There's a reason why shops close earlier in the day during the hot summer months. We relish outdoor escapes to parks and beaches, nature picnics and quay sides, walking trails and open air cafes. Shop keepers are struggling for customers at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, and would rather themselves be elsewhere. And at all costs we want to avoid city heat and sweltering malls.
We want to be out, not in.
Excluding those who live in ... south Florida for example. Where an escape to the air-conditioned mall is welcome relief from the 95% humidity plus 30 degrees celcius heat outdoors.
But for most of us in climates where the seasons are very distinct, we try and avoid summer shopping. At the very most, should you be nipping into the beachside shop for an extra pair of flipflops.
So getting your summer wardrobe in order is a priority before the season starts. And for all those other small beauty products you don't want to queue for, here's a few hints on the hidden treasures your refridgerator will offer.
Perfect, quick, not to mention cool, pick-me-ups during summertime include:
Cooking oil - perfect for applying to near-dry nail polish. It will finish drying and harden your nail laquer instantly.
Avocado - it's old news but true. Mashed and slathered onto your face, it will moisturize and soften your skin.
Cucumber - of course, it's brightens and refreshes tired eyes. If you swipe a cotton pad over the cut end of the cucumber and wipe over your face, it's a great astringent for tightening pores.
Ice cubes - add as many as possible to your drinks to keep your body temperature down and give your skin a thirst-quencher.
Lemons - a cut lemon rubbed over brown spots on skin can actually help reduce discoloration. Lemon juice rubbed into your hair will help give you natural highlights in the sun.
Sunflower oil - a few drops added to your bath with a sprig of fresh lavander will make your skin smooth and glossy.
Teabags - placed over eyes, they give the same benefits as cucumber slices plus help banish dark circles.
Olive oil - a great cuticle remover applied with a cotton bud and massaged into the nail bed.
Wheat germ and honey - mixed together, you have a wonderful body scrub. It will remove dead skins cells and leave your skin glowing. Shower off thoroughly afterwards (and wash the bath tub)!
A few regular beauty products you should keep chilled include:
Eye drops - also great for dabbing onto pimples to take the red away instantly.
Eye and lips pencils - chilled out, they won't break when sharpened.
Lipstick - will be less gooey and last longer.
Face cream - keep it cool, it feel best on the skin when chilled.
Toners - for the same reason.
Sunscreen - it will be less runny and easier to apply when cooler.
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As seen in Oprah’s Magazine!