There’s nothing quite like North Carolina in the summer. There’s also nothing quite like the feeling of sweat running down the back of your neck. It’s just plain unpleasant and also not good for your makeup and outfit that you just spent a decent amount of time putting together.
You leave your dorm looking summertime fine and show up to class looking like you just ran a half-marathon. Not okay.
Although I wish it were socially acceptable to walk around with the Minnie Mouse portable fan that I bought at Walt Disney World when I was 6 years old, it’s not. Instead, I’ve compiled my best beat-the-heat tips so you can show up to class looking fresh-faced rather than a bit bedraggled.
Blotting Sheets: Everyone shows up to class rocking a bit of a sheen on their hairline that is a far cry from the “dewy” makeup look models sport on the runways. Luckily, there’s a way to banish that shine in seconds with oil blotting sheets. They’re fairly inexpensive, mattify your look and won’t disturb your makeup.
If you’re in a bind, head to the nearest restroom and blot gently with a paper towel; have no shame in your shine-banishing game!
The most important tip is to resist using any kind of powder makeup on humid days. Whether you dust it on before you leave for class or use it for a touch up later in the day, caking is inevitable once sweat and powder mix.
Primer: Primer of all sorts is vastly underrated. I’m not exactly sure what is in primer that makes your makeup last about 12 hours longer than it should, (I’m assuming magic/sorcery of some sort) but it’s perfect for that brutal 15-minute walk to class.
Face primer ensures concealer won’t budge and eye primer has got your eye shadow and liner on lock. No one likes looking in the mirror and seeing her artfully done shadow has vanished into the oblivion that is the eye crease.
Although it’s yet another step in your makeup routine, it’s well worth it to have your makeup last all day and all night.
Hair Serum: Humidity and frizz go together like Angelina Jolie and third-world countries. A great way to tame the beast that is your hair 2 seconds after walking outside is a small bottle of hair serum.
Using the smallest amount possible (I’m talking one drop maximum, ladies) rub the serum between your palms and smooth it over the offending areas. In a pinch, you can always substitute body lotion for hair serum.
If your hair is unsalvageable, go for the standby high-bun or side-braid hairstyles that are a bit more frizz-friendly.
Sunscreen: I’m fairly sure they throw sunscreen in every makeup product you can possibly think of these days; the other day I saw eyeshadow with SPF 20 in it. All I know is that I feel really bad for anyone who has ever gotten burned on their eyelids simply because they weren’t wearing their eye shadow equipped with SPF 20.
All jokes aside, sunscreen is important to prevent skin cancer, and protection is as simple as slicking on moisturizer or lip balm with SPF. Pick a product that works with your routine and stay protected from pesky sunspots or wrinkles down the road. You’ll thank me later!
Photo Credits:
Blotting linens (photo): Sephora, http://www.sephora.com/blotting-linens-P61217
Hair Serum (photo): Walgreens, http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/john-frieda-collection-frizz-ease-hair-…