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The great town of Boone may be filled with different opinions and styles, but one thing we all can agree on is the fact that the weather is mighty unpredictable! How many times have you stepped outside to a beautiful day, then got caught in a rainstorm moments later? The Appalachia weather waits for no one, not even glamorous collegiettes. I was inspired to write this article after getting caught in a torrential downpour just a couple weeks ago. I walked briskly into the building for my class, but unfortunately the damage had already been done. In the mirror staring back at me was one big mess; make-up was everywhere and my hair was a cry for help. There must be a way to uphold a polished look, even in the worst of the weather, I thought. And so after countless magazine articles, beauty products galore, and rainy Boone days, I have for you a list of beauty tips and tricks for even the worst weather out there.
I’ll start with the issue of rainy day hair, because if your hair is anything like mine, it generally takes some time to tame. I’ll start by saying, put the ball cap away and grab some hair ties, bobby pins, and product!
- Messy Bun: This is one of the only things in life that show us that the messier, the better. Technically, no one can wear a messy bun the wrong way so opt for this effortless look as a means of keeping it cute in inclement weather.
- Top Knot: While you may confuse people for a ballerina, this style makes it so easy to look cute in rain or shine. Grab a cute headband to complete the look, or just wear it by itself. It’s a classy way to brave the frightful weather all day long!
- Braid: Need I say more? You can’t go wrong in a side swept braid, no matter the texture of your hair. If your hair is naturally straight and thin, you’ll have a sleek braid to rock around campus. If your hair is naturally curly and thick, you’ll have a voluminous, textured braid. Everyone wins! Extra points if you can fishtail braid too!
- Ponytail: The classic ponytail never fails to impress. Whether it be pulled back or swept to the side, you’ll be able to maintain this hairstyle without the interference of the extreme moisture around you. If you want to go the extra mile and still play it rainy-day-safe, curl the ends of your ponytail for a sophisticated style—curled hair definitely cooperates better than straightened hair when it comes to precipitation.
WARNING: Never go for the slicked-back ponytail because in the event that your hair gets wet, it will also give off the illusion that it is oily.
- If you insist on wearing your hair down in inclement weather, let me suggest that you first style it with a anti-humidity cream or serum to tame the frizz but still give your hair a bit of body.
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A good face of make-up can be tricky to master in bad weather just because there are many things to take into consideration. First, the humidity around you is absorbed by your pores almost every second that you spend outside. Second, the lighting is typically overcast, cloudy, and gray—how is that reflecting on your face? Lastly, it’s wet outside. Eye make up and moisture? Do the math. Listed below are some great beauty tips to keep your face looking bright and fresh, even on the most dreary of days!
- Lightweight foundation: With the prevailing humidity, I already feel clammy enough because of the weather—no need to feel that with my make up too. While powder foundation is great for nice weathered days, I prefer to stick to a liquid or cream. Think about it, what happens to powder when it gets wet? It creates a paste, EW.
- Bronzer: I have noticed that girls actually look more orange in cloudy weather, and I have learned that this happens because the sun is not out to highlight the contours and bright areas of our face. Go easier on the bronzer than you would on a pretty day, otherwise you’ll risk looking like a Cheez-It.
- Eyes: Waterproof eye makeup is your friend on days like these. Gel eye shadows are a staple for rainy day make-up as well! Powders tend to get clumpy, but if you stick to one color of a gel shadow, you shouldn’t experience any eye shadow malfunctions. Waterproof gel liner works like a charm too! It goes on easier than a waterproof pencil and lasts throughout the entire day. If you have a brand of non-waterproof mascara that you can’t seem to part with, just brush some waterproof mascara on top of that and you’ll be set for the day!
- If you don’t want the shiny face look when you get where you are going, simply carry a light weight finishing powder in your bag to pat on inside! Try L’Oreal Hydra Perfecte Powder or Get Even Pressed Powder by Benefit Cosmetics!
Remember that it is best to avoid trying a complicated hairstyle or a dramatic smoky eye when there is gross weather outside—save it for the sun. Just because the skies are gray, doesn’t mean you still can’t beam with style!