Hot, humid weather is the perfect time to tone down your beauty routine, taking a break from daily makeup and streamlining your skin care regimen. K.I.S.S. stands for “Keep It Summer Simple”—an acronym I developed to describe easy, low-maintenance trade secrets I’ve shared with my clients over the years. Here are some of my favorites.
• Coconut oil is a great eye makeup remover—and it helps your eyelashes grow.
• Keep hand lotion in your purse to tame emergency flyaways. Bonus: It leaves hair smelling great.
• Need a quick pick-me-up? A facial mist with added mint will cool the skin and trigger the cold receptors of the brain.
• Baby powder applied after you step off the beach will remove sand quickly and easily…without clumping!
• Try a white base coat under nail polish to make vibrant hues even brighter. Ditto for white eyeliner applied under colored eyeliner.
• Hate using the blow dryer in the summer? Bumble and Bumble’s new Don’t Blow It styling lotion enhances the texture of fine to medium hair without heat.
• If you must blow-dry, apply clear gel deodorant to the nape of the neck to prevent sweating.
• You can also apply gel deoderant to other, ahem, strategic areas to prevent chafing during outdoor adventures or workouts.
• To repel bugs on a hike or other adventure, rub dryer sheets over clothes and place another sheet in your pocket.
• Dry shampoo applied before bed absorbs oil while you sleep and extends a hairstyle. I love the new one by Moroccanoil, available in light and dark tones, with that famous decadent scent!
• White foam shaving cream removes makeup residue on clothing.
• Mascara doubles as eyeliner in a pinch. Apply with a chisel angle tip brush for best results.
• Eye shadow primer isn’t just for eyelids. Apply a thin layer to the under-eye area to prevent makeup from creasing and eyeliner from running.
• Correct self-tanner streaks with a homemade scrub of baking soda and water turned into a paste.
• Skin experiencing an identity crisis? Cure it with Éminence Organics Balancing Masque Duo featuring a charcoal purifier for the T-zone and a moisturizing treatment for dehydrated cheeks (and other flaky areas).
• When self-tanning at home, shave your legs, then exfoliate with sugar for a super smooth result. A thin coat of body butter on knees, feet and hands will allow for the best blending.
• In lieu of buying a self-tanning mitt, put a plastic bag on your hand then cover with a clean cotton sock for easy application.
• We all know how dangerous the sun can be, but what to do about pale legs and arms? Crush compact bronzer in body lotion and apply for a shimmery glow.
