ASK ALICE: SUMMER BEAUTY TIPS ’09
It’s finally time put all the winter and spring clothes away and whip out the short-shorts, swim suits and head to the nearest coast line, pool deck or whatever is closest- just get over there! But with the change of wardrobe also comes the change of your makeup look (Because you’re not going to pull out smokey eyes by the tide. Yes…put away the black eye-liner), extra precautions with the sun, and even new breezy looks for your locks. Check out my top 4 tips for summer beauty:
Ask Alice: Summer Beauty Tips ’09 by Anita
Tip #1: SPF:
Remember Aretha Franklin with R-E-S-P-E-C-T? For this season, a slightly different tune is to be sung, “S-P-F.†Chant it in your head everyone because this is by far THE most important step that should be apart of your regimen not only for the months May-August, but for all year round. As motherly as it sounds, make sure you protect yourself from the sun. You’ll regret it in years to come if you don’t. The sun not only has UVB rays, which are the ones that cause a burn, but also UVA rays-AGING rays. That’s right it can cause wrinkles, age spots, you name it. I don’t know about you but I definitely don’t want to cause age spots prematurely. So use the highest SPF they’ve got out there to offer. Yes, there is a number out there that is higher then SPF 15. Make sure you remember to reapply. If you only apply once that does not leave you protected for 24hrs. Plus, applying sunblock has gotten so much easier now. Messy lotions and oils are becoming a thing of the past.
Recommended Products: My favorite is Neutrogena Fine Mist Cooling Spray (which has an SPF 75 and higher) just spray it on all over you and you’re done! It’s especially great for those hard to reach places, like your back. Don’t forget your hands and feet too! They’re commonly over looked when applying sun protection. Also, you must use a different sun block for your face and neck. Facial sunblock is especially designed for the skin on your face and has extra moisturizers that body sunblocks don’t. I recommend Neutrogena Age Sheild Face SPF 90.
Tip #2: Self-tanners and/or bronzers.
So you’re probably wondering, “Well if I shouldn’t bake in the sun to get a tan then what else am I supposed to do, genius? A lot of people go to tanning parlors where they have sun tanning beds, so why not…?†(I have to make this big) DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS-EVER!! Yes, I just went all Mommy Dearest on you. The infamous tanning beds are nick named coffin beds for a reason: they are the leading cause of Melanoma. Melanoma is stage 3 of skin cancer and is the most fatal of all types of skin cancers. Tanning beds, just like the sun, have UVB and UVA lights. It’s very, very unsafe and can become addictive. So please, for my peace of mind, avoid the coffin beds. There are many great self-tanners on the market out there as well as spray tanning parlors-which I hear are really great, as well as some facial bronzers for a quick fix when you’re applying make-up.
Recommended Products: There are so many self-tanning lotions out there it’s really difficult to know which one to pick. I say use the one that works best for you and depending on your skin tone. I use Olay Body Touch of Sun body lotion and sunless tanner, it’s different from all the others because it’s an over-night sunless tanner-you apply before bedtime. And because it’s an overnight lotion it’s scented with lavender and chamomile, no sunless- tanner- god-awful-smell here. The same rule applies to these lotions: like sun block, there’s a specific facial sunless tanning moisturizer to be used. In my case I put on Olay Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer. Want a quick fix? Try a facial bronzer like CARGO Water Resistant Bronzer.
Tip #3: Tousled Beach Waves
Tired of having to blow dry and iron your hair? (I know I am) There’s an easier way to style your hair for the summer, and it has that just-came-from- the- beach look. To achieve beach waves for some it’s really simple: I simply have to comb my hair, put anti-frizz serum, spray wave/curl definer spray, scrunch, slightly blow dry and I’m done. For some, I know it’s not that easy. That’s where curling irons and hot curlers come in. If you have color treated hair, like I do, you have to protect your hair from the sun. Yes, the sun can discolor your hair and so can pool water with all the chlorine it has. So spray on a sun-shield spray before and anti-frizz serum. Depending on your hair, some can use the steps I use or after you spray on the curl/wave definer, use a big-barrel curling iron or hot curlers (whatever is easiest for you) and separate/curl the hair in 2†sections and let dry. Un-wind each section and run your fingers through it to separate the waves.
Recommended Products: Oscar Blandi Capri Sun-Shield Spray, Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control. For wave sprays: Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves is a great product but there’s also Garnier Wonder Waves Spray, which I’m currently using and John Frieda Curl Defining spray is really great too.
Tip #4: Color Experiments
It’s all about colors this season. Now is the time to have fun with all sorts of bright hues for facial looks as well as your nails. Don’t be afraid to try something different, it’s through trial and error on how you’ll find out what colors looks good on you. Eye shadows, lip stick/gloss/balms, eyeliners, mascaras, and polishes have so many different colors to offer, you’ll be blown away by the variety. These looks work great for night time and even some day looks, but not by the water. I’m not one to wear makeup on a trip to the beach, but I do know some women that really can’t help putting a look together even it’s just to sit in the sand. If you simply can’t avoid temptation, keep it as simple as possible. A teeny bit of water proof mascara, some foundation under the eyes, and a flush of the cheeks will make a big difference. Don’t forget to also try some summer fresh fragrances to be set on beach chic.
Recommended Products: Lots and lots of makeup comes in water proof. Practically every mascara company has a waterproof model to go with them; one example is Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara. (Don’t forget to use eye make-up remover for easy off!) There’s also Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation which is water-resistant. For that flush look on the cheeks and lips, my everyday staple is NARS (check out the styleboard for color names) and they also have a great combo for eye shadows. Summer fragrances are dime-a-dozen, but I especially love Cool Water by Davidoff and D&G Light Blue.
To check out all the products I recommended and a few other summer staples please visit the style board here!
We would love to hear your suggestions for future “Ask Alice†topics! Please email us at: ana@twilightersanonymous.com and krazyem@twilightersanonymous.com
xoxo,
Ana & Em
