Anyone who’s experienced going to a wedding or an event on a rainy day knows it’s best to forego any hairstyle that involves volume and soft waves, and consider a different approach when applying makeup. Blame it on the high moisture content in the air (similar to an atomizer constantly sprayed at you); rain can make your newly blow-dried hair limp after only a few minutes of exposure.
And most makeup, especially crème-based ones, have high risk of turning runny and blotchy, too, no thanks to the wet weather.
It seems easy enough—just tie your hair and wear less makeup, right? If only it were that simple. Even an easy ponytail can look messy due to high humidity frizz, and your no-makeup makeup will most likely start streaking after only a few hours.
Still, there are ways to look your best even in these damp conditions.
Switch to an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner. That “anti-frizz” label you see on hair-care products isn’t just a marketing ploy to get you to buy them. These really combat frizz and keep hair smooth and manageable.
Most work by locking moisture in our hair to prevent dryness, and stops more moisture from seeping in to keep hair from looking limp. Another way to fight frizz is to apply an anti-frizz serum on your hair and misting it with a layer of hairspray. This ensures hair stays neat and shiny.
Use a makeup base or primer. A lot of women skip this step, but I can never do without it. I’ve discovered that the right kind of base or primer will keep your makeup in place no matter the weather condition. These come in spray, foam or cream, which shouldn’t matter because most brands I’ve tried help makeup glide on smoother and keeps longer without streaking.
If you’ve got to keep your makeup on the entire day, you can also try a makeup finishing spray. This will really set your makeup without having to retouch later on.
Choose powders over crèmes. Generally, powders have a better chance of absorbing oil and moisture. Most crèmes don’t. Mineral powders really do their job on rainy days, as they are water-resistant while maintaining the kind of medium coverage that’s needed in everyday makeup.
Opt for waterproof mascara. This may be more difficult to remove than your regular mascara, but it keeps you from getting those nasty black streaks under the eyes. And while you’re at it, pick for yourself waterproof eyeliner, as well, to make sure your eye makeup stays in place.
Skip the lip gloss. Lip gloss looks great, but it can look messy especially when the wind is blowing and it gets caught in our hair. Wearing a lip stain should work better for you, and prevent sticky gloss from smearing all over your face.
Got a beauty question? E-mail the author at ask.kellymisa@gmail.com