdoor hours, take things a step further. Amp up the UV defense with Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, which provides water-resistant sun protection for up to 16 hours. And post pool, thoroughly cleanse hair with Sun Care Hair & Body Cleanser, which removes the minerals found in chlorine that contribute to discoloration.
Now get back out there and celebrate the season. You look stunning!