Summer Beauty Tips

As the weather changes, so should your beauty routine. When the mercury rises, your body and skin reacts differently than it does in cold climates. A change is in order for your skin, make-up and hair to keep it healthy and looking fabulous. If you want to look great when the temperature rises, take note of these basic summer beauty tips to adjust yourself to a different climate and keep a youthful glow.

Change Your Skin Care Routine

Hot weather means more humidity and your skin will need less moisture than it does in the winter. Switch to a lighter moisturizer to keep your pores clear and you will be less likely to experience blemishes.

Keep your feet in top-notch shape by exfoliating to slough off dry skin and calluses. Moisturize to the max and treat yourself to a pedicure so that you can show off your feet in a pair of strappy sandals.

Drink More Water

Water is the trick to beautiful skin. Your body needs more water in the spring and summer to stay hydrated. Since you'll sweat more in hot weather, it's vital that you restore your fluids when exercising or simply being out and about in warmer temperatures. Always keep a bottle of water handy in your car so it's ready to go where you are.

Keep Your Tan in Check

A healthy tan is a myth. There is no such thing. Your goal should not be to get a suntan, but to protect your skin against the sun's dangerous UV rays so you don't age prematurely. Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 on all exposed areas of your body when you're outdoors. Don't forget less obvious areas such as your lips, neck and the top of your hands where the sun can wreak havoc over time.

You can still get a healthy looking tan without skin damage if you use sunless tanning lotion. For more tips on this, check out our Fake a Tan page for tips on how to get a dark, healthy, fake tan.

Exercise in Cooler Temperatures

If you have to do your walking or jogging outdoors, then doing it in the morning is beneficial because the temperatures haven't risen to day-time highs yet. If this means getting up a little earlier, then give it a try. You may find that a little time alone is good way to start the day.

Another alternative is to work-out indoors, where the temperature is controlled. Whether you do this at home or in a gym, use your own personal towel to keep your skin clean and dry.

Use Insect Repellant

Bugs and mosquitoes are common pests in the summer, particularly in the evening and early morning hours.When outdoors, especially camping and hiking, use bug repellant to avoid any irritating bites and bumps that go along with it. Sometimes it's not a pimple that sprouts on your face, but an insect bite!

Women's Fashion Trends for Spring & Summer

There's excitement in the air every spring when new fashions emerge and help us brush off the winter doldrums. What's interesting this year are some versatile styles that fit in perfectly with a tight budget. Nowadays, you need to be a smart shopper and choose clothing that will mix and match with what's already in your closet.

Although there's fewer indulgences, this season's fashion trends for spring and summer are a whole lotta fun. Celebrities know that vintage is where it's at and that's why you see them wearing an array of garments that appear to be one-of-a-kind. Peasant blouses, classic dresses, trousers, and handbags are a steal at secondhand shops. Besides that, you'll see many new trends that are turning heads yet have affordable price tags.

Seasonal Colors

• Colors making a splash this spring are orange, aqua, and sunny yellow. Purple beats out red as the top, hot color that will surely get you noticed.
• The palette for formalwear offers up powdery pastels and classy, ever-so-trendy silver, gold, and white so you can dress up in style. Teens are lovin' these colors for prom!
• Silver and gray replace black for warm weather neutrals. Whether matte or metallic, these two colors add dimension to otherwise solid styles.
• If you're partial to black, forgo the monochrome look and pair it up with white for a current color combo.
• Classic tan and military green go great together, not only for solid pieces but for the very trendy camouflage styles as well. Whatever your choice, these colors need simple accessories such as a belt or gold chain.

Styles and Patterns

• Fashion trends for woman this summer will showcase frilly and feminine styles with sheer fabrics and lace accents. In addition to playing peek-a-boo, we're seeing exposed midriffs as shirts go shorter. Proceed with caution.
• Sleeves take a backseat to this year's sleeveless, off-the-shoulder, and cutout designs -- making shoulders a perfect place for a light dusting of bronzing powder.
• Shirt dresses are flirty and give you lots of movement on a spring day or hot summer night. Floral and playful prints add a variety of color and can help you look just a bit younger.
• Fashionable, military inspired clothing shows your support and is an instant hit for casual wear. Take your pick from light, cotton cargos, camouflage, walking shorts, and belted jackets.
• Every woman should have at least one classic, white, button down shirt. Vintage or not, these shirts will go with just about anything and adjust easily to work or play.
• Bring out your animal instinct with giraffe, ostrich, or leopard prints. To avoid looking like you're part of the safari, pick patterns wisely and pair with solid colors. If that's still a bit too much, limit the prints to shoes, a belt, or handbag.
• All-in-one outfits take the guesswork out of matching separates. Look for one-piece styles such as cropped pantsuits and jumpsuits that will look great with different styles of shoes.

