Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Mirror, Mirror: A fresh, cooled-down hot look

The sunburned cheeks/oily face combo you've been sporting for the last few weeks was the first sign. Then that frizzy mane of bleached blond hair or those poufy, two-strand twists ruined vacation selfies. Finally, you experienced a total mascara meltdown.

Keep natural hairstyles well-conditioned by mixing vinegar and lavender for a conditioner.
Keep natural hairstyles well-conditioned by mixing vinegar and lavender for a conditioner.Read more

The sunburned cheeks/oily face combo you've been sporting for the last few weeks was the first sign. Then that frizzy mane of bleached blond hair or those poufy, two-strand twists ruined vacation selfies. Finally, you experienced a total mascara meltdown.

The diagnosis: midsummer beauty blues.

No worries. We can help you cool down and stay pretty with these keep-it-flawless-and-fresh tips that boast the latest in primers - as in, made from Greek yogurt - Vitamin C-infused eye creams, aromatherapy facial mists, and SPF-tinted moisturizers.  

Hair

Many weeks after your Memorial Day dye job, those graying roots are announcing their arrival. Thanks to a new color process courtesy of German-based runway-to-salon brand Schwarzkopf, fixing this beauty bummer is now much faster.

"Instead of the 40 minutes it takes to process, this permanent color dries into the hair shaft in 10 minutes," said Heather Nieves, a color specialist at Marlton's Suede Salon. And get this - no dryer time required. In other words, you can schedule that touch-up on Friday morning and make it to the Jersey Shore well before afternoon traffic.

The treatment, aptly named Color 10, costs about $80 per application and comes in 25 hues from the deepest of mahoganies to the whitest of blonds.

When humidity threatens to turn your curly bob into a frizzfest, stylist Andre Baldini of Andre Richard Salon in Center City suggests dabbing a bit of DevaCurl Set It Free Moisture Lock to calm it down. "This product adds moisture on those days when your hair just wants to stand up," Baldini said.

Protecting hair from the sun's ultraviolet rays is très important on beach days. Frank Rizzieri, of Rizzieri Salon and Spa in Marlton, recommends clients work in a few drops of Aveda Beautifying Composition oil to just-washed hair. Next, mist the mane with Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. After sunning, wash hair and apply leave-in conditioner to keep ends moisturized.

Keeping braids, dreadlocks, and other natural hairstyles sported by African American women well-conditioned and dandruff-free is rough in high humidity. Syreeta Scott, owner of Duafe Holistic Hair Care in East Falls, suggests mixing one cup of apple cider vinegar with 10 drops of essential lavender oil for a tingly, scalp-cleansing conditioner.

Avoid tight updos; they irritate the scalp, and make your head sweat. Opt for loose braids, said Giovanni Mele of Center City's Giovanni & Pileggi salon. And a floppy hat.

Skin care

An aromatherapy face mist is a fave cooldown tool on hot days (and not so hot ones). Kelley Hughes, owner of Fishtown's Parlour Hair & Skin, makes a refreshing one with rosewater and lavender. "It balances skin and adds essential oils," Hughes said. "And it revives and refreshes makeup."

Always apply sunscreen an hour before going out, recommends Mary Freihofner, owner of Fishtown's Affordable Skin Care Salon. Oil-free sunscreen is the best choice for the face, said Freihofner, who is a fan of Neutrogena's Clear Face Sunscreen. Here is another need-to-know SPF secret: People with darker skin can avoid unfortunate white streaks with Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Body Mist Dry-Touch Sunscreen.

Chemical peels can be harsh exfoliators in summer months. But the benefits, evening out skin tone and slowing down oil production, are especially needed when it's hot out. Instead of a peel, try anti-inflammatory products that use Vitamin C, suggests Freihofner. A new line by Finland-based Lumene features day cream, night cream, and beauty drops with the proven brightening agent.

Makeup

What's the answer to running foundation? Primer, my dears. These primers from Korres, a Greek line sold at Sephora, minimize pores and smooth skin so it's ready for makeup. The key ingredient is Greek yogurt, so it's super cool to the touch.

Tinted moisturizer with SPF is a smarter choice than foundation because it's a 2-in-1 deal, says Patty Day, a makeup artist at Suede. "It's a light foundation, plus a sunscreen," she says. "Your skin can breath, it's protected and you get some color." Make sure you test the moisturizer on your face before you buy. After some sunnin', your hand may not be the same shade as your forehead.

No amount of eye rubbing or perspiration will produce raccoon eyes when using Make Up For Ever's Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof mascara. I know. I've tried. Add a little Stila's "Stay All Day" lip gloss, and your summer is sure to end on a perky note.

Mirror, Mirror:

MIRROR, MIRROR | SUMMER BEAUTY

215-854-2704

@ewellingtonphl