Summer Livin’ Tips: Look Your Best When the Heat Strikes

This post is contributed and contains affiliate links.

After what seemed like an endless winter, spring has finally returned, and we can begin looking forward to the rich experiences that warm weather seasons provide. During spring and summer, we tend to spend more time outdoors, whether that’s BBQing, partying, or just relaxing by the pool or at the beach. But after so many months sequestered away inside hiding from the chill, you may feel like your Winter look might not be ready for the warmer weather. Here are a few helpful tips that will help you look your best when the heat strikes!

A New Wardrobe

There’s no better feeling than waking up on a fresh, warm spring day, throwing on a new Spring outfit, and then venturing out to see what the world has in store for the day! But to do that, first, you’re going to have to update your wardrobe with some new items. If it’s been a while since you’ve freshened up your wardrobe, take a look at what fashion trends are in for this season, and make them part of your clothing roster. Aim to have outfits for classy evenings, chilled outings to the park, and clothes that you’ll wear to the beach or the pool. Bonus if you find a multiple purpose item – like a cover-up that can duo at the beach and an evening top.

Staying Hydrated

Taking care of your skin is important at all times of the year, but it’s especially important during the warm spring and summer months. As you go from place to place, your skin is going to become dehydrated and will have a buildup of grease and dirt from sweat. That’s why a strong skin regime is a key component to looking your best. A water bottle is a great investment; most people don’t drink anywhere near as much water as they should. If you have a water bottle, you’ll drink more, and your skin will look healthier. In addition to drinking water, you’ll want to exfoliate the dirt away and keep your skin moisturized and protected!

No Fast Tan

There’s one aspect of spring and summer that could pose real skin problems, both in the short and long term: the sun. While many of us are eager to cast off our pale, winter skin and exchange it for a healthy bronze look, it’s important that you take a careful and healthy approach to tanning. You should never try to get your tan too quickly; after so much time away from the sun, you’ll only end up burning yourself. Curb your enthusiasm when it comes to getting your dose of vitamin D and sun rays. It’s going to be a long summer, so be patient. Slowly build up your tolerance to the sunshine, and you’ll avoid many of the painful, uncomfortable, and outright dangerous side effects of too much sun exposure. Even better, skip purposeful tanning and use face cream and lotions that provide SPF protection to help protect your skin and keep it healthy.

Exercise Outside

The warmer weather means you have more opportunity to workout outdoors. From taking a hike to using the workout circuit at the local park, there are plenty of ways to help you get fit while enjoying the fresh air. If you haven’t been exercising recently, then take a look at how to get back into the routine of working out. It’s not always the most exciting thing, but there are real benefits to sticking to a regime: you’ll look better, feel better, and have more energy for all those fun spring and summer activities.

After the Pool

While heading to the pool is a great way to cool off, the pool can actually have a few negative effects on your skin and hair if not managed properly. Chlorine will dry out your locks like nothing else – and it’ll also affect your skin, too. After taking a dip at the pool, use clarifying shampoos, to give your hair a deeper clean than regular shampoos and wash away the damaing chlorine. For the skin dryness that usually accompanies a swim in the pool, take a look at moisturizers, which will also be your best friend during much of the warm weather months.

Accessory and Makeup

Spring and summer are playful times, so don’t be afraid to invest in some colorful accessories. There are great functional accessories you can wear, like hats and sunglasses. Also, don’t go too big or use too much makeup – you’ll be sweating, which may make it run, and you’ll be tanned in a few weeks anyway.

Barefoot Goodness

You may have been hiding your feet in thick socks and boots during fall and winter, but now that it’s spring, those tootsies are going to be on display for all the world to see. Or at least they will be if you feel confident enough wearing sandals. If it has been a long time since you’ve given your feet some TLC, consider a pedicure. They’ll be well-moisturized, well taken care of, and you’ll leave with a pair of feet that you will have you itching to dance barefoot on the grass – and isn’t that what spring and summer is all about?

Get Your Rest!

There’s much to love about summer. One of the best things is that you can stay up late into the night, and still not be cold! But this is both a blessing and a curse, especially when it comes to looking your best. It gives you an opportunity to show off your new outfits, but if you have too many nights out on the town, then it’s going to show in your face. Do your best to limit the number of late nights you spend out. Getting home at a reasonable hour will ensure you wake up looking and feeling great.

Do you have any easy tips for how to look your best when warmer weather kicks in?