The Ultimate Summer Cool Kit
July 16, 2015
By Brian Maynor
Summer is all about sunshine and enjoying the outdoors, but it’s not all about pool parties and cookouts. Sometimes you need to maintain a little poise and decorum while standing in the sweltering heat and practically melting from the humidity.
I found myself thinking about this last weekend walking around Charleston. It was the perfect summer day, sunny blue skies with a slight albeit warm breeze, and I had dressed in all the right clothing: light colored linen, thin cotton pants and canvas shoes. Not wanting to just a wear a pair of shorts and a t-shirt my outfit may have been appropriate for enjoying the many breaks in restaurants and stores, but I was still a sweaty mess.
Being empty-handed I felt woefully unprepared and unable to combat the withering of my face, hair and clothes. Don’t make the same mistake I did and leave for a day out unequipped. Here are some great tips on beating the heat that will also help keep you looking fresh and dry:
1. Blotting Sheets. Washing your face in the restroom feels refreshing and helps remove excess oil from sweating, but sometimes it just isn’t an option. When you’re not near a sink, oil control sheets are perfect for trapping excess oil and leaving a nice matte finish to your face.
2. Mineral Water Spray. These are perfect refreshers that help cool you off as well as keep your skin hydrated. This is a great complement to the oil absorbing sheets because they will help replenish moisture without oil or greasy film. Another great option would be a natural toner. When the goal is locking in moisture you want to avoid any products with alcohol.
3. Extra Deodorant. There’s nothing wrong with re-applying during the day. After all deodorant isn’t permanent. When your body is hot and sweaty the deodorant works hard to keep you cool and smelling nice, but it tends to wear off a lot quicker. Along with under your arms, a great tip is to apply it to inner thighs and soles of your feet to avoid embarrassing wetness and slippery shoes.
4. Hair Products. Not everyone has the luxury of pulling their hair up into a ponytail or bun and calling it a day, so keeping a dry shampoo or other oil absorbing spray on hand will keep your locks looking fresh. Constantly running your hands through it to push it off your face or neck is the fastest way to cause frizz, and with these products you can regain control to create a style that is more hands-off.
5. Pulse Points. Another great way to cool down that is popular in exercises classes uses our body’s pulse points. Applying ice packs, cool compresses or even cold water to specific areas of your body will help cool you down fast and effectively. Some of the most major pulse points are: around your neck; temples; inner wrists; inside elbow bends and the back of your knees.
Looking cool and refreshed in the heat is not always easy or even obtainable, but there are a few ways we can make it more manageable. Luckily all of these products come in travel size options so you can easily stow them in a tote or small bag and discretely use them in any restroom or fitting room.
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I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
