When it comes to skincare on a humid, rainy day, an alteration to the routine is just what the dermatologist ordered. The same goes with hair and makeup. A few switches made to the regular lineup of beauty products can counteract the monsoon blues: we’re talking greasy skin, frizzy hair, runny makeup and all other perils of this otherwise romantic time of the year.
1. Bye-bye makeup wipes, hello double cleansing
Fact: The more humid it is, the more oil our skin makes. This can make skin more prone to breakouts. Using a simple makeup wipe won’t get rid of all the excess sebum and dirt, so adding a double cleanse to your routine is key. To do so, first use an oil-based cleanser, which
will help to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based products. Apply a generous amount of the cleanser to your dry face and massage it in for a few minutes. Then, wet your hands and continue to massage the cleanser until it turns milky. Rinse it off with warm water. Follow with a water-based cleanser, which will help to get rid of the oil and any other residue. Apply a small amount of the cleanser to your wet face and massage it in for a few seconds. Then, rinse it off with warm water.
Tira recommends: Aminu The Little Helper Melting Balm Cleanser, L'Occitane Gel-To-Foam Face Cleanser
2. Out with creamy moisturisers, in with water-based hydrators
Thanks to the unusually high levels of humidity on a rainy day, a thick, whipped-textured cream is bound to leave the skin feeling sticky. A gel-textured moisturiser is lightweight and non-greasy, so it will help to keep your skin hydrated without making it feel heavy or clogged. Pro-tip: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin.
Tira recommends: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
3. Send heavy hair oils and styling creams to the back, bring serums to the front
Again—lightweight, lightweight, lightweight. That’s the only keyword you need to keep in mind when devising a monsoon skincare routine. Leave-in oils and creams can weigh down strands and attract dirt and pollutants, especially in the monsoon. Hair serum is lighter than oils and creams, so it is less likely to weigh your hair down or make it look greasy. Plus, it is designed for frizz-control, so it’ll keep strands feeling soft and silky.
Tira recommends: Skog Frizzy Hair Serum
4. Say no to regular conditioners, yes to leave-in conditioners
It isn’t uncommon for frizz and flyaways to show up unannounced on a blustery, rainy day, but it’s nothing a leave-in conditioner cannot avert. To keep a monsoon mayday from occurring, shelve your existing conditioner and choose a leave-in formula that has ingredients like silicone, oils, or polymers which offer prolonged hydration, seal moisture, smooth hair cuticles and form a protective layer on strands.
Tira recommends: Depot 202 Complete Leave In Conditioner
5. Switch to all things water-resistant, from mascara to sunscreen
Unless the “raccoon eyes” look is your jam, it’s time you replace makeup products with water-resistant versions. Mascara, eyeliner, lipstick and foundation are some of the many essentials that are engineered to withstand smudging and smearing caused due to the rains. Don’t forget to throw sunscreen in as even on overcast days, UV rays can find their way to you—look for a water-resistant one that is formulated for sport or swim.