Your Biggest Summer Beauty Questions, Answered

‘Tis the season for sun, fun, and a packed schedule of beach days, BBQs, weddings, and summer parties. As Minnesotans, we’re determined to enjoy every minute of our brief and beautiful summer, but all that sunshine and cabin-hopping comes with a handful of summer beauty quandaries and questions. From the best way to fight frizz to when to apply SPF in your skincare routine, we’re answering some of the most (sun)burning Qs! 

When in my skincare routine should I apply SPF?

SPF is undoubtedly the most important step in any skincare routine; even if you skip everything else, it should be an absolute essential. It can be confusing to know when to apply it in your skincare routine, but the general rule is this: Chemical sunscreens should be applied first, and mineral formulas should be applied after moisturizer but before makeup. Make things easy on yourself and go for a moisturizer with at least 30 SPF, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day! 

How do I tame my frizzy hair in the summer humidity?

Ah, frizz. You can’t really summer without it, especially if you have waves or curls. (And we all know Minnesota loves its humidity!) The key is to adequately prep your hair while you’re in the shower, starting with an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner and following with similar styling products. We love Aveda’s Smooth Infusion line for this purpose; each product is designed to smooth and silken hair and calm frizz. 

If you have curls or waves, look for styling products with anti-frizz properties and resist the urge to touch and play with your hair as it’s drying, as that can cause more frizz. If you wear your hair straight, prep with Bumble and bumble’s Straight Blow Dry, which is formulated to reduce frizz on all hair types — even thick and coarse curls. 

If all else fails, pull your hair into a bun or braid it back to keep it off your face and off your mind. Frizz happens to the best of us! 

Do I need to wash my hair after swimming?

There’s really nothing like post-beach hair. Whether you’re taking a dip in the ocean or jumping off the boat into the lake, fresh water just does something magical to hair and leaves it perfectly wavy and undone. Seriously, how many beach hair sprays have been created trying to capture that look? However, we’ve got some bad news — you should wash your hair after swimming, especially if you’ve been in a chlorinated pool, which can dry hair, fade color, and even turn blondes green, or the ocean, as the salt water can be extremely drying. We probably don’t need to remind you that there’s all sorts of fluids in the water. Take a few selfies with your post-swim hair to revel in its glory and then be sure to shampoo thoroughly and condition to keep your hair in its best summer shape.

I’m going straight from the beach/cabin/pool to a party. What’s a no-fuss way to freshen up my look?

We love a multitasker! If you’re able, quickly shower off any chlorine, sand, or lake water and apply lotion (sunscreen works in a pinch!) to nourish your skin and give it a glow. Conceal any redness or imperfections, add a swipe of powder, and bronze those cheeks. A bright lip can go a long way, and it looks especially great with sunkissed skin. If your hair is still damp, braid it until it’s dry for party-ready waves, or slick your hair back for a wet-look chignon style. Keep a fragrance sample or oil in your beach bag for such occasions so you smell fresh and fabulous. Done and done! 

I want to look glowy — not greasy — this summer. How do I find the right products?

The key to getting your glow on is not to load on too many shimmery products. If you’re using a shimmery blush or bronzer, keep your base products lightweight and slightly dewy or matte. If your tinted moisturizer or foundation has a radiant pearly texture, skip the sparkly blush and bronzer and opt for a solid cream or powder finish. Don’t go overboard on highlighter; a light swipe on cheekbones and the bridge of the nose is perfectly pretty. If you’re oily, keep blotting sheets in your bag for a quick fix. And don’t forget to drink lots of water and enjoy yourself, because happiness is the best glow-getter there is.