I don’t know about the rest of you, but when faced with a heat wave like the one we’ve been living in, I tend to forgo the makeup.
On the off days that I do decide to apply it, the heat has got me looking like something out of the House of Wax (see above for real footage of myself).
Having faced many a summer filled with numerous skin issues (I’m looking at your acne and skin texture!), I’ve decided to bless you with the tips that have worked for me—an oily-combination skin type girl—so far.
First things first, ask yourself if your skincare regime is hot weather approved. Does it have oils in it? Does it feel heavy and/or thick on your face? Does it make you break out when you sweat? If you answered yes to all those questions, I’m sorry to tell you it’s gotta go.
Put the oils and heavy creams away for Winter (if you’ve got a mountain of products currently wasting away in your bathroom cabinet—products that you’ve tricked yourself into believing you’d use someday—honey, they gotta go too!)
Switch to lightweight moisturisers that have mattifying/soothing properties and have zero silicones or parabens since they often cause breakouts, causing your pores to feel like:
I’m using Garnier’s Natural Green Tea Moisturiser, excellent for combination skin types. Where I have oily skin and this mattifies without making me look like I’ve got face dandruff, my mum who has dry skin uses this and can attest to the fact that it hydrates her skin pretty well (100% sure it’s going to go missing at some point when she leaves).
Secondly, sunscreen! Funny story, a long time ago I used to scoff at people who would use sunscreens, my belief being that it was for “the weak”. OK, so it’s not a funny story, it’s an example of naiveté. Allow me please; I used to think my brown skin was all the protection I needed. However, since then (then being three weeks ago when I suddenly turned three shades darker than my current foundation and I couldn’t afford another bottle of Nars) I have learnt the error of my ways.
La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Ultra-Light Sun Cream Fluid (SPF 50+) has proved to be very promising. It’s light and doesn’t feel greasy like some sun creams do; additionally, it also doesn’t leave that terrible, ashy-looking white residue on the face that often appears. It is a little higher on the price scale, retailing at £16.50, but Boots almost always has La Roche Posay products on offers of some kind. All in all, 10/10 would recommend.
P.S. I learnt this the hard way, but when using this sunscreen don’t rub, tap!
My third tip is, and I’ll repeat what everyone and their mother has already been telling you, HYDRATE. Hydration is key. I’m not talking about no juice and fizzy drinks (um hellooo, did you want spots playing peek-a-boo with your skin). Decrease those sugary drinks (they make you bloated and you want that Summer bod no matter how late, right?), and increase your water intake.
I don’t care if you have to run to the toilet 50 times a day, it’s good for you. I understand you have a fear of public toilets, trust me I’m the same. There’s no telling what kind of disease you’ll contract from just looking at that toilet seat that’s kissed so many butts (hehe butt-kissing).
But yes, inject yourself with that elixir of life. Personally, I prefer Evian because that Highland Spring stuff tastes bitter af, and if you can’t tell the difference between water you’re clearly not drinking enough of it.
And there you have it! Slap on some brows, maybe a slick of lipstick if you’re feeling a little risqué, and you’re good to go with some glowing natural skin. Slay all day, my G.