Unlike Bollywood, where rains seem to be a reason for joy and fuel for romance; here, in real life, they are mostly just harbingers of oily skin and frizzy hair. Even the most optimistic rain-lovers have, at some point, cursed it for making their hair look like a thunder cloud, or for splattering “keechad” on their expensive new shoes. But all is not lost because while you can’t control the weather, you can use the following tips to make your life easier this monsoon.
TRUST THE TEA
Be it with fried goods or on your face, when it rains, tea bags are simply essential. To battle oily monsoon skin, soak any kind of tea bag in water and apply it to the oil-prone areas of your face. Keep the tea bag on for 20 minutes before moving it to a different area. Tea reduces the secretion of sebum (the substance that makes skin greasy) and hence, reduces oily skin.
MATTIFY YOUR MAKEUP
With humidity in the air giving you a natural shiny (albeit, sweaty) glow, it’s best to ditch the highlighter this season. Apply an oil-free, mineral powder makeup base for the daytime. Use powder blush rather than cream blush and powder eye shadows rather than cream eye shadows. A dusting of a translucent powder can be applied two or three times during the day after blotting the face with a tissue to remove any excess oil.
FIGHT FRIZZ
Rainy season makes the hair go ‘poof’! No amount of styling or straightening works when the frizz reigns supreme. To prevent this, whisk one raw egg and mix in a spoonful of olive oil. Egg yolk is rich in fats and proteins and is naturally moisturizing. Egg whites contain enzymes that kill bacteria and remove unwanted oils. Meanwhile, the olive oil acts as an emollient that locks the moisture into your hair. Apply this mixture to your hair prior to shampooing/conditioning and let sit for about a half hour before rinsing and washing hair for smooth frizz-free hair.
INVEST IN WATERPROOF MASCARA
Running mascara tends to make you look like you’ve either been crying or are going through an intense goth phase; neither of those looks is particularly desirable. So, at least till the rains subside, invest in a good waterproof mascara, as well as other durable eye makeup to make sure your look doesn’t suffer because of the showers.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET
Unless you exclusively wear closed sports shoes all the time, it is likely that your feet suffer during monsoons. To exfoliate and moisturize your feet at home, pour 1 cup of milk and 5 cups of warm water in a foot bath tub or large basin and soak your feet for five to 10 minutes. In a bowl, pour baby oil and sugar or salt and mix well. Make into a thick paste and apply all over feet, massaging in circular motions. Finish with a pumice stone scrub on callused heels. Do this once every week to ensure that your feet remain clean and grime-free.
Along with all this, it is also very important to visit the salon every once in a while. Read on to Know More about this.