Beautiful summer: from makeup meltdowns to fried hair to bug bites, sunny-weather pursuits pose plenty of beauty challenges. But no matter what your favorite activity is, we've got you covered with the essentials you need to stay healthy and look your best

Natural Health, June, 2005 by Colleen Moriarty

swimming

indulge your foot fetish

Both surf and turf can wreak havoc on your feet. To undo a day's worth of damage, try Calgon Renewing Foot Scrub ($5; at drugstores) with tea tree oil to deodorize and natural pumice to soften rough spots. Wear water shoes or flip-flops poolside and in the locker room to prevent athlete's foot or bacterial infections And avoid barefoot beachcombing. "I've seen blister burns from hot sand, so you're better off keeping feet covered," says Kathleen Stone, D.P.M., a podiatrist and spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

safeguard your strands

Sun, salt, and chlorine put hair on the fast track to dryness and damage. After a swim, replenish and repair locks with a botanical-based shampoo and conditioner like L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Shampoo ($8; at drugstores), made with almond oil and rosemary to restore shine. If you're an avid swimmer, wear a swim cap to avoid damage. Since the sun can leave hair feeling like a hay bale, nourish it every day with a deep-conditioning treatment like Pantene Soothing Comb-in Treatment ($4; at drugstores) with strengthening amino proteins.

slough off

Maintain a smooth bod for swimsuit season by removing dead skin cells weekly. Gently smooth skin with Te Tao Body Smoother with Chinese Herbs ($15; at drugstores), containing natural sea salts and almond oil to soften rough spots. But keep in mind that newly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. So be sure to slather on an SPF before the beach and immediately after a swim. (Turn to page 28 to find a sunscreen that works for you.)

FASHION FOOTNOTE

For a beach-perfect mix of fashion and function, pair a classically elegant one-piece suit with fun, fabulous accessories. Top: Swimsuit and headscarf both by Tommy Bahama. Bottom: Swimsuit by Anne Klein and sunglasses from Sunglass Hut.

running

don't get burned

Read labels to be sure your SPF is water-resistant or sweatproof to ensure it doesn't wear off mid-run. "Sweating decreases the effectiveness of SPF, and so does wiping the skin to remove the sweat," says Mary Lupo, M.D., a dermatologist in New Orleans. Try SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45 ($34; drugstore.com), a sweat-proof, chemical-free sunscreen. On windy days, an emollient cream protects you from windburn and helps relieve sunburned skin, too. We like Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream ($10; at drugstores), made with soothing shea butter and oatmeal.

cool down

Relieve heat in a flash with products that contain cooling aloe gel. We like Dove Cool Moisture Lotion ($5; at drugstores) with aloe vera, green tea, and cucumber extracts to help you chill out. Treat spots that have gotten too much sun with The Body Shop After Sun Lotion ($14.50; thebodyshop.com), containing hydrating vitamin E.

FASHION FOOTNOTE

When racing against the sun, keep your cool with this high-style running tee and 3/4-length tights from Adidas by Stella McCartney. Saucony Grid Shadow 9 running shoes provide ample cushioning for shock absorption on sand, grass, or pavement.

kicking back

prevent meltdowns

Summer's best makeup features barely there foundations and sheer, vibrant hues. "Less is more because it reflects the lightness of the season, which is key to looking fresh and natural, "says Rudy Miles, a makeup artist for Aveda. "Summer makes you radiant naturally, so look for soft colors to enhance your glow. "To start, use a pre-makeup toner to prevent skin from oiling up. We like Jurlique Rosewater Freshener ($31; saffronrouge.com), made with rose extract to keep skin hydrated. Next, apply a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to allow the skin to breathe but still look sun-kissed. Both Aveda Inner Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($25; aveda.com) and Olay Complete Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Lotion ($13.50; at drugstores) add a hint of luminosity and protect skin from harmful rays thanks to ultraviolet-light filters. For a fresh-faced spot of color on cheeks, try Almay Nearly Naked Touch-Pad Liquid Blush ($9; at drugstores).

FASHION FOOTNOTE

Since each gorgeous-weather day is cause for celebration, dazzle up your summer wardrobe with pieces that shimmer and sparkle. At left: Tube top by Three Dots and leaf necklace by R.J. Graziano. Model's own headscarf by Ralph Lauren. At right: Strappy embroidered dress by Tibi and small beaded earrings with purple stone by R.J. Graziano.

gardening

guard your green thumb

You may love the feel of the soil against your palms, but working sans gloves leaves you vulnerable to more than dirty fingernails. Gardener's hands are susceptible to sun damage and dryness when working outdoors unprotected, says Karyn Grossman, M.D., a dermatologist in Santa Monica, Calif. "Hands can be one of the first places to show your age," she adds. To help protect them, be sure to slather on a super-rich hand cream like The Healing Garden Restorative Hand Balm ($5-50; at drugstores), made with soothing shea butter. To heal cuts and scrapes, try Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener's Skin Remedy ($10: crabtree-evelyn.com) with soothing lavender and aloe. For relief from poison ivy, Aveeno Anti-Itch Gel Spray ($8; at drugstores) with natural oat and camphor cools skin and eases scratchiness.