Tips for summer makeup for the office

 

The summer can wreak havoc on your complexion, which is why you should change your African American skin care routine when the hot weather comes. Recently, Forbes magazine spoke to beauty expert Olivia Chantecaille, who offered some tips for professional women who want to look look cool during the warm months.

First, she said that if you want to wear bold summer shades without scaring people at the office, then keep the bright colors on your lips. For example, there are many bright lip gloss shades that can help you feel like summer has arrived without looking overdone.

Next, the expert said that when it comes to summer makeup, less is more.

"Sometimes too much makeup during the summer months can make a woman look older - think too much self tanner or mascara buildup around the eyes," said Chantecaille, quoted by the news source.

Good Housekeeping states that the key to flawless summer makeup is to apply primer before putting on foundation. It provides a smooth base to hold makeup in place, even when you're dealing with heat and humidity. 

Don't let the summer leave you with breakouts

 

The summer can take a real toll on your African American skin. Being outside in the heat can leave you with pimples and burns, so it's important to spend extra time on your skin during the warmer months. Recently, Real Buzz published an article explaining some simple ways to keep your skin clear during the summer.

First, the news source said you should avoid contact with bacteria whenever possible.

"Your pillow comes into contact with makeup, skin oils and saliva, making it a breeding ground for bacteria that can worsen acne. Likewise, unwashed makeup brushes can spread bacteria to your skin. To minimize your skin’s contact to bacteria, make sure you wash makeup brushes every two weeks and change your pillowcase regularly," according to the news source.

Next, the website recommended following a balanced diet filled with fresh, skin-friendly fruits and vegetables.

Everyday Health states that in the summer, you want to keep your hair out of your face whenever possible to avoid the oils that  penetrate your skin and cause acne. So if you're hitting the gym or the beach, be sure to wear your hair up. 

Considering a summertime wax?

It's beach season, which means you need to grab the sunscreen, some waterproof African American skin care products and maybe take care of some unsightly hair that you let go unchecked during the winter. Many ladies go for waxes in the summer to get themselves beach-ready, but you want to protect your African American skin while doing this. The Houston Chronicle spoke to esthetician Lisa Lazzara for advice about waxing.

First, the expert said that if you've been shaving regularly, then you should wait three to four weeks before waxing to get smooth, long-lasting results. Next, once you do start a waxing routine, give up the razor.

"Avoid shaving between appointments. Shaving will negate all the positive benefits of waxing and can irritate hair follicles," said Lazzara, quoted by the news source.

Women's Day also has some tips for making the waxing experience better. The news source said if you're worried about pain, then you might want to take ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. Also, if you experience painful swelling and redness than apply a little cortisone cream to the area.

Which sunscreen should you use?

 

With summer right around the corner, you've probably been hearing a lot about how important it is to protect your African American skin with sunscreen. Of course, there are so many different SPF brands and products on the market, it can be very overwhelming when you have to choose which one works for your skin. Recently, Reporter News, a Texas information provider published an article explaining how to pick the right sunscreen for you.

The news source explained that the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation falls into two categories: ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B.

"Many commercial sunscreens only focus their protection efforts on ultraviolet B rays - the kind that causes sunburns (an easy way to remember: "B" is for "burn"). But they do little to shield against ultraviolet A, which does the real damage - contributing to skin cancer and early skin aging," according to the news source.

The Reporter News stated that products labeled "broad spectrum" protect against both A and B, so you'll want to look for those while you're shopping.



According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, while African Americans have a lower risk of skin cancer than their light-skinned counterparts, they tend to be diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, decreasing their chances of surviving. This is why it's important to protect your African American skin from the sun.