How to stay cool during Summer.

Found via Tumblr, original source please?

It's being quite hot the past few days and hasn't rained for weeks, the long awaited and infamous British Summer has finally appeared. I love being able to walk out the house without make up on (thank you sunglasses) and holy Mary is that my legs?! However I'm out of practise, I'm a sweaty irritable mess. Where is that relaxed and elegant look I always see in summer photoshoots? I did some research and practise on how to stay cool, I thought I would share my experiences and you're welcome to do the same.

Your hair.
Depending on how humid the weather is or your hair type you might find your usual 'do failing on you. Lets not forget that F.R.I.E.N.D.S episode with Monica's humidity hair, yikes. Curly hair does tend to frizz and straight hair appears more lank. Also adventurous updos and elaborate styles are more likely to fall out and flatten. So it's looking pretty grim on the hair front!

My hair type is straight and fine, sometimes a gift sometimes a nightmare. I tried curling my hair with rollers and it fell out within an hour, rag curls are probably the best option or a heated curler with a good hold hair spray. Curly hair can be tamed with a defrizzing serum, John Frieda's frizz ease remains the favourite. Those of you who have thick hair may have to consider getting your hair thinned out or styling your hair more appropriately, a thick curtain of hair over your neck and back is not going to help.

The obvious answer to hair and hot weather is a simple updo. If you have a fringe and it's quite thin like mine you might want to consider pinning it back, damp fringes are uncomfortable and look awful. Quiffs are a brilliant way of keeping your fringe off your face without making too much effort.

There's plenty of hair accessories you can use in Summer, such as a hair scarf to tie hair back with or an alice band. Hair clips are also handy for keeping wispy bits out the way and making your updo more interesting, flower hair clips are wonderfully appropriate for Summer. You can wear a hat of course, personally I don't wear hats and I've never tried it. But it's recommended in sun safe rules and it'll keep the sun off your face, you will need to style your hair accordingly or you'll suffer from hat hair. A low bun should work nicely.

Your make up.
This is the biggest issue with me, year after year. I don't want to part from my red lipstick and my heavy concealer melts. I need layers of concealer to hide my dark circles, woe be me. The main problem with summer make up is sweating and over heating, it creates streaks and your face can appear patchy and red. This can be solved or at least made better if you switch your products.

Swap your foundation for a tinted moisturiser with the right spf, use either primer or powder to mattify your skin. Alternatively skip the foundation base altogether and use a facial suncream, never use suncream that's designed for the body it will make your face greasy and feels horrible. If you need areas covered up I recommend a mineral or lightweight concealer.

Lipstick can be a complete disaster if you're not prepared, it may bleed and the lipstick tube can literally melt in your bag. Consider switching to a lighter formula or use a stain instead. You can use foundation and lipliner to help prevent bleeding but it'll happen eventually, so keep checking regularly and don't apply anymore product than necessary. 

Eyeliner directly on the waterline doesn't last long at all, try long lasting eyeliners or try using liquid or gel formulas instead of pencil. There are self described "waterproof" eyeliners but it can only last for so long, apply only as much as needed. A waterproof mascara goes without saying of course, if you can find a waterproof version of your favourites I recommend you buy them. Always apply some form of base before using dark or coloured eye shadows otherwise it'll crease quickly, a primer should work quite well to hold this off.

I recommend you carry around emergency mini version of your make up, a corrector pen and a hand mirror. Handbag size tissues are always handy for blotting your skin, applying powders and soaking up sweat. A skin mist or toner is a clever idea for refreshing and cleaning your skin, if your make up has ran this can be used to remove it and start again.

Your clothes.
I recommend wearing cotton whenever possible, always check the label before buying a item for summer in mind. If the material is synthetic avoid it because it traps heat and smells in, specially polyester. Cotton is the favourite and thankfully available for many clothes but good quality silk can be a good alternative. Certain materials like pvc, velvet and leather are obviously not recommended!

I love being able to wear my bloomers as shorts in the summer and my vintage slips as pretty little dresses, they're a cooler alternative than denim shorts. If you're wearing a corset put a slip on first, a corset against bare skin might rub and cause irritation. Putting ice packs on your corset before wearing is a good idea, it's like the Summer version of pulling warm clothes out the tumble dryer in Winter. Fishnets are the coolest hosiery you'll find, dampening them with cold water only makes it better. The idea is that the water evaporates over your skin and cools you down, check your suncream is waterproof though.

You don't have to have to wear the kaftan look but if you do avoid draping loose fabric unless they're very light weight. Humid and hot weather does make you gasp for breath more, clothing that's fitted across your waist and bust can be uncomfortable. That's also applied to shoes, your feet can swell and get very sweaty. If they're too tight normally you've got no chance wearing them in hot weather, also be aware that if your feet are sweaty they'll rub against your shoes more often.

Carry around a cardigan or cotton blazer for sunset, a spare top and a extra pair of socks. Consider switching your leather handbag for a cotton version, it'll feel less sticky on your arm and your make up has less chance of melting in it.

General advise.
The accessories I haven't mentioned yet can't live without are my sunglasses and hand held fan. Sunglasses are available from your high street but you can look in your nearest vintage shops for cheaper ones, just be aware not all sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun. Always check before buying! Parasols are also a delightful accessory, sadly I haven't one in my budget yet. 

Piling on the perfume attracts insects and may create heat rash so try a scented mister on pulse points instead. For sweat problems you can try using a strong deodorant or Antiperspirant, there's several brands on the market that are particularly harsh on sweat. Always check it protects from yellow and white marks though, you're more at risk of these stains during Summer. Dress shields should be used for fabrics that don't respond well to tough washing.

I've tried out some old wives tales recently such as running your wrists under a cold tap or soaking your feet in a bucket of cold water. It's supposed to cool the blood running through the veins in your hands or feet and consequently lower the temperature of the rest of your body. This actually did work but I found the feet soaking a bit unpleasant, the cold tap was a better option. A quick cool shower works just as well.

There are some myths that didn't work, like not moving. How am I supposed not move? I understand not exercising but not moving whatsoever? I tend to laze about and moan like an overfed cow in the heat so it wasn't difficult, but I didn't notice any difference. There was some I couldn't try out, such as eating a hot curry. I have serious stomach problems and I don't have a deathwish. Someone also recommended not eating heavy meals but I can't resist my mother's Sunday Dinner, sorry.

Always keep yourself hydrated and follow the sun safe rules!

                                                                                                                           Recommended reading:                        
Hydration tips from Water Aid, have a good read of the website it's quite interesting.

My previous post on summer skin care.

Protecting your skin in the sun from the NHS.

Your local weather report.

My Q&A post regarding sun safety, suncream and tanning.