As summer heats up and the make-up melts down, take a break and don't sweat it. There are plenty of ways to chill out and put on a happy face. Here are some beauty tips to help you keep your cool in the sun.
—Make sunscreen a priority. Don't burn, but learn about SPF's. The Sun Protection Factor is an important way to make sure your skin isn't damaged by penetrating UVA and UVB rays. Check to make sure the sunscreen you choose offers "broad spectrum protection" from both. (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Broad Spectrum 100+)
The higher the number, the longer you can tolerate the sun's harmful effect. SPF 30 or higher is generally recommended, and sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplied at least every two hours. And if you want to be reminded when to lather up, depend on your smartphone to give you alerts. (La Roche-Posay's My UV Patch at www.laroche-posay.us.com)
—Stay hydrated. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Skin needs extra care during the extreme cold and heat. So keep slathering on the moisturizers. Many sunscreens do double duty and incorporate not only protection from the sun's burning rays, but nourish and hydrate skin as well. (La Mer's Reparative Body Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 at www.lamer.com) There are also moisturizers that give your skin a healthy glow. (Try GlamGlow Glowstarter Illuminating moisturizer at www.sephora.com)
—Lighten up. Time to put away the heavy foundations and break out the lighter formulas of BB, CC or DD creams. These so-called alphabet creams basically improve your skin with added ingredients like anti-oxidants and SPF. Just remember that since they are lighter than many traditional foundations and may not provide as much coverage. If you do use these creams, make sure you choose one with SPF. (Estee Lauder Daywear BB with SPF 35 at www.nordstrom.com)
—Brush on the powder. Don't be afraid to soak up some of summer's "glistening" skin with a little moisture-absorbing powder. Portable packages of blotting papers that you can tuck inside your handbag or beach tote may also come in handy. If you skip the foundation, face powder will provide a little coverage and color. Choose a bronzing powder to give your skin a sun-kissed effect. (Radiance Ritual with Blush and Bronzer duo at www.target.com)
—Do your lips a service. Always check to make sure the lipstick or gloss you use also has sunscreen. The matte lipsticks are still fashion favorites, but in warm weather, shiny lip glosses have a shining moment. (Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color with SPF 12 at www.amazon.com)
—Open your eyes. Clear away the smoky eyes and black cat-eye liner, and go streak free with smudge-proof mineralized eye shadows. Then top off with just a smidge of water-proof mascara. Customize your own palette at Mac. (www.maccosmetics.com)
—Refresh your fragrances. Take a break from the heavy duty musky scents and spritz on some lighter refreshing sprays. Fresh citrusy fragrances are perfect for summer. (Neroli Portofino Forte by Tom Ford at www.tomford.com).
—Cool off with icy nail colors. Pastels are always favorite summertime hues, and one of the best ways to take a break from the heat is to cool off with nail colors that are reminiscent of ocean blues and greens and sunset peaches and lavenders. Think "Viva Antigua!" (www.essie.com)
To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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