YOUR IMAGE, THE SUMMER AND YOU

As the thermometer rises, make-up challenges are always a consideration because meltdown is always a possibility. Luckily for the modern woman there have been some advances in the last couple of years that allow us to look fabulous even as the weather heats up. These very same items will usually contain elements that help you to preserve and maintain your beauty as well.

In the warm weather regular foundation is a no-no because it tends to get blotchy and runny. It is also more likely to get into the pores and cause blemishes. There are several other choices but my personal favorite face make-up for the summer is mineral powder. There are several reasons for this. For one thing it literally consists of ground minerals. Therefore, it is very healthy for your skin. It is the one make-up you can actually leave on overnight if you have to (I’m not recommending it). It imparts a subtle patina to the skin which is beautiful and youthful-looking. You can use cover-up beneath it if you have to. It also has an spf (sun protection factor) in it naturally. It will not blotch or melt and comes in a wide variety of shades, from golden to pink. It also comes in a loose or pressed form depending upon your preference. A close second choice would be a tinted moisturizer. This should have an spf as well. Please never forget your sunscreen.

Make sure that if you decide to wear eye liner or mascara they are the waterproof type. As far as eye shadows, you will find that most powders can be applied with a brush dipped into a little water. If you use an eye liner brush you can convert your shadow into a liner, as well. You need much less on the brush because it gets much more concentrated when wet. It will usually stay on all day without creasing or coming off. Only choose one area of the shadow pan and use that part each time you wet it. Try it out with each shade before you actually want to use it because not all shadows lend themselves to this technique—but most do. Eye shadow is a good make-up choice because there are not many sweat glands in that area and it is likely to remain in place.

A bronzer is the natural choice for use with mineral powders. Use it with a fan brush and apply it only where the natural tan would occur—on the cheekbones up to the hairline, on the bridge of the nose, on the chin. It can also be used as a contour under the jaw. Just remember that the application has to be subtle. Begin by using a bit. You can always add more. You can also layer it over a bit of blusher.

Something else that needs to be cared for in the summer months is your hair. Manny Goyanes, an expert hair colorist and master color trainer, suggests that summer is a bad time to try out red because it tends to fade quickly. If you are a blond he suggests that you apply a leave-in conditioner before you go swimming in a chlorinated pool and rinse your hair with fresh water when you emerge and before hair can dry to avoid a green tinge from chlorine. He also suggests that to protect your color you use a professional shampoo and conditioner.

While we are discussing this relaxing season we need to touch on another, more serious topic. That is the topic of office attire. Although it may be hot and humid outside, the office environment is usually cool and crisp. Whether it is cool or not, it is critical that we maintain our credibility and authority in the workplace by dressing appropriately. Sheer fabrics are never welcome in a work environment. Cleavage is another look that is never appropriate at work. Tube tops and other strapless looks are also out of place on the job. Your skirt length should also be professional. While sandals are usually fine, rubber flip-flops should be avoided. Don’t forget your pedicure!

One way of dealing with this as comfortably as possible is to layer a blazer or wrap of some kind over a cooler top. The blazer can be removed when you are alone in your office. Long cardigans are a big look right now, particularly when paired with a matching sweater. This is a very pulled-together look.

Another very flattering look is the boxy jacket that comes to the waist and has ¾-length sleeve. A shorter sleeve is flattering to the petite woman in particular. It gives her the illusion of greater height.

While you are relaxing on the beach or vacationing, remember that the biggest fashion season—the new fall season—is right around the corner!

Merry Nachemin is a Certified Image Consultant and the President of Extreme Elegance Image Consultants, LLC as well as a member of The Association of Image Consultants International. She helps men and women achieve their personal and professional goals quicker, easier and with a lot more fun through the use of Image Consulting techniques and Extreme Elegance Cosmetics. She is open to questions, comments and appointments and can be reached at (212) 769-7996.

Back to main Articles Page