With mercury levels reaching new heights and the sun literally melting everything around us, daily life has almost come to a standstill. Even make-up feels like it is seconds away from becoming a hodge-podge of melted chemicals. From our bodies to our skin, every part is suffering from the sweltering heat and sending constant SOS’s to rejuvenate and recuperate as soon as possible. But what can be done?

Instep explores different beauty regimens and products for the hot summer months, which are sure to keep you refreshed, hydrated and looking like a million bucks, well within the budget.

Au Naturel

A major mistake in this weather is wearing too much makeup. Summer is all about looking natural and it becomes harder to get away with using a large amount of makeup in the heat. Not only that, an overload of cosmetic products on your face can attribute to skin allergies when they mix with sweat. So do your skin a favour and remember less is more.

What we recommend: Instead of using a number of beauty products, just go for a simple make-up kit that works on natural tones. Might we suggest going for Nabila’s recently released No-makeup Palette? Available in different shades for different skin tones, the kit is a perfect solution for a pesky summer day when a quick makeover is all you desire without having to dealing with layers and layers of makeup.

Hello, Hydration!

In temperatures that cross 40 degree Celsius on a normal day, hydration is desperately needed to replenish the body and mind. According to most cosmetic surgeons as well as stylists, our bodies are severely dehydrated and are in desperate need of something to refresh it. Contrary to what soda and energy brands want you to think, it’s not these products that keep you refreshed!

What we recommend: There is nothing better than water to keep you well hydrated in this weather. Just one glass of chilled water can make a major difference in the way one feels during the day. And if that’s not enough, a lot of beauticians suggest frozen fruit ice cubes. Just cut a fresh fruit and freeze it overnight, and use it on your skin wrapped in an airy cloth. Not only will it keep one feeling fresh throughout the day, the anti-oxidants in the fruit will help give an even complexion and avoid breakouts. Just remember not to apply the ice directly to the skin without a cloth.

And if that’s still not enough, go for Garnier Skin Naturals Facial Wipes. Not only do these cost-effective facial wipes keep the face hydrated and replenished, they also work well in removing the excess dirt and oil that the skin is so prone to in the warm months.

Summer Synced Lips

During the bright, sunny days of summer, wearing anything dark is a definite faux pas. For lips, baby pinks, wet nudes and light red stains are what’s trending. Not only do these colours pop in the summer haze, they also give one a style edge. After all, pop colours are all the rage across the globe, thanks to the Korean-pop influenced makeup and fashion collections.

What we recommend: If there’s anything in the market which should be a definite go-to product right now, it’s the MAC lipstick collection collaboration with the Italian couturier, Giambattista Valli. The lipsticks, which are available in different shades ranging from light to dark, were so meticulously created that the designer actually tried at least a hundred different hues on the women who work in his Paris atelier. Now, that’s summer perfection you truly need! Just remember, summer shades are light all the way.

*The collection can be ordered through the company’s website after July 9th.

Redness Liberation

One of the biggest problems one faces in this weather is the toll the heat takes on our bodies. From breakouts to dry and red patchy skin, the scathing temperature leaves no body part unharmed. If, like most people, one has forgotten to apply sunscreen or moisturizer before getting out of the house then unappealing surprises await us in the form of truly annoyed skin.

What we recommend: According to William Arango, who is the spa director of the famous Ritz-Carlton hotels in the United States, nothing is better than the use of organic daily products like milk and honey. In fact, Arango even suggests taking a bath in it! In what sounds like a simple healing process, the recipe asks for 2 cups honey and 1 gallon of whole milk mixed with lukewarm water in a tub in which one can relax for at least half an hour. For those who find this to be a waste or are just simply too busy, check out The Body Shop’s Milk and Honey Body Lotion. While it may not have the same effect as the bath, the organic products used by the company are promising enough to make one try it.