keeping it cool
SOME STYLISH TIPS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT
Hello to another hot and humid summer.
The goal for most is to stay cool. Stylishly cool is even better. The good news: It can be achieved by switching out a few beauty and hair products, reaching for fabrics that breathe and opting for lighter weight accessories.
We checked in with a few who know about such things for more suggestions.
Vibrant without layers
It’s about staying haute but not hot this season.
Consider a crossbody bag as a hands-free carryall or a belt bag. It’s so much better than a tote bag or anything that sits close to the body that traps heat.
If you know you’re going to be in direct sunlight, bring a widebrimmed straw hat and pair it with oversize sunglasses. You look chic, and you are protecting that beautiful face.
It’s all about color in the summer. I think less is more and more comfortable. So, when it comes to jewelry, wear a pop of color with your earrings and then wear a bright coral, hot pink or red lipstick. Suddenly you look vibrant without layers or heavy accessories.
Since it’s sometimes difficult to dress for being outside in the heat and then inside with air conditioning, grab a scarf. Comfy cottons and natural fibers like a light linen will be your best friend. — Robyn Cook, accessory buyer for Balliets at Classen Curve
Lightweight fabrics
Staying cool in the summer and still feeling polished or put together can be a big challenge.
I feel dresses and skirts are the easiest way to stay comfortable. Maxi lengths in solids can be great for the nonworking person but challenging to find the right style for the office. I think they can still be professional if the print is minimal and a jacket is worn over the top for more structure and coverage. I always carry a jacket myself because air conditioning can overcompensate and create a chill indoors, even in this weather.
Cotton and linen fabrics help with releasing heat from the body, even a very lightweight wool. Tencel is also a great option, as well as bamboo, and helps wick away moisture from the body. Avoid 100 percent polyesters and manmade textiles as much as possible, especially when they have long or heavy sleeves.
There is something about wearing white and light colors that gives such a psychological lift, and instantly makes us feel cooler too. Put away any lined trousers, heavy denim and try to opt for items in black less frequently unless in the textiles above.
— Eden Turrentine, owner of Jonque Mode in the Paseo Arts District Hairstyles for hot days
Messy buns are a great way to beat the heat and work best with curly or textured hair. If your hair is straight, try a product such as Oribe’s Dry Texture Spray to rough it up a little.
And don’t forget about
the ponytail, one of the easiest and most enduring styles. Ponytails provide air on your neck, which always has a cooling affect. Chic braids are always an option to dress up or down a hairstyle on a hot day and again provides air to flow about the face and neck.
Blow drying hair, especially if it’s long and thick or even it’s not, can get you hot and sweaty before you get out the front door. Letting your hair air dry is a great option for sultry days. Comb a product through your hair and let it do its thing. Be sure to select one that fits your hair type. I recommend Oribe Curl Gloss or R+Co Park Avenue.
Or slick it back with a gel or blowout cream and tie in a knot or ponytail with a chic hair tie. If you do need to dress it up with a blow-dry, go to a cool room instead of the steamy bathroom. Use a frizz control or anti-humidity spray such as Oribe’s Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray after it’s dry. — Greg Welchel, founder of Trichology Salon and co-owner of Hair Arts Institute Facing hot temperatures
Some products are just too much this time of year. The first thing I would say is switch to gels over thick creams in cleanser, moisturizer and eye creams. A gel cleanser instead of an oil or milky cleanser can feel more refreshing.
And while hydration is important during the hot months, your skin may not need oil moisturization. A gel may work best. Same for the eye area.
In makeup, if you wear a cream blush, maybe a stain or powder would be more appropriate. Of course, I think lip gloss rules supreme in the summer.
It’s important to add some products, too. You can certainly be more aggressive with toners by adding in glycolics and AHA’s to rid dead, flaky skin and excess surface oil. Also adding some powder to your makeup routine might help keep the shines at bay.
To keep makeup from feeling and looking too heavy, have fun with bronzers and highlighters. Save time in front of the mirror by getting your lashes semi permanently lifted and tinted. Brows, too.
Use hair products or masks that offer protection from the sun, chlorine and seawater. Use gels and cream that are made for air-dried hair and put down the straightening iron. Let your mane move free.
Instead of eau de parfum, reach for a lightly scented body spray. And, finally, is there ever such a thing as too much shimmer? On your shoulders, cleavage, collar bones. — Alex Mendez-Kelley, owner, makeup artist and aesthetician, The MakeUp Bar