Do you, like me, feel as if you’re preparing for battle when
summer looms in? I always feel as if it’s me against the scorching sun, the
summer heat and not to mention the humidity that charges in during
midsummer. Over the years I have created
an army of beauty products that have helped me survive the summer months.
I have oily skin and in the past I have used the normal
Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock with SPF 100 and I hated it. I had to use it
because it was the best and also because of the high spf, trust me it did not look pretty. In the end I had
to succumb to mixing It in with a matte moisturizer to make it work for me.
Save: Maybeline’s Define-A-Lash is one of my favorites
and is often sold out at most Maybelline counters in Lahore. It’s an excellent
dupe for the iconic L’Oreal Telescopic. Define-A-Lash (as the name suggests)
defines every lash while providing volume and length. Multiple coats can make
the lashes look dramatic.
Here are my top five
picks that are a must have in my summer survival list. These are the things you can easily get your hands on in Pakistan.
Sun Block
The most important arsenal in my list is a good sunblock. I
can step out of the house without any make-up on but I never, and I repeat,
never leave without applying a sunblock. The reason why it’s so important is
because sun exposure is it accelerates the aging process and causes skin
damage. There are those, like me, who dread the idea of uneven skin tone. Yes,
vanity always gets the better of us.
Save
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| Neurogena’s Fine Fairness Moisture |
Neurogena’s Fine Fairness Moisture with SPF 50 is great for
both oily and dry skin. This is what I imagined the Try Touch version to be
like. It absorbs quickly, leaves a matte finish and feels light on the
skin. On humid days it feels just a tad
bit heavy and oily, nothing a good face powder can’t work it’s magic on.
It claims to prevent
appearance of brown spots and skin darkening due to sun exposure, as well as
new dark melanin from forming. It provides protection for maintaining fair,
even-toned skin. I'd personally feel better if it had a high Spf!
Price: Rs770
Splurge
Luscious cosmetics took Pakistan by storm with their
innovative beauty products designed especially for Asian skin. One of their
best selling products is their Whitening Base with Spf 35. This is supposed to
be ideal for our part of the world, and according to Luscious Spf 35 is the
ideal recommended by dermatologists for our skin (I prefer using a
higher Spf). The base is available for normal to dry and oily skin types.
Don’t let the term “whitening” frighten you though. It
doesn’t leave any white film over the face, nor does it make you look grey.
This is a two in one product that can be used as both a primer and a sunblock.
Price: Rs 975
Best For B.O
This is just as important as sunblock, because nobody wants
to smell nasty or be near someone who does.
Save
Patkari is also known as the alum stone and crystal
deodorant. This is easily found in Lahore, Al-Fatah carries them. You rub this
on your arm pits and I guarantee you’ll smell odorless all day long. Obviously
nothing transfers on your skin because it's just a stone, but for some reason
it controls body odor in the best way possible. When I'm going out I spray my
favorite perfume after using the patkari, and it helps make the scent last
longer. What you can do is crush the alum stone and mix it with rose water and
store the mixture in an empty roll on deodorant bottle
Price: Rs 60/70 depending on where you buy it.
Splurge
There’s not much of price difference here but this is also a
great (not so natural) product for hot summer days. The FA roll on deodorant is
amazing. They have a wide selection of scents to choose from which honestly
lasts all days. This is truly a confidence booster in my book.
Price:Rs 150
Face Powder
My defense against an oily skin is a good face powder. As
you’ve probably guessed by now I have oily skin, and I am always trying out
products that help me combat it.
Save
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is my favorite drug store
face powder. I cannot say enough good things about it. On a good,
dry summer day it keeps the face shine free for up to 5 to 6 hours (or slightly
more depending on your skin type). On a humid day I find after 5/6 hours it
doesn’t necessarily get shiny, but it starts to oxidize (changes color; i.e.
turns darker or orangey) on me. Often, people with darker skin tones complain
that they can’t find their shade, because all the seven shades look fairy
light. The shade “translucent” has no color to and it ideal for both very fair
to dark skin tones.
Price:Rs 550
Splurge
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish: I am someone
who rarely wears foundation, and it took me a while to find something that kept
the oils at bay but still gave decent coverage to hide bits of redness on my
face. This on me lasts for more than 6 hours and doesn’t oxidize a bit. Also, it provides as an excellent base for my
make-up.
Price: The price varies at different
stores. Al-Noor is selling it for Rs 4500 and Green Valley for Rs3500
On Trend Lipstick
Shade
Neon is “in” in a big way this spring/summer. The trend has consumed clothes, bags,
accessories and make-up in it’s wake. This is the time to invest in a good
neon/fuchsia pink lipstick. A bright pop of pink makes a great style statement.
Save:
Luscious Cosmetics Lip Couture in Paparazzi is a great way to
dabble in this trend. It’s also great for those who prefer to wear lipgloss
instead of lipsticks. Lip Couture is opaque and provides excellent color pay
off.
Splurge
Maybelline’s Fuchsia Fever #140 is a favorite amongst
make-up artists and beauty bloggers alike. The quality of the lipstick is
amazing and long lasting. The shade is right on trend for spring/summer.
Price: Rs925
Mascara
Good mascara is the perfect finishing touch to one’s look.
It doesn’t look over done; instead it just enhances your natural features.
During the summer days mascaras tend to smear and end up giving the wearer the
dreaded panda eye, instead of a glamorous finish. That is why investing in a
good water proof mascara is important.
Price: Rs 800
Splurge: Bourjois Volume Glamour Max (water proof)
mascara is probably one of the best I’ve tired. It doesn’t clump or smear,
which makes it ideal for summer. It’s perfect for anyone who wants dramatic,
fuller, glamorous eye lashes.
Price: Rs1250
*All the images except for Neurogena’s Fine Fairness Moisture are taken from Google.
Let me know your top five picks.
Let me know your top five picks.
