Winter really wore out its welcome this year. With cold, gloomy weather lingering well into late March, commiserating and pleading for sun and warmth became the national pastime on social media. But not to worry—scorching summer days are here! And with them comes the age-old dilemma of keeping a fresh face in the heat.
The battle to maintain beauty in torridity was originally fought by Cleopatra. The indisputable fact is that makeup in any form, no matter how primitive or modern, has always been subject to compromise when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it is not surprising that the powder compact has become one of the most identifiable icons of makeup in the world. For as long as cosmetics have existed, some form of powder has been commonly used to control shine and maintain the appearance of one’s complexion. From the tropics to the desert to the movie sets of Hollywood, the ritual of touching a powder puff to the face has become an elegant symbol of beauty maintenance.
The battle to maintain beauty in torridity was originally fought by Cleopatra. The indisputable fact is that makeup in any form, no matter how primitive or modern, has always been subject to compromise when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it is not surprising that the powder compact has become one of the most identifiable icons of makeup in the world. For as long as cosmetics have existed, some form of powder has been commonly used to control shine and maintain the appearance of one’s complexion. From the tropics to the desert to the movie sets of Hollywood, the ritual of touching a powder puff to the face has become an elegant symbol of beauty maintenance.
Down in steamy Florida, the muggy months of summer can melt one’s face in minutes. At Spa Hollywood in Sarasota, estheticians finish every facial, hairstyle and manicure with a dusting of mineral foundation. They select a long-lasting, water-resistant mineral formula with broad-spectrum SPF 20 protection. “We allow three minutes at the end of every service for a quick mineral powder application,” explains owner Tess Evanoff. “This has proven to be both effective and profitable, as many of these guests return to purchase more retail from the spa for their daily regimen.”
During the sweltering summer months in San Antonio, Texas, temperatures can reach well above 100 degrees. Petra’s Salon and Boutique offers great solutions to both calm and preserve the face. Clients receive a cool, refreshing start to their makeup applications with refrigerated moisturizers, primers and hydration sprays. “This helps to close pores and minimize oil and sweat production,” says esthetician Angela Otey. She recommends advising your clients to refrain from reapplying makeup during the day, and only use matte translucent powder or blotting papers. She also suggests putting some matte powder under the lash line to prevent mascara from running.
One last piece of advice Otey suggests for your clients: “Don’t skimp on moisturizer during hot months. Just switch to a lighter formula to help balance oil production.”
In the dry Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale, Ariz., the Citrine Natural Beauty Bar has a dedicated clientele that stops in for face freshening services daily. Take it from Melissa Lenberg, owner of Citrine. “My absolute number one rule in any harsh environment is to prep and prime,” she says.
“Prepare before you apply foundation,” Lenberg says. “A good primer is perfect for locking that foundation onto the skin. For those prone to getting sweaty or oily, switch to a matte pressed mineral powder or layer it on top of the current foundation. Minerals perform beautifully in a sticky/sweaty environment—it’s even hot yoga approved—and it will not seep into pores.” Lenberg also says that your clients should carry their compact with them throughout the day to touch up if they feel their makeup is fading away.
“Another must have this summer are hydrosol sprays, we have one for any and all skin types,” Lenberg continues. She says to advise your clients to keep these sprays in a refrigerator and use for a refreshing mist throughout the day. One last piece of advice Lenberg offers is to “cool it on the black.” This is particularly true in the daytime, when your clients will be doing activities outside where the sun is beating down on them. In intense heat, a black smoky eye will experience the beginning stages of a raccoon transformation.
Take this dose of warm weather wisdom to help your clients stay picture perfect during these sweaty summer months.
