Fight off smudged summer makeup

 

Summer is here, which means you may need some help to keep your African American skin from looking sweaty and your makeup from running. Recently, Styleite published an article offering some quick tips on how to fix your makeup on days when the heat is almost too much to handle.

First, the news source said that properly applied foundation should last all day, just keep some blotting tissues with mop up any excess oil. Next, keep a Q-tip with you to take care of any mascara or eyeliner that may get under your eyes. The information provider also recommended keeping a few extra makeup products in your bag during the summer.

"Keep a bronzing compact in your bag, so that you can touch up your eyes or sculpt your cheekbones to create a glamorous look while you’re out and about," according to the news source.

Allure Magazine recommends using a cream foundation instead of a powder in the summer, because a powder can cake when it mixes with sweat and oil. Also, on top of sunscreen, be sure to wear bug repellent in the summer to protect your African American skin from bug bites. 

African American hair care tips and styles for the summer

 

If you've been worrying about how to keep your African American skin looking great all summer, chances are you've also been concerned about how to keep your hair in check during the hot and humid days to come. Recently, The Grio, an NBC news affiliate, spoke to New York City stylist Patrick Wellington about the dos and don'ts of African American hair care in the summer.

First, did you know that sunscreen is not just for your African American skin? According to Wellington, hats and products that contain SPF are also important for the hair, and can protect it from sun damage. Next, he said that you should be washing your hair at least once a week in the summer.

"Summertime always requires a little bit more maintenance. You don’t always have the hats to cover it up, you always want to look good. It takes a little bit more work; more washing. You’re perspiring; you’re probably working out, so definitely wash your hair once a week," said Wellington, quoted by the news source.

Essence Magazine states that the summer is a good time to try a new hairdo such as a side ponytail, a loose blowout or a french braided side-chignon.

 

Lip colors for the new season

 

If you caught the recent MTV Movie Awards, then you may have noticed that there was large variety of lipstick colors and tones that were taking center stage on the red carpet. Recently, Access Hollywood published an article with some tips on how to use your African American skin care products to have lips like a star.

The news source said that red will be the most popular lipstick color this summer. For darker skin tones, Hollywood recommended looking for an orangey-red that casts a glow on the skin. However, if red isn't your style, the information provider had suggestions for how to pull off a nude lip.

"For a perfect pout, line the lips with a cream-based concealer. In choosing a shade best suited for your skin tone, the lipstick should be one or two tones darker than the inside of your lips. Next, use a lip brush to paint the lips, starting from the center. Finally, dab some loose powder over the lips to help the color stay on longer," according to the news source.

Vogue states that some more lip colors that are hot this season are candy pink and tangerine orange, so it may be time to re-stock on lipstick for the summer.

Eat right and wear sunscreen for health skin this summer

 

Just because you have African American skin, doesn't mean you don't need protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, especially in the summer. Recently, the Ledger-Enquirer, a Georgia news source, spoke to dermatologist Tanda Lane about what people should be doing during the warmer months to protect and even boost the health of their skin.

First, Lane said that nothing is more important than wearing sunscreen every day. Some African Americans may not realize that they need SPF, but the National Cancer Institute states that not only can this population get skin cancer, they also tend to be diagnosed in the later stages. Next, the dermatologist offered some suggestions on what to do if you get a bad sunburn.

"It's important to begin treating a sunburn as soon as possible. Take a cool bath, you can also soak a cloth in skim milk and ice and apply to the skin for five minutes, then apply a moisturizer to trap the water in your skin," said Lane, quoted by the news source.

Finally, the doctor recommended consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as pomegranate and blueberries, since these fruits may reduce inflammation and boost the health of the skin.