9 Simple Solutions for Summer’s Biggest Problems
#1 The Problem: Sunscreen is getting in the way of glowy skin.
You know you need SPF, but pasty limbs don’t exactly scream sexy. Enter Zelens Body Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 ($78). Unlike thick creams that create a Casper-like finish, this silky, water-resistant oil formulated using micro-encapsulation technology leaves any skin tone with a sultry sheen and plenty of protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Plus, powerful antioxidants help prevent sun spots and wrinkles for radiant skin year round.
#2 The Problem: Your blow-dryer is on vacation.
Embrace the lazy days of summer with Playa’s New Day Hair Mist ($24). This featherweight formula uses natural ingredients like aloe, lemon peel oil, coconut water, and California sea salt to refresh, hydrate, and hold. Like a wrinkle releaser for hair, it smooths kinks without washing and uses chia seed extract to create crunch-free waves minus hot tools or harsh chemicals. Consider this 3-in-1 spritz scented with sultry hints of black coconut, sandalwood, and orange blossom like a day at the beach in a bottle.
#3 The Problem: You’ve got bumps and blotches on your beach bod.
A disposable razor always seems like a grand idea when you’re packing for a long weekend away—until you get burned by cheap blades right before hitting the beach. Mayron’s Goods Man Oil in Black Malt ($38) might be designed for beards, but it works wonders on any area you want a close shave (i.e., legs, underarms, and bikini lines). Moisturizing jojoba, Abyssinian, sunflower, and meadowfoam oils soften hair and keep skin supple, while calendula and chamomile extracts soothe redness and inflammation. Prep with this TSA-friendly elixir to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
#4 The Problem: Your body lotion left you greasy all over.
While moisture is a must when the heat is on, the last thing you want to add is a sticky layer of slippery cream. Bastide’s Dry Oil Mist ($52) practically disappears into skin and delivers a hefty dose of hydration via macadamia nut, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and argan oils for a healthy glow minus any greasy residue. Featherweight and fast-absorbing, this orange blossom-scented spritz created by mane master Frédéric Fekkai and his wife Shirin Von Wulffen can also be used to tame split ends and flyaways.
#5 The Problem: Your subtle glow spiraled into a slippery mess.
You walk out of the house looking radiant but arrive at your air-conditioned office with an oil slick across your T-zone. Since sebaceous glands go into overdrive when temperatures rise, keep Ilia’s Fade Into You: Soft Focus Finishing Powder ($34) on hand to prevent a makeup landslide. This talc-free formula takes down excess shine without creating a cakey finish. Milled five times (most powders are only milled three), this ultra-fine, featherweight formula is infused with skin soothing aloe, antibacterial rosemary, and oil-balancing bamboo for a soft-focus effect that doesn’t cause breakouts.
#6 The Problem: SPF has settled in your pores.
If your pores are acting as a summer share for the sunscreen you’ve dutifully applied on the daily, give them a deep clean with Dr. Loretta’s Micro-Exfoliating Cleanser ($35). This detoxifying wash uses salicylic acid to gently slough away dead skin and shrink breakouts. Organic coconut oil replenishes moisture for clean skin that doesn’t feel stripped. Use this cleanser to combat clogged pores on your back and bum for a clear complexion from head to toe.
#8 The Problem: You overdosed on vitamin D.
Instead of applying the recommended shot glass of SPF every two hours, you were taking shots at the swim-up bar—and now you have a nasty sunburn as evidence. Grown Alchemist’s Soothing Body-Gel Lotion ($49) offers an instant surge of soothing hydration, while ingredients like magnesium, potassium, aloe, and chamomile help calm inflamed skin. Keep this cooling formula in the fridge (next to the tequila to serve as a reminder of past summer mistakes) for quick relief.
#9 The Problem: Your roots fall flat seconds after stepping outside.
If Brigitte Bardot in Saint Tropez is your hairspiration, consider David Mallet’s Volume Powder ($45) your new summer staple for achieving that undeniable je ne sais quoi…even if you’re stuck soaking up the sun at the Jersey shore. While it’s not a dry shampoo, this ultra-fine powder infused with volumizing bamboo fibers absorbs excess oil and instantly boosts roots. Mist it through the lengths of your hair to achieve that perfectly rumpled texture only Parisians seem to naturally possess.
Written by Amber Kallor
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