The City of Hot and Humid
Jun 9, 2010
I hate humidity like a true Western girl should. I hate humidity so much that I would move out of D.C. just to get away from it, and I am.not.kidding. But over the last five years, I’ve learned some tricks for how to keep up appearances when the weather gets wet and wild.
Face
City Block Sheer Primer (Clinique, $24)
The humidity causes your makeup to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West. To prevent slippage invest in a good primer. I like City Block from Clinique because it’s oil-free, contains sunblock and doesn’t feel heavy.
Shiseido Oil Blotting Papers (Amazon, $17 for 100 sheets)
No matter how good your primer is, mattification is tough to find in the humid Mid-Atlantic. So I always keep a few blotting papers on hand for when my face starts to resemble a two-way mirror. Don’t want to pay for these powdered papers? The cheap, eco-friendly Kleenex that we use in the House works almost as well, just remember: Dab don’t rub.
Tarte Waterproof Lights, Camera, Lashes! (Amazon, $19)
Until I moved to D.C., I thought waterproof mascara was just for brides and scuba divers. But once you’ve looked in the mirror and seen Tammy Faye Baker (may she and her big hair rest in peace) looking back at you, you’ll make the switch for realz. Raccoon eyes only look good on the Olsen Twins.
Body
Sure Antipersperant Spray (Amazon, $4)
Yes, this product is a relic of the 1980s. Yes, you really have to search the bottom shelf to find it. And yes, it really does work when you need to stop perspiration somewhere other than your under arms.
Citron de Vigne Fragrance (Fresh, $34)
Whether you want to admit it or not, you smell. And the hotter and more humid it gets, the more obvious that natural fragrance becomes.
To cover it up, you’ll need to choose a Summer fragrance. I also suggest that you layer the scent by purchasing the companion lotion and/or shower gel.
Hair
Futerer Dry Shampoo (Amazon, $23)
When humidity strikes, the natural tendency is to wash your hair everyday to prevent greasy buildup. But daily shampooing shortens the life of your color and strips your hair’s natural oils. This is no bueno.
Replacing your daily wash with a spritz of this phenomenal dry shampoo restores volume and life to your locks. You should also keep another can in your desk for pre-cocktail hour touch ups. If $23 seems like a lot for shampoo the Pssst brand is just as effective and only costs $8.
Nexxus Versastyler (Amazon, $15)
If your goal is curl retention, you need this product. Loaded with glycerine, Versastyler helps maintain bouncy curls all day long. Just remember, a nickel sized amount is more than enough.
Living Proof Styling Spray for Fine Hair ($24)
If you’re problem is too much curl/frizz, then Versastyler is not for you. Instead, try a brand called Living Proof available at Sephora.
Their products are designed to maintain your desired look (straight or curly) in even the most oppressive humidity. They also formulate their products for different types of hair, this is very helpful for those of us with fine hair.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this post. Wonderful tips. 🙂 I’m making my shopping list as I type.
I went looking for the Citron de Vigne perfume when you recommended it in a previous post. LOVE. It’s the perfect summer fragrance.
Thanks for this. This is ridiculously applicable to Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate as well. I walk out of my house and my sunglasses instantly fog to the point of zero visibility. I’m going to check out Living Proof, because our humidity isn’t just oppressive, it’s a full on dictatorship.
You know what also works in a hurry as a face/oil blotter? The toilet seat liners found in bathrooms. Don’t laugh; they work wonders.
Ditto the toilet seat liners! Just dab, don’t smear. They’re especially great when you’re in an airport and have limited resources.
I use the clean and clear oil blotting sheets…most drug stores have them for less than $5 for 50 sheets. They work great for me!
I used to live in the south and now live in D.C. The BEST thing in the world to dab sweat, in my opinion, is coffee filters! They absorb sweat without leaving any residue on your face and without smudging your makeup. Plus, most everyone owns them already and they are pretty cost-effective!
Nordstrom has a good Clinique gift with purchase now if anyone’s in the market for Clinique products. I like that you can order online, then pick up at the store.