Fashion Accessories, Jewelry, and Shoes

• Just a few valuable accessories are all you need. Belts, sashes, and head scarves are abundant this spring and work well in moderation.
• Gold is making a comeback, revealing itself in gold-silver combos in jewelry. Great for the girl who can't decide, she can have both at once!
• Cuff styles are in for watches and bracelets. Too bulky for you? Wear just the right amount of bangle bracelets to complete your ensemble.
• Size counts when it comes to handbags. Many celebrities prefer leather carryalls and designer tote bags to lug around their worldly possessions. The extra space is handy for new celebrity moms who refuse to forgo fashion to practicality.
• The runway is showing shoes that have substance with more sole and heel, which elongates legs and adds height. High heels and weaved wedges are a just the thing for summer, casual and dressy all at once.
• For those who prefer flats and a very trendy style, opt for those with pointy toes. Want to be a tad more conservative? Choose flat sandals in neutral colors that will go with just about anything. Strappy sandals are always fun for long weekend getaways.

Hairstyle Trends for Spring & Summer

So what's gonna be hot for hair when the weather turns warmer? The new hairstyle trends for the spring and summer season characterize a variety of styles that will flatter hair of any length, whether it's short, long or in-between. Looking for change? There's something for everyone! Get a haircut that allows you to wear a practical style for daytime and a more flirty look for the evening hours.

Long Hairstyles

Wavy, textured hair brings a tousled, feminine look. If your hair is long and thick, this is easy to achieve because textured and shaped hair allows you more control with your hair style. Simply wash your hair, add some mousse and blow dry your hair on low. Use a curling iron and finger-comb the layers. For piecey chunks, apply styling wax on the ends to separate.

For a simple, sleek and smooth look, straight hair can look great on almost anyone, reflecting light and enhancing shine. If you have natural waves, you don't need to blow-dry. Simply use a flat iron to straighten it out section by section after you let it air dry. Set the style with hair spray and stay away from rain or heavy humidity.

Short Hair

Want less fuss with a short hairstyle? Ask your stylist for heavy layers to add dimension, fullness, and bounce. Boyish, yet feminine, this is the easiest cut to wash and style. If you prefer more than a basic bob, look for an asymmetrical cut to update your look and keep you on the edge.

Ringlets that are too tight look old-fashioned and Victorian. Keep your short curls loose and natural. Finger comb and tousle your tresses when slightly wet for a true romantic look. Face-framing layers will help make a basic hairstyle more versatile and add much needed movement.

Whatever your hair length, this year's parts are leaning towards the center. What looks best on you may depend on the shape of your head, if you have bangs, and if they will also part to reveal a portion of your forehead. If you prefer a side part, forgo the center and wear it where you wish. Not every trend looks good on everyone.

Bangs

The current trend for bangs is soft and side-swept, exposing only part of your forehead. To look anything but ordinary, opt for angled bangs to accentuate your unique style. Whilst bangs require more frequent maintenance, they're great for covering up a long forehead, flaws, or lines.

Ponytails are back in a big way. With their practicality, getting ready for a casual or formal event is a snap. Soft waves add sensuality to a basic ponytail. For any texture of hair, set high or low, what's classic is now trendy. Try combing your hair back with your fingers for a slightly imperfect, messed-up hairdo.

Color & Highlights Trends

Sexy, feminine highlights are always in style. Chunky highlights give way to subtle. Spring brings popular multi-tone highlights and lowlights for several shades of color that adds dimension and reflects the light. A great haircut combined with delicate highlights ensure that you will look classy at special events and in pictures. Trendy and stylish, this summer promises to bring some of the most exciting hairstyles we've seen in years. What better time is there to update your tresses?

Homemade Sunburn Relief Recipes

Sun Burn Lotion

8 ounces non-medicated lotion5 drops clove oil
5 drops peppermint oil
2-4 teaspoons powdered Comfrey Root
2-4 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel

Mix together thoroughly in a bowl. Chill, if desired.

HINT: Amounts of Comfrey Root or Aloe Vera gel may be increased, but do not increase the amounts of clove or peppermint oils, as they may cause skin irritation.

Cucumber Sunburn Lotion

1 cucumber - chopped
1/4 cup Glycerin
1/4/ cup Rose-water

Squeeze juice out of the cucumber with a lemon-squeezer, and mix with Glycerin and Rose-water.

Sunburn Soothing Bath

2-4 cups *Colloidal (not regular) oatmeal
1/2 to 1 cup baking soda
1-2 cups powdered Chamomile flowers
1 cup buttermilk, optional

Add all ingredients to bath water, or wrap in cheesecloth and tie to the faucet for adding aroma.

Sunburn Mist

2 fluid ounces of distilled water
9 drops of lavender
2 drops of peppermint
1 drop of spearmint

Mix all, then mist lightly over sun-burned skin.

Various Natural / Homemade Remedies

1. Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to sunburn.
2. Mix 10 ounces Non-fat Dry Milk, 2 tablespoons salt and 25 ounces water. Saturate cloth and apply to sunburn 20 minutes.
3. Apply mayonnaise as a skin cream to sunburn.
4. Use Aloe plant, or pure aloe vera gel.
5. Apply peanut oil to sun-burned area(s).
6. Apply thin slices of cold cucumbers, apples, or potato directly to the skin.
7. Apply cold, plain yogurt, then rinse with cool water.
8. Apply cold, used tea bags to sun-burned eyelids to relieve pain and swelling.