Summer’s almost here! But before you throw on your bikini, race down to the beach and spend hours frollicking in the sun and sea, just remember the same weather that begs for sleeveless tops, weekends spent in swimsuits and longer days, also brings with it a handful of uninvited guests.
From awkward tan lines and dry hair to ugly sweat stains, here are just some of the embarrassing summer beauty issues that are coming our way, and how to solve them…
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #1: UNSIGHTLY SWEAT STAINS
Don’t let the warmer months manifest into a swampy, humiliating dilemma. If hotter days bring out your inner sweaty betty, a sneaky deodorant swipe on any troublesome area – not just your pits – should do the trick. Genius. Oh, and if those telltale stains persist, try switching to lighter, more breathable natural fabrics such as cotton and linen, and repeat after me: synthetic fabrics are the enemy of a sweet-smelling summer.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #2: ITCHY AND FLAKY SCALP
Does your scalp feel itchy and aggravated after a post-seaside workout? You’re not alone. As we tend to sweat more in the hotter months, this excess can lead to a more irritated scalp (aka ‘the flakes’). “Oxidative stress from heat, sweat and pollution can amplify scalp surface stress and aggravate dandruff for those prone to the condition,” says dermatologist, Dr Natasha Cook. So if your noggin’s susceptible to this type of reaction, prevention is key. The unique head & shoulders Dry Scalp Care 3ActionFormula Shampoo and Conditioner is “clinically proven to be better at removing the source of dandruff.” The result? Hair that’s flake-free, feels smooth and takes less time to manage. Summer, come at me. Oh and it’s important not to wash away the benefits of the shampoo by skipping the conditioner – use both and your mane will thank you with 77 per cent more protection and soft beautiful hair*.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #3: OBVIOUS AND UNWANTED TAN LINES
Unless you live in a nudist colony, there’s no escaping a summer strap tan. Like it or not, it’s bound to happen at one point or another. To fix, exfoliate away the dead skin cells, then apply self-tan to the area that needs it, and blend. There: no more glaringly white halter marks.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #4: SUNBURN AND SUBSEQUENT PEELING
Yikes. Possibly the worst and most uncomfortable embarrassing summer beauty issue of them all. If the stinging, burning pain wasn’t enough, just wait ‘til all that dead skin starts peeling off in giant patches, ending up on your clothing, bed and all over the floor. Charming. More seriously, sun damage is real, and approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, according to the Cancer Council Australia. So the next time you’re outdoors, don’t play dumb. Slip, slop and slap every single time. As for the peeling? If you do happen to get burnt, apply a cooling gel like aloe vera, drink plenty of water and don’t let it happen again. If your burn peels, resist the temptation to “help it” and instead exfoliate very gently, and lather on that moisturiser, stat!
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #5: SUN-DAMAGED AND FRIZZY HAIR
These hairy issues come back to haunt us at the same time every year – and just when our hair is starting to return back to its beautiful post-winter self, too. Since summer really is the season to embrace the ‘no muss, no fuss’ attitude, downsize your haircare routine with these strand saviours: head & shoulders Smooth & Silky 3ActionFormula Shampoo and Conditioner. “The key to having healthy hair is having a healthy scalp”, says Dr Cook, who explains that by treating the hair at the base, “you can create strong, healthy, moisturised hair and prevent frizz that’s caused by parched and weak strands”.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #6: TOO MUCH HAIR… DOWN THERE
If you got a little complacent over winter thanks to long pants 24/7, then you and your fellow beachgoers might be in for a royal shock once you strip down to your swimmers. Face it sister, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with your beautician. Or razor. Or hair removal cream. Whichever you choose, make sure you attend to it before your feet hit the sand.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #7: MELTING MAKE-UP
Nothing is more synonymous with summer than the slide of your make-up as it slips down your face. Sweat-proof the heck out of your summer routine by applying primer every time, sticking to long-wearing foundation formulas and coating those lashes in waterproof mascara, to avoid looking like a raccoon by midday. If you’re after something more permanent, make a lash tint your secret weapon.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #8: CHAFING
You know, that lovely friction you get between your inner thighs that feels like sandpaper. Rule number one: for the love of lemons keep away from pencil skirts. Second, lube those babies up with anti-chafing cream. Yes, it’s a thing and it works.
AWKWARD SUMMER BEAUTY ISSUE #9: CHLORINE TINT
A lazy summer’s day by the pool sounds like a dream, until you think about the damage a dip in the deep end can do to your delicate strands. Chlorine can do a real number on your hair – particularly if you’ve dabbled in chemical colouring. Have no fear – we won’t subject you to silicone swimming caps, heavens no. Just remember to saturate before – and after – you swim. Dry hair is like a sponge, but hair that’s already wet limits further absorption, meaning that chlorine has less of a chance of inflicting damage. Follow up with a quick post-pool rinse, which will help wash away any nasty chemicals and minerals that cause trauma to the condition and colour of your hair. Don’t, and you may risk sporting a new shade of green on your strands this summer.
*vs. a traditional conditioner
What other awkward summer beauty issues are you all too familiar with?
