Feature

How to survive humidity part 1

January 14, 2010

You could almost write a book about how to survive humidity but I thought I’d start with part one - Face, because part two - Hair, could take awhile.

Those with oily skin types probably curse the hotter months and accuse them of producing more oil - but this doesn’t happen. What makes that dewy-times-ten-look is simple science - oil and water (perspiration) mix and hang out on the top layer of skin looking sheeny and shiney.

There’s nothing worse than feeling sticky in the heat and in the summer months it is pretty much unavoidable so here’s how to save your face from slipping off onto the sidewalk.

1. Switch your moisturiser formula. If you usually wear a thick cream in winter try a lotion and if you use a lotion go to a gel. Think light and airy. Of course, if you have oily skin you probably won’t need to moisturise at all - or just do it at night. And don’t bother applying any around the nose - there are enough glands there anyway (hello blackheads!).

Try: L’Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise UV Perfect daily moisturising lotion (it has a light texture and an SPF 50), $14.99; Nivea Visage Oil Free Moisturising Liquid, X; Dermalogica Active Moist 50ml, $87.50;

2. Keep hydrated - drink plenty of water through out the day and don’t forget that when you sweat (or perspire as my Grandmother would say) you lose electrolytes so keep your salt intake reasonable and try a sports water after exercising.

3. Matte it out - use a mattifying lotion or a primer with silicones to mop up extra moisture. This will reduce the amount of shine throughout the day.

Try: Nivea Young Control Shine Mattifying Gel Cream, $X; Dermalogica Clean Start Welcome Matte SPF 15, $49.20; Smashbox Anti-Shine Primer, $45; M.A.C Oil Control Lotion, $52; M.A.C Prep + Prime Skin, $44.

4. Use a lightweight foundation and consider switching to a powder formula (which oily skin types will already be loving because it soaks up excess moisture) or use a tinted moisturiser instead. Whatever you do though, DON’T skip the sunscreen.

Try: M.A.C Mineralize SkinFinish Natural, $46; M.A.C Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose, $56; Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture, $90; Maybelline Mineral Power, $19.95; Bare Minerals Matte SPF 15, $56.

4. Revive with a spritz - especially if you work in an air conditioned office. There’s nothing like a refreshing burst of coolness to wake you up and settle skin. Hold the spritz at arms length so you only receive the fine mist on your face - if you fluff it up and end up with wet patches dab with a tissue and then very lightly reapply powder with a brush (not sponge as this will make your face look cakey - especially if you repeat this more than once).

Try: Eau Avene Thermal Spring Water, $7.99; Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist, $49; Tebe Hydrating Mist, $37.80; M.A.C Studio Fix+, $52.

5. Choose Powder over Cream

If you’re particularly susceptible to shiny skin and if you have an oily skin type use powder eyeshadow and blusher instead of cream or gel formulations.

6. Blot, blot, blot

Mop up that extra moisture with blotting tissues. Resist the urge to cover up shine with more powder as by the end of the day your face will look too thick and too cakey.

Try: M.A.C Blot Film, $25.

7. Move like a turtle and stay indoors

If you really don’t want to get in slather then minimise your movement, stay in an air conditioned environment, drink loads of water and fan yourself with a pamphlet. You won’t be experiencing much summer fun but you’ll be sweat-free!