Things are heating up this summer, and your social life is no exception. Those long days of summer may offer lots of opportunity for fun in the sun but, if you’re not careful, they can also be the cause of you feeling dehydrated, run down and basically less than yourself. Don’t run the risk of missing out. Read on for seven ways you can look and feel your best this summer and keep things hot over the next few months.
1. Show Your Skin Some Love
Thanks to those record-breaking temperatures of summer, you’re more likely to show a little more skin during those few months than you are all year long. Protect your skin from those harmful UV rays and layer on the sunblock anytime you plan on being outside. And, if you think applying sunblock for a long day outdoors is a “one-and-done” kind of situation, think again. Sunblock of any SPF number works best when it’s reapplied every two hours.
Protecting your skin during the summer isn’t just about wearing sunscreen. Drinking lots of water and eating healthy foods during those hot, dry months go a long way for your skin. Give your skin that healthy, gorgeous summer glow you want by maintaining a healthy diet with lots of fruits, veggies and water. Lots of water. Add in a hydrating facial mask every now and then and an after-sun-moisturizing routine, and you’ll have a summer glow sure to make everyone jealous.
2. Keep Moving
Fight the temptation to give in to those lazy, triple-digit days and stay active this summer instead. Make the most of the great outdoors and schedule in time to enjoy the summer sports you love like swimming, biking, kayaking or surfing. If the heat is a major deterrent for you when it comes to fitting in your workout, do your best to get up a little earlier and enjoy the cooler mornings before the heat wave floods. Whether you consider yourself an athletic person or not, staying active and spending time outside this summer will, no doubt, improve your mood and boost your self-confidence as you get ready to take on the day (or the season).
3. Care for Your Hair
Just like our skin can get dehydrated during scorching temperatures, so can our hair. Keep yours from drying out this summer by switching up your products or hair care routine to give your luscious locks what they need to stay soft, hydrated and shining all summer long. Whether it’s washing less frequently to promote less frizz or adding a leave-in conditioner or texturing spray to help with hydration, paying attention to what your hair needs is an important part of summer self-care. If you’re someone who spends most of the summer in the water, consider investing in a swim cap. Trust us. It’ll save you a lot of split ends along the way.
4. Wear Clothes That Fit
The number-one fashion mistake anyone can make during the summer is wearing clothes that don’t fit right (well, that, and wearing anything electric green). Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t give you permission to wear skimpy, barely there clothing anywhere that doesn’t have sand at your feet. Baggie clothes are a no-no, too, unless you’re hoping to turn them into an emergency floatation device when you’re out boating.
If your body has gone through major changes this past year, then do yourself a solid and go on a little shopping spree. Buy a cute summer outfit that not only looks great on you but also makes you feel great. Clothes that fit your frame and your personality give you a confidence boost like no other and are sure to bring out that summer goddess within.
5. Plan a Vacation
Nothing makes you smile brighter than vacation plans. Give yourself something to look forward to this summer and plan an awesome vacation with some of your favorite people. Whether it’s wine tasting in Napa with your best gal pals or a romantic trip for two to a tropical locale, a summer vacation may be just the thing you need to get in that summer-state-of-mind. Do a little research before you go so you know how to pack. Will you be needing a pair of cute but practical walking shoes or is this a toes in the sand kind of vacay? In that case, a shimmery pedicure is definitely in order.
6. Give Yourself a Makeup Makeover
As much as you may love basking in those warm summer rays, we doubt you feel the same about melting foundation and caking eye shadow. Spare your skin the inevitable breakout and adopt more of a natural beauty look for summer. Swap out your liquid foundation for a light-tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF protection and a touch of bronzer for that desired “tanning glow” effect.
Add some color with a little bit of blush—powdered or cream—that looks just as great on your lips as on those stunning cheekbones. Finally, finish your whole “no-makeup makeup look” with a swipe of waterproof mascara on your lashes, and you’ll be ready to take on the season with a fresh, gorgeous face.
7. Set New Goals
Anything seems possible in summer, which makes it a great time to set new goals for yourself. Take some time to reflect on where the year has brought you and what you need to do to make your dreams a reality. Sometimes all you need to come up with a working game plan is a fresh perspective, a little optimism and the occasional glass of rosè. Write down your goals for the next few months and put them in a place you’re more likely to see every day—like over your desk or next to your bed. Reminding yourself what you want out of life is a good way to achieve your goals and live your best life, regardless of the season.
