There’s no better time than before the heat waves start across the country than to have some great resources handy for helping you stay cool this summer!
Let us know which ones you’re going to try!
1) This seems really basic but keep the blinds in your home closed. Better yet - add blackout curtains during the summer months to keep your a/c costs down!
2) Store your skincare products in the fridge! No, really - keep your lotions, serums and moisturizers in the refrigerator and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much it will help with redness, puffiness and swelling. My favorite chilled skincare product is Origins Eye Doctor moisturizing cream. I pat the cool cream under my eyes every morning - such a nice way to wake up while I’m making my coffee!. I love it so much it’s listed in my Kelsy’s Favorite Things Blog here!
3) Instead of suffering through the heat wave, always keep a spray bottle of water in the fridge to take with you when you leave the house. Don't want to get THAT wet? I love the simple, soft touch of Evian water facial spray or my absolute fave that I spritz every morning on my face - Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, cucumber and green tea. It feels so light and airy!
4) Deodorant. Deodorant. Deodorant. I can’t emphasize this enough! Of course you’ll want to apply it underneath your armpits to stay fresh-smelling but it’s also a good idea to have an extra deodorant stick just for your other “hot spots”. We’re talking behind the knees or even the back of your neck. Find one that’s more of a light powder than a gel and see how refreshing it leaves your skin, rather than moist and dripping.
5) Ice sponge on the go! Grab a new, regular kitchen sponge like these I picked up at Target and soak it in cold water. Place it in a plastic bag and put in the freezer. When you go out and about (even if that out and about is only to your front yard!), take your ice sponge with you to cool yourself off! Bonus - you can rinse it out and use it again and again. I even add a little tangerine essential oil to mine to make it smell pretty.
6) Store your lipgloss, makeup and sunscreens that you might keep in your car inside a thermal pouch. This fun llama one is the perfect size for the smaller items or go big and store all your SPFs for your “on the go” fun inside. You’ll never have to worry about having melted lip balm or sunscreen sticks again!
7) Cool your jets, baby! Keep your little ones who are tucked in their car seats nice and cool with a mini, portable fan that is made with kid-friendly foam blades so it won’t harm them! I like the Dreambaby EZY-Fit Clip-On because it can attach to the stroller, car seat or almost anywhere you can think of. Mom and dad - pick up an extra for yourself and attach it to the stroller handle so you get your own breeze, too!
8) Stay hydrated. Duh! We all know this but sometimes water tastes bland. Add some orange or lemon slices and an umbrella straw to make your recommended eight 8 oz. glasses a day look even more refreshing. Keep lots of water soluble foods like cucumbers, watermelon and tomatoes handy and cut up in the fridge and you’ll feel cooled off after a few bites. Here’s a yummy recipe from Epicurious that brings together a few of these for a really flavorful summer salad! Add some French bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio + voila’ = dinner!
9) Boob sweat. Let’s talk about it! It’s gross and it happens to all of us! OOOH, and the worst is when it’s miserably hot out, you’re sweating AND you’re nursing. Been there, done that!
Here is one of the best tricks I’ve found for trying to keep your bra dry (and therefore the shirt you’re wearing, too). Grab yourself a pantyliner - yep, I said pantyliner - and cut it in 1/2. Remove the paper and adhere the sticky side (you’ll need one for each each bra cup) to your bra. IT WILL HELP! Don’t believe me? Try it and see!
10) Keep the pantyliners coming! If you like wearing high heels, you’ve probably noticed that on hot days your feet get sweaty and will start sliding around inside your shoes. To prevent this not so pleasant experience, insert pantyliners into the shoes. They’ll absorb the moisture and will be totally invisible. You can also use pads instead of the shoe insoles in your running shoes or work boots, to prevent smelly odors. Because of the sticky surface, the pads won’t slide and all the moisture will be absorbed.
I hope you try some of these “beat the heat” tips I’ve found helpful over the years! Stay cool and happy summer!
XO Kelsy
P.S. Don't forget your SPF. It goes without saying that you should use a daily sunscreen but you can make it part of your makeup routine with a tinted foundation like my favorite, Elta MD broad spectrum SPF 46!