But summer demands smooth skin!
PREVENT ITMoisturize, of course.
But having a clean “canvas” is key.
Right after a run or beach day, lather up with a gel body wash.
Bubbles contain cleansers (aka surfactants) that latch onto dirt, easily rinsing it away.
Master the art of quick hair zapping.
Strands peering out of your suit?
PREVENT ITLess hair means less stubble.
“A dull razor will always leave stubble,” Milstead says.
Breakouts
Blemishes can happen year-round, but sun, heat and humidity create a perfect pimple storm.
Make a clear complexion a reality.
GET RID OF ‘EMRemove oil-loving organisms from the equation and zits will disappear.
(Try Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Trifix Acne Clearing Lotion, $32.)
Tried-and-true salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells within pores so bacteria can no longer flourish.
Trapped bacteria causes your immune system to create a flare-up, resulting in fire-engine red skin.
Hold an ice cube on the spot for two 30-second intervals, then dab on a sulfur-laced product.
“Sulfur calms inflammation,” says Dennis Gross, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.
(Try Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment, $22.)
“Piling on powder traps even more bacteria within skin.”
Give your face a fresh start.
GET RID OF ITRubbing back and forth can break lashes and damage delicate eye-area skin, leading to wrinkles.
PREVENT ITLayer a coat of tubing mascara over a basic formula.
(When used alone, tubing versions may not create ample volume.)
“Tubing mascaras have flexible waterproof polymers that form a cocoon around every lash,” Stiles says.
“And because they aren’t adhering directly to lashes, they simply slide off.”
So what to do when that neon paint has gotta go?
GET RID OF ITGive nails a clean sweep.
“More liquid gets on nails than with thick cotton,” she says.
PREVENT ITPrep nails with a nail thickener.
“A strong barrier prohibits lacquer from gripping your natural nail, so color wipes away easily.”
Self-Tanner Streaks
A UV-free faux tan is a skin saver.
But there’s a downside: A faux glow can quickly go awry.
GET RID OF ‘EMEven out streaks.
(Results are immediate.)
Or take the opposite approach and fill spots with liquid bronzer.
PREVENT ‘EMYou know smooth skin makes for even coverage.
Still tempted to ditch pretan exfoliating?
A Ponytail Crease
Sweeping hair up is easy.
Smoothing the dent that remains post-pony?
Refresh your style without breaking a sweat.
(Clamping down will create a new line.)
If you have curly hair…Simply blend the crease into hair.
“When hair is wet, it reverts to its natural texture,” Cutler explains.
And even if your color is natural, the sun can dull strands.
Slather on from the root to the tip, leave in for 15 minutes, rinse, then condition.
PREVENT ITDouse hair under clean water before taking a dip.
