Summer Primpin’: Rise Above Common Summer Beauty Problems With These Hot Weather Essentials!

My neighbour’s cat relaxing in the shade on a hot day

The dog days… er, cat days of summer are here!  You know, summer is a pretty rough season for the beauty-obsessed.  Not only does our makeup melt due to humidity giving us permanent raccoon eyes, but the hot weather leads to less clothing, meaning actual skin exposure.  Ohmygod.

Lucky for us, I know just the right products to keep us looking cute and fresh even though it is eleventy thousand degrees outside.  Here are my answers to common (first world) beauty problems that your pretty vain selves have to face this summer.  Yes, I’ve tried all of these and love them.  I know, I’ve been busy.

Problem #1: Your greasy sunscreen is cramping your style, big time.

Mary Kay Sun Care SPF 30 Sunscreen, Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 50

Great news!  Some companies really know what they’re doing on the sunscreen front.  First of all, for your face, Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($39 at various locations in Canada) is a gorgeous velvety mineral sunscreen with a slight tint that suits fair-to-medium skin tones.  While sunscreens alone will not protect against IRA, adding an antioxidant like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($152) has been clinically proven to prevent IRA damage.  This means you’ll be protected against bad IRA, UVA and UVB rays!

For the rest of your body, Mary Kay Sun Care SPF 30 Sunscreen ($20) and Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($10.99) provide UVA and UVB protection as well as doubles as a body lotion with their silky smooth texture.  Great for you lazy gals out there!

Problem #2: You are blinding the world with your paper-white legs in your short shorts and mini-skirts.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil, Mary Kay Sun Care Subtle Tanning Lotion, Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Oil-free Sunscreen SPF 30

For the entire world’s sake, bronze up those legs — and while you’re at it, your entire body, too.  Great for bronzing newbies is Mary Kay Sun Care Subtle Tanning Lotion ($20), because it provides results so subtle that you can’t screw it up.  Still an all-time favourite of mine is Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil ($28, review here) for gleaming golden legs.  Don’t sacrifice SPF for your leg bronzer; get both — plus the yummy signature coconut scent — with Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Oil-free Sunscreen SPF 30 ($10.99).  If you want to cover some imperfections, Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs ($15.99) is your best friend.  Do it in the tub (it’s messy!) and make sure you spray evenly.

Problem #3: Your flip flops are exposing your — let’s face it — not-so-cute feet.

Sally Hansen Soften Your Step Tool, Sally Hansen Moisturizing Foot Creme in Lavender

Whether you’re a spa pedicure or a DIY kinda girl, there’s no excuse for dirty flaky feet this season. To go the DIY route, scrub off the dry skin with Sally Hansen Soften Your Step Tool ($7.99).  Sally Hansen Moisturizing Foot Creme in Lavender ($7.99) is a welcome alternative to the usual minty foot creams.

YSL 1 Rouge Pop Art, Sally Hansen 560 Kook-A-Mango, Misa Sandals, Flip Flops & Hip Hop

Wearing Misa Sandals, Flip Flops & Hip Hop and Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

Clockwise from top-right: Maybelline 160 Chiffon Chic, Sally Hansen 430 Grass Slipper, Maybelline 330 Tenacious Teal, YSL 16 Bleu Majorelle

So many cute colour options, ladies!  For summer, you can’t go wrong with any vibrant colour under the rainbow!  The best part: nail polishes come vibrant at all price points.  Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer ($2.96 – $3.99), Sally Hansen Complete Complete Salon Manicure ($7.49), Misa Nail Lacquer ($7.95, ON SPECIAL NOW at Trade Secrets!), YSL La Laque Couture ($27).

YSL 1 Rouge Pop Art, Sally Hansen 560 Kook-A-Mango, Misa Sandals, Flip Flops & Hip Hop
Maybelline 160 Chiffon Chic, Sally Hansen 430 Grass Slipper, Maybelline 330 Tenacious Teal, YSL 16 Bleu Majorelle

Problem #4: You’re too embarrassed of your dark under arms to even sport a tank top in public.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor, Dove  ClearTone Anti-Perspirant

Okay so this pretty close to TMI territory, but here’s the thing: I was using this natural deodorant that shockingly darkened the skin in my under arms. I was so appalled that I had to switch right away. I’m not kidding you, but Dove ClearTone Anti-Perspirant ($3.99-$4.99) has helped my under arms’ skin tone tremendously since I’ve used it for a few weeks.  Despite regular shaving and sweating, this anti-perspirant keeps me smelling fresh and moisturizes quite well, too!  This one’s a keeper.  And speaking of shaving, which is my hair removal method of choice for my underarms, the new Schick Hydro Silk Razor ($13.99) is pretty awesome.  With five blades and a water-activated moisturizing serum, you can even ditch your shaving cream!

Whew!  That was a long post!  What are your favourite summer rescue products?  Any favourites of yours on my list?