How to Beautify Yourself for the Summer

The summer months are just around the corner—time to turn your sights towards bathing suit season and the products and services that can help you to feel confident and comfortable in your skin.


It seems more common nowadays that individuals find themselves reading labels on not only food products but skincare products, too. Whether this is due to a rise in allergies or negative reactions to the additives and chemicals, it is best to know which products and services to use and to avoid as you prepare for the skintimiate summer months.
Products to use and to avoid:

• Lotions: Most lotions can pose as an irritant for those who have sensitive skin and allergies. If you suffer from sensitive skin, it is best to avoid lotions with synthetic fragrances, glitter or harsh chemicals which can cause severe itch or hives. Be cautions of the following synthetic ingredients:
  

1. Butyl, Ethyl, Methyl, and Propyl Parabens
   
2. Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate
   
3. Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea
   

• Self-Tanner: If you are susceptible to skin cancer due to family history, avoiding the sun could save you from the harsh effects that the sun can have on your body and your health. If you choose to use self-tanner to receive that beautiful summer glow, here are a few tips and tricks to avoid looking yellow, orange, striped or spotty—a color and effect you will likely want to steer away from.
  

1. Exfoliate at least one day before applying self-tanner. Use a washcloth instead of a loofa to avoid stripping the tanning product from areas of the skin.
   
2. It is best to avoid the application of self-tanning lotion to the face. If you would like an even color without disrupting the skin, it is best to rub an ice cube over the face to close the pores.
   
3. Jergens Natural Glow—$9, is a great, inexpensive self-tanner now that the harsh smell has been resolved. Another great buy is Clinique Self Tan Body Tinted Lotion—$21.
   

• Foundation: No one has perfect skin. Okay, maybe someone out there does, but for those of us who suffer from dry or oily skin, it is best to get a foundation that will enhance your beauty, not your problem areas. For oily skin, use a matte or powder foundation, such as Bare Minerals. The best foundations for dry skin are generally moisturizing liquid foundations such as Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Makeup.
  

Professional services that will help you prepare for the summer:

• Laser hair removal: Laser hair removal is a great option for unruly and unwanted hair reduction on the face or body. It is best to avoid laser treatment during the summer but great for use during colder months when an individual receives minimal exposure to the sun.
  
• Electrolysis hair removal: Electrolysis is currently the only permanent form of hair removal approved by the FDA. Electrolysis treatment works regardless of skin tone, hair color, depth or thickness and can be done year-round.
  
• Manicure & pedicure-Pedicures are an absolute must before the summer to get ready for sandals and complete foot exposure. Looking good and feeling good can only happen when you are completely confident with all areas of your body. If you have never had a pedicure, you’re in for a treat—ladies who get them more than once a year, you know how nice it is!
  

Author Bio:
Aleya has been performing electrolysis and laser hair removal on Long Island for seven years. She also writes about the latest beauty tips and trends while sharing product reviews on her personal blog, Spontaneous Chick. 

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