Summer beauty essentials

It's summer already. As the mercury level rises frantically, the air gets hot and heavy with dust and humidity. Stepping outdoors has become nothing short of a chore with the sun beating down all around and our country's political situation continues its ever-worsening downward spiral.

Amid such crises, it is only natural to be clueless about maintaining one's inner calm and outer glow. However, the new-generation fashionistas have to be well-groomed and presentable against all odds.

Knowledge is power ladies, which is why Star Lifestyle has put together 'the dirty dozen must-haves' that will render you well-equipped with the understanding of products to retain and enhance your overall fabulousness, come what may!

Face wash
Cleanliness and personal hygiene are the primary steps to attaining clear, blemish-free skin that glows with health.

Picking the right face wash depending on your skin type is of paramount importance; the latest “Clean & Clear Morning Energy” range has curative fruit properties that focus on different types of issues such as brightening dull skin, energising tired skin and purifying oily, acne-prone skin.

With bright, attractive packaging, fruity fragrances such as green apple, lemon and berries and reasonable price (Tk.130-300), this range is perfect for summer and is available at most leading supermarkets around Dhaka.

For those who suffer from acne that gets worse during summer, “Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser” is a great option as it treats acne without over-drying the skin. And the refreshing grapefruit smell keeps you coming back for more!

Priced at Tk.870, it is available at Almas, Priyo and Lavender.

Exfoliator
Although underrated, this method can single-handedly help you attain clear, glowing skin. Exfoliation removes the uppermost layer of our skin that mostly consists of dead cells and removes impurities, revealing new, fresh skin sparkling with health.

The Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub is a tried and tested one that has gentle, rounded apricot beads which slough off dead skin without drying or scratching. Priced at Tk.480, it is available at the DCC Market in Gulshan 1 and Almas.

Another personal favourite is the “Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator” that tightens pores for a smooth, even skin tone. It is available at Almas and Priyo with a price tag of Tk.1350.

Moisturiser
The third and the final step in skincare, moisturising is crucial in maintaining sebum balance of the face following cleansing and toning. It repairs and provides nourishment to the skin, protecting it against damaging free radicals and other environmental hazards by locking moisture content.

The “Olay Natural White Day Cream” has intense moisturising qualities alongside whitening effects that removes blemishes and dark spots effectively.

A common myth exists that oily skin does not require moisturising. But every type of skin needs nourishment; one has to choose depending on skin type.

The “Olay Total Effects 7 in-one” has creams for oily and sensitive skin and provides long lasting moisturising alongside reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also takes care of dark spots and illuminates skin from within. These creams are priced from Tk.400 to 800 and are available in major supermarkets around Dhaka. Lastly, always remember, skincare everyday is everything!

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an absolute must to keep skin youthful and glowing. Modern research shows that the sun can be the biggest detrimental force behind premature aging and other dermatological concerns such as skin cancer; sunscreen is our only guard against such issues.

The “Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum” is a perennial favourite and highly effective against sun damage. It is water and sweat-proof, doesn't rub off or melt away and has a sheer texture that doesn't clog pores. Another great option is the “Lotus Herbals Sunblock Cream” that blocks the harmful UVA and UVB rays and prevents aging.

Priced from Tk.400 to 1200 these are available at Almas and Priyo.

The most important aspect to keep in mind while shopping for sunscreen is that the SPF content must be above 30 for it to be effective on Asian skin, and the texture has to be light and airy so it does not clog pores.

BB cream
After compact powders and foundations, the BB, or Beauty Benefit cream is the future of makeup.  As a single product that combines makeup with skincare, alongside sun protection, hydration and anti-aging benefits, BB creams are the newest stars of any fashionista's vanity case.

The “Garnier BB Cream” has hit the local markets earlier this year; it has a light, creamy texture that has moisturising benefits with a touch of foundation to even out skin tone and hide blemishes. It claims to last for up to six hours and comes with sun protection and also has fairness benefits. Priced at Tk.450, it is a perfect product for summer that packs quite a punch! Almas and Priyo has it in stock.

Eyebrow pencil/ brow kit
Gone are the days of pencil-thin, arched eyebrows that made one look harsh and artificial. 2013 has ushered in the trend of thick, natural, schoolgirl eyebrows that highlight the effortless nature of modern beauty.

Unkempt and a little on the wild side, it requires little threading but has to be filled in with an eyebrow pencil or brow kit. Choose a black or brown one from the different brands available in Almas and Priyo.

Lipstick/ lip gloss
The lipstick is undoubtedly the most important product in a woman's beauty regimen. This year the trends have shifted towards bright, almost-neon shades of lip colours such as coral, orange, fuchsia and crimson.

A pop of colour is very flattering on warm and fair skin tones, and is also very uplifting. For those who prefer a sheer wash of colour can opt for lip gloss in similar colours. Alongside the usual favourites such as Revlon, L'Oreal, Mac a whole plethora of new brands such as Golden Rose, Isabelle DuPont, Flormar are now jostling for space in shops such as Almas and Priyo. Prices start from Tk.250. Take your pick!

Smudge proof kohl
The “Maybelline Kolossal Kajal” still retains its position as the favourite long-lasting kohl that doesn't smudge or budge, and promises 8-hour wear. Another new offering is the “Lakme Eyeconic Kajal” that promises all of the above with a 10-hour wear. Both are priced at Tk.350 and are available in most cosmetic stores.

Coloured eye pencils/ bright nail polish
Bright washes of colour are appearing in unexpected places such as the outer rim of the eye and nails and toes. The Golden Rose Eye Shadow Pencil has a range of bright colours such as pink, teal and green among many and is perfect for summer.

It can be used as desired and is priced at Tk.250. Nails are having a moment in vibrant colours and shops such as Almas and Priyo has exhaustive ranges from different brands, prices of which start from Tk.90.

Waterproof mascara
Summer means general humid weather and sudden showers of rain which makes waterproof mascara an imperative item. While Maybelline and L'Oreal have eternal favourites such as Colossal Volume and Volume Million Lashes, you can choose one from the different brands available, depending on your budget and requirement from the make-up counters. Prices start from Tk.300.

Blush
In order to give your face some colour, a blush is essential. The sun-kissed look is just the thing for summer, for which you need bronzing powder. The “Body Shop Honey Bronze Brilliance Powder” is light and lustrous, while “Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer” is creamy and bright. Priced at Tk.2200 and 650 respectively, you can also choose other colours from the different brands available at Almas and Priyo.

Smoothening serum
Due to the sweltering heat, hair tends to get frizzy and limp during summer. The “Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Anti-Frizz Serum” provides nourishment and shine to the most unruly locks and tames flyaways. It is ideal as a pre-styling tool, especially heat styling that damages hair. It is light, fragrant and great as a leave-on serum. It costs Tk.450 and most supermarkets stock it.

So here are 'the must-have dozen' to make you look and feel swell in the upcoming summer months. Take cues and stay beautiful!