Summer Beauty 911

by Lisa Cohen Lee, SHOP.COM Beauty Editor

bannerheader4 Summer skin care tips — Ahhh, summer. Long lazy days, dips in the pool, relaxing on the patio—all lovely rituals, but they can wreak havoc on your skin, hair, hands and feet. Spending more time outdoors means sun damaging wrinkles, brown spots, fading hair color and yellowing nails. Need to ensure your looks won’t fade into the sunset? Follow the expert advice below for summer skin care, and then master these summer-proof beauty tips, for a pretty look that lasts long into fall. Save your skin

SAVE YOUR ….SKIN: The mantra of any dermatologist? Always apply sunscreen, 365 days a year. “It’s essential for skin cancer prevention as well as for cosmetic reasons; too much sun can lead to premature wrinkles, uneven pigmentation like brown spots and a dull complexion,” says Dr. Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City. Look for a SPF of at least 15, like Neutrogena Healthy Defense Ultra Sunblock Lotion SPF 45, and apply as much as a shot glass all over your body and face at least 30 minutes before heading outside to get optimal absorption.If you’ve got acne-prone skin, look for a gel formula for your face, because it won’t clog pores says Dr. Fusco. Try PreSun Ultra Sunscreen Gel SPF 30, Also pay close attention to your eyes—your skin is thinner, burns easier and is the first place that creases like crows feet, show up. Dot a moisturizing eye cream with SPF underneath and around your eyes, (Lancome Beinfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28 is a good one to try) and wear oversized sunglasses with lenses that cover from your browbone to the top of your cheekbone, for extra protection.

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SAVE YOUR….HAIR: Sun, chlorine and salt water can take a heavy toll on hair. Spend a day at the beach, and on the way home, you’ll notice fading color (UV rays lighten pigment, whether your hair is color-treated or not), a drier texture from the salt and sea air, and if you spent some time in a pool, a greenish, aqua tint (most noticeably on blondes, but brunettes can see it too). For locks that look as shiny and fresh even after a day in the sun and sea, coat strands with a sun protecting lotion before you head out, says Joel Warren, L’Oreal Professional Color Ambassador. Try Warren-Tricomi Organic Hair Shield; the amino-acid rich lotion repels the offending elements (algae, saltwater, chlorine and UV rays) and keeps it from drying out. Apres-sun, give your hair a rich dose of moisture to add back shine and a softness. Run a few drops of after-sun conditioner (like Redken UV Rescue After Sun Conditioner, on dry hair a few minutes before you shampoo. After-sun formulas are rich in humectants and will absorb quickly on dry hair to heal damaged strands faster, says Warren.

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SAVE YOUR …HANDS AND FEET: Both hands and feet are hot spots for major UV damage, says Dr. Fusco. “Your skin is thinner in the bonier areas, and therefore, more sensitive to burning and hyperpigmentation. Try to be vigilant about reapplying: Sunscreen wears off quickly from hand washing and perspiring feet,” she adds. Keep a tube of moisturizing hand cream with SPF, like Ole Henriksen Hands Forward SPF 15 , in your purse, and apply throughout the day (you can even use the same formula on your feet), making sure to spread the lotion in between your fingers and toes. For nails, the plate itself won’t be at risk (skin under your nail bed and cuticles are, so be sure to slather them with sunscreen), but they can turn yellow, from a chemical reaction between your polish and UV rays. Brush on a clear protecting polish with sunscreen over your color, like Avon Nail Experts UV Gloss Guard Top Coat to protect them; the clear top coat also prevents chips and keeps the tint from fading.

BRONZE BEAUTY: Summer’s here, so time to get your faux glow going. For the most natural look, dip a fluffy, big powder brush into a pressed powder tint, shake it gently and lightly blow on the bristles. Starting in the middle of your forehead, draw the number three on one side of your face; move the brush around your eye, coming into your cheek and finishing around your chin. Lightly blend the lines, and then repeat on the other side. Shop powder bronzer now.

: Clinique Bronzer $30.50

HAUTE HAT: The best way to cover up? Sunscreen, of course, and a wide brim hat that will shield your face from damaging UV rays. Bonus—your hair color and scalp will stay protected too. Wear it whenever you plan to be outside more than a few minutes. Whether it’s a straw or packable cotton one, make sure the brim is at least three inches wide. Shop straw hats now.

LL Bean Straw Hat $34

LIP LIFESAVER: A beach bag must? A protective lip balm for healthy, lush lips. Reapply frequently (balm disappears gradually with eating, drinking and lip-licking) and make sure it has SPF to protect your pout from the sun’s harsh rays. Shop lip balm now.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm SPF 8

SWELL GEL: From pool to party, follow this hair tip: Apres-swim, run a dollop of gel through your damp locks. Slick back stray hairs and secure them with headband or pull it into a pony; air dry. The sleek style will take you from afternoon sun to sunset, and then some. Shop hair gel now.