Most of us change our makeup for the seasons. We want a look that is lighter because we are wearing lighter clothes and different hairstyles specially in summer. Our beauty suppliers change with the seasons too. However, we can look far back in history and find there was a little more to it than that. Before we tell you how to prepare your skin for the summer, let’s take a look at how we got here today.
Romans, Greeks, Egyptians
Historians have found through research that the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians were especially serious about their skin. As far back as 7,000 years ago the Egyptians and the Greeks had recipes for castor oil and oils made from plants to protect the lips and tender parts of the skin. The Romans often traded with them. Between them, there were products that are still in use today. Some skin creams were made of beeswax mixed with olive oil and rose water. The Romans used a lead-based formula that would lighten the skin. Kohl was very popular for royalty as they used it to line the eyes. Pale white faces with striking black lined eyes were the supreme look of society. There is no evidence that their look of grandeur changed from season to season.
Cosmetics Trying To Breakthrough
Cosmetics have tried many times in the following generations to breakthrough. There have been questionable ingredients like ground bugs and poison berries that gave them the color they want but could cause health problems. There have been times when great leaders have spoken against make-up for girls and women, especially if they were not of the upper class. They were declared indecent, and vulgar if they dared wear make-up outside the home.
By the 1920s, a significant change was making its way into modern women’s homes. Cosmetic companies found a new woman between that year and the coming of World War I. Women were changing as was their position in the world. They were needed. They had to work hard doing things that had been the positions of their husbands and fathers. They gained new confidence. No doubt, the harshness of their environment had something to do with the changes to their skin, hair, and overall look.
As winters broke in springs and the heavy coats were put away for sweaters, cosmetic companies started preparing for the summer and began introducing their new lines.
Science and beauty
We are going to list information in this section that is back by medical fact. Every good cosmetic line will have products that do the jobs we are telling you about. You may need to seek the help of your make-up consultant or your dermatologist to find the exact product that you need for a problem area. But, generally, with a little testing and a couple of samples, you can find something that works just fine.
Face and neck cleaning
In the winter months, you spend a lot of time with your face and neck wrapped. You wear less and less cream. The result is, the soil, air pollution, and smoke you come in contact with gets into the pores of the skin and stays there. Use a good exfoliate to remove the dead skin from your face. Follow with a good moisturizer. If your skin is especially damaged, try the facial mask first. Then apply your night cream just before bed.
Note: Men
Ask your cosmetic professional for a good moisturizer made just for men. Do not wash your face with soap. It will dry the skin. If you do not have one, there is a men’s cosmetic pro at any name brand department store.
The low humidity heavy clothes, boots, and socks help keep you warm, but a few months of this leaves your elbows, knees, feet, and face dry, rough, and rough.
Elbows and Feet
You will have creams in your kit to wear during the day for these areas. But if you need immediate help, here is a home remedy that has been proven for years. Grab 4 old socks and/or a roll of a self-adhesive bandage wrap. Rub your feet with Petroleum Jelly. Slip a white, cotton sock on each foot. Do the same with each elbow, but snip the toes out of the sock so you can pull them up the arm. If you cannot keep the socks in place use the bandage wrap instead. The following morning keep the socks in place while you take a hot shower. As you are treating them, you can begin to exfoliate each night before you add the Petroleum Jelly. Your feet and elbows will look great in no time.
Make-up
Every Spring and every Fall you should take inventory of your make-up. All of your ake brushes should be cleaned and disinfected. Any that are worn should be replaced. Check your make-up holder. Sometimes we forget to check that. If your make-up holder is stained, smelly, and just gross, toss it out and buy a new one. That kit is probably crawling with germs. You used these tools near your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. It needs to be clean.
Keep up your base makeups, but use cotton balls and alcohol to clean the containers well. Old makeup should be tossed. If you have had it more than 2 years and it is not a base color, throw it away. If the lipstick has not been worn in two years, don’t put that on your mouth, throw it out. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure you add serum or mist to your look. The serum adds moisture several layers deep. It is unlike the moisture of the past, but worth getting to learn. Once you have cleaned up and cleaned out your makeup, separate your colors, and get ready for Spring. Look up the newest looks and see if there are any supplies you need. Now you are ready. You will shine in the sunshine and by summer you will be ready to “look” all-natural. Now is the time to get ready. You will be beautiful for the summer sunshine.
If you have any other tips to keep the skin radiant during summer, why not sharing with us on Facebook and Instagram? We are waiting there for you.
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