Avoiding Summer Fashion Bummers

Candace Leigh Coulombe
Summer frivolity can be taken too far. If you play fast and loose with the beauty rules, you're bound to get burned. One too many margaritas may result in a farmer's tan and green hair. Before throwing caution to the wind, heed these warm weather reminders.

The problem: Chlorine Green