Beauty & Style: Summer Beauty Emergency Kit

Summer Beauty Emergency Kit
Stacy Baker

Summer Beauty Emergency Kit
Summer Beauty

1. Problem: Body blemishes.

Sweat and oil production rises with the temperature, which can exacerbate acne on your back, chest and neck.

Fast Fix:

Switch to body washes with ingredients that slough skin, cleanse pores and encourage cell renewal. Salicylic or glycolic acids do all this with less irritation than scrubs. Toss loofahs and other spa tools, which can be breeding grounds for acne-causing bacteria. Use a fresh, clean washcloth each time you shower to help exfoliate skin and prevent future breakouts. Post-cleanse, apply an oil-free sunscreen.

2. Problem: Sunburned lips.

You skipped the lip balm with SPF, and now your lips are red -- and not in a good way.

Fast Fix:

Two of the most effective treatments for healing sunburned skin also work for your lips -- aloe vera and vitamin E. You'll find both ingredients in over-the-counter gels, lotions, creams and sprays that work for both the face and lips. Alternately, break open a vitamin E gel cap or the leaf of an aloe vera plant and apply the contents directly to the fried area several times a day. To prevent future damage, apply a lip balm with SPF of at least 15 for daily use.

3. Problem: Streaky self-tanner.

Even celebrities get spotted with less-than-perfect fake tans, especially on their hands and legs. Luckily, you don't have to wait for the lines to fade.

Fast Fix:

Soak a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or fresh lemon juice, and rub over the uneven lines to remove streaks. Another option is using an exfoliator (either a gentle body scrub or loofah) to remove skin cells and lighten the lines. Follow with a tinted body lotion to even out the discoloration. For streak-free results, rub in self-tanner more slowly to make sure you get even coverage; be sure to exfoliate and dry skin thoroughly before applying.

4. Problem: Split ends.

Damage from heat, sunlight, chorine and styling can seriously damage strands.

Fast Fix:

Add moisture! Hydrate hair with ultra-humectant conditioners that contain natural oils, such as coconut, Moroccan or olive oil. For an extra boost of moisture, add a weekly conditioning mask to your beauty schedule. At the beach, apply an SPF spray and a leave-in conditioner to ensure your hair doesn't fry in the sun. For the future, ban styling tools, daily washing, and over-styling from your routine, all of which over-dry hair and cause more damage.

5. Problem: Ingrown hairs.

Going bare has its side effects -- including ingrown hairs, which are often mistaken for razor burn. In reality, they look more like pimples: raised, inflamed and sometimes infected.

Fast Fix:

To treat, loosen the hair so it's free to pluck with tweezers. Apply a warm compress to the area, or exfoliate using a warm washcloth. You can also use a scrub or mask that contains glycolic or salicylic acids. Once the hair is removed, apply a topical antibacterial.

6. Problem: Chipped pedicure.

Beach time, outdoor activities and open-toe sandals make it hard to keep a pedi perfect.

Fast Fix:

If you get a chip, no worries; it only takes a minute or two to hide. Apply a drop of polish in the same shade over the exposed nail. When it gets sticky or tacky (in a minute or two), apply a coat of polish over the entire nail to smooth out the drop and give you an even coat. Follow with a fast-drying top coat. Voila! Good as new.

Stacy Baker has written for InStyle, SHAPE, SELF, Fitness, Family Circle and Prevention. She was previously Sephora's editorial director and the executive editor of Life & Style Weekly. Baker collaborated with author Tosca Reno to write Your Best Body Now.

Available at Amazon.com

Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way