Look polished and put together while you’re hanging around the pool.
Studio 5 Beauty & Style Contributor Holly Stone shares her favorite summer waterproof essentials.
You know who they are: those women who look pretty, fresh and natural while relaxing poolside. But before you roll your eyes at the idea that they spent an hour to get ready, just to go swimming – consider the following idea. “These women” understand that how you look affects the way you think, feel and act. And whether to lunch or to the lake, when you put just a little effort into your appearance, your overall confidence goes up.
It is a quick and simple task to look polished AND go swimming at the pool or lake. And the payoff is huge. Not only are you putting your best face forward, you are protecting your health and youthful beauty at the same time.
Pre-Sun Day Don’ts
· Don’t exfoliate 12 hours before going into chlorine or the sun. Exfoliation exposes fresh, delicate new skin that can become sensitive to heat, sun, salt or chemicals.
· Don’t use products with Vitamin C or skin lightening/whitening effect. These make the skin very sensitive to sunlight.
· Don’t wash your hair before you go. The residue from conditioners and styling products can act as a barrier to the drying effects of the sun.
· Don’t apply self-tanners same day. Self-tanners give a false sense of security that your skin is darker than it actually is which may prevent you from applying adequate sunscreen.
Pre-Sun Day Do’s
PREVENT & PROTECT
Apply sunscreen lotions (sprays have been proven less effective) SPF 30 or more on your body one hour before sun exposure to build up an effective layer of protection. This will help prevent premature aging and sunburn and protect your moisture levels that the sun can rob. Since all sunscreens begin to break down with the introductions of salt or chemicals, the key to healthy skin is to reapply all sunscreens waterproof or not every 2-3 hours for optimal protection.
TREAT YOUR HAIR
Hair can become dry and stripped of color when exposed to environmental assaults. Treat it to a hydrating spray that can also provide nutrients and strength-fortifying proteins as well as UV protection. This product is so simple and gentle that you can also spritz it on your skin after sun exposure to soothe dry and irritated skin.
Holly’s Product Pick
Enjoy Conditioning Spray
Apothica, $20
PRIMED COMPLEXION
Facial sunscreens can leave you feeling white and greasy and even craving even, luminous skin. Problem solved with this tinted primer with SPF 30. Tinted for even texture, primed for a smooth surface and protection from the sun, and a little goes a long way. This is my go to for boating, camping or any outdoor adventure. Easy to apply with flawless results-simply rub gently all over your face.
Holly’s Product Pick
Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer
Apothica, $48
EYE OPENING
I look tired and sick when my blond eyelashes fade into my light eyes. For a little definition, one coat of this mascara brings some excitement to my eyes and gives me a little definition. I tend to shy away from waterproof mascaras because of how harsh the formulas are on the lashes and how damaging they are to remove. This recommended mascara is a unique formula. This is not a waterproof mascara but a formula that literally “tubes” your lashes with a rich dark coat. The tubes lengthen and define your lashes and is water-resistant sustaining even a waterslide ride. To remove, use lots of warm water to release the tube-like mascara from the lashes and wash them away gently.
Holly’s Product Pick
Blinc Mascara
Apothica, $26
COLOR POP
For an optional pop of color at the eye line, try Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes eyeliner pencils offering a rainbow of colors that stay put throughout the day. These were developed for water ballet performers and they go on creamy and remain bold and defined until you remove them with eye make up remover. For easiest application, line the entire upper lash line inner corner to outer corner with a thicker bold line.
Holly’s Product Pick
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes
Sephora, $18
LIP SERVICE
My mother always taught me “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” Your lips are equally vulnerable to hot, drying sunlight. Finish your look by using more than just a chapstick. Moisturize your lips with a lovely tint of rose, plum or even coral and the SPF 15 necessary to keep them full and plump. With sugar to prevent moisture loss, and vitamins A, C and E with avocado and jojoba oils to nourish, it is a treat each time you reapply.
Holly’s Product Pick
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
Apothica, $22.50
GET YOUR GLOW BACK
After a day of play at the pool or lake, it is time to help restore your fresh skin. To remove sticky sunscreens and help exfoliate the dead skin cells, shower with a body scrub and follow with a rich lotion of your choice.
Holly’s Product Pick
Xen-Tan Body Scrub
Aprothica, $18
Add comment