06-30-10 | Posted by Beautyinthebag

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Stay cool. We’ve got you covered for 4th of July Weekend and beyond.

Photo Credit: IcyBag.com

By Naomi Schoenfeld

Summer is here, and with it comes lazing by the beach, hiking in the mountains, and lounging by the pool. While this may sound quite glamorous, the reality is that heat and humidity can wreak havoc on your look. Warm weather means frizzy hair, burned skin, and melted makeup. Just the thought of it is enough to make a girl sweat. Fear not, beauties! The Bag Ladies have pooled our collective beauty brilliance to offer up solutions to all your summer quandaries.

SUNBURN

Prevention is the best medicine, so as a knowledgeable BeautyintheBag.com reader, you are of course doing everything you can to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging UV rays, right? We’ll leave it to your favorite fashion blog to recommend stylish umbrellas and hats, but when it comes to sunscreen, we’ve got you covered.

Glytone Protect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 ($35) is a mineral-based lotion that boasts broad-spectrum protection (it blocks both UVA and UVB rays), a non-sticky feel, and is fragrance-free, oil-free and non-comedogenic. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream ($32) contains the patented Mexorylâ„¢ SX 3%, a sun filter indicated for broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays. In addition to toting an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen, many beach-bound babes pop some Heliocare ($30 for 60 capsules). This herbal supplement made from a fern extract is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin cells’ DNA and is a worthy weapon in the fight against photodamage.

Everyone makes mistakes, and even the smartest girls occasionally get burned. If this happens to you, take an anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen and avoid hot showers and jacuzzis. Aloe is a staple that delivers an instant cooling effect, so be sure to have some on hand all summer, just in case. You can actively soothe your skin with Eau Thermale products by Avène. The Thermal Spring Water Spray ($12 for 150 grams/5.29 oz) is a cooling anti-irritant that is a pleasure to use on even non-damaged skin. Ditch your harsh cleanser and preservative-laden moisturizer for Avène‘s Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion and Tolérance Extrême Cream. These gentle, calming formulas are just what the doctor ordered for skin TLC.

CHAPPED LIPS

Your lips are extra vulnerable in dry, sunny climate, and the last thing on your mind should be flaking or parched lips. Wear a moisturizing lip balm with UV protection, such as Softlips Lip Balm with SPF 20 ($2). The yummy flavors and respectable sun protection level (because SPF 4 just doesn’t cut it!) make this a summer beauty in your bag no-brainer.

FRIED & FRIZZY HAIR

Hair, like skin, requires protection from the elements. Sun, wind, and salt water have been known to make strands look and feel like straw. Kérastase Aqua-Seal ($36) smooths hair while blocking UV rays and is waterproof to boot. Apply before taking a dip in the pool or ocean, or in advance of extended sun exposure.

Don’t forget to nourish your stressed tresses. The Brazilian Blowout Açai Haircare line is intended as aftercare for the popular Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment. The Anti-Frizz Shampoo ($36), Anti-Frizz Conditioner ($38), Smoothing Serum ($40), and Deep Conditioning Masque ($42) detangle, smooth, and increase shine.

SHINE & CLOGGED PORES

Heat, humidity, and smog can increase oil and sweat production on your face, which means shiny skin and clogged pores. If a friend mentions that she can see her reflection in your forehead, fight the urge to powder, which will make you look cakey. Instead, try blotting papers, such as Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($6 for 50). Dabbing these on your face will remove shine without messing up your makeup. If you’re makeup-free (or ready to remove your makeup) use Bioré Daily Cleansing Cloths ($11 for 60), which will give you a deeper clean and prevent dirt from building up in your pores.

UNDERARM SWEAT

There are few things more uncomfortable, physically and socially, than excessive underarm wetness. Armpit sweat can also cause yellow “pit stains” that really clash with chic summer whites. If you’ve got money to burn, spring for underarm Botox® injections, which works on overactive sweat glands for 4-6 months. There’s also a new version of Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant ($4) that claims to inhibit yellow staining while fighting excessive sweat and odor. (Speed Stick also makes a version for the men in your life.)

MELTING MAKEUP

We love our makeup, but we hate when it runs down our faces! Face and eye makeup is more likely to melt and run in the summer, thanks to the heat and humidity, but there are ways to make your look stay put. Apply waterproof eye makeup like Maybelline Define-a-Lash Waterproof Lengthening Mascara ($7) and Make Up for Ever Aqua Eyes Shadow/Liner ($17). These products stand up to a steamy city stroll, dip in the pool and summer wedding sobfests. Tip: Sephora sells a Make Up For Ever Mini Aqua Eyes & Sens’Eyes Makeup Remover Travel Kit ($14) that’s more glamorous than any drugstore travel size items we’ve ever seen.

It’s always a good idea to switch to lighter makeup in the summer. As they say, less is more. But whatever your foundation/tinted moisturizer/powder of choice is, it is very important to prep and set your makeup properly. Optimize your skin for makeup application with a light primer. Popular options include Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primers ($16 for the summer getaway-friendly travel size, $36 for full-size) and L’Oréal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base ($13). One of our Bag Ladies swears that the L’Oréal Magic Perfecting Base allows her to skip foundation altogether.

After your makeup is applied, you’ll want to set it to protect it further to fend off oil, sweat and humidity. Lightly dust on a powder, such as Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder ($34). You can also spritz your freshly applied face with Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29) or a comparable setting mist.

Your lipgloss and cream blush are prone to summertime melting as well. Try Benefit Benetint ($28) for a waterproof, kiss-proof, sexy sheer flush.

Don’t forget that your makeup can melt even when it’s not on your face. The sun can turn your lipstick into useless goop, hot temperatures degrade the SPF ingredients in your sunscreen, and heat and light encourage the growth of bacteria in your favorite cosmetics. That’s why IcyBag Insulated Cosmetic Case ($15) is a must-have for summer getaways. This genius bag comes with a 3 ounce freezer gel pack and has an insulated lining to keep your stuff cool for hours. Now you and your beauty regimen can beat the heat all summer long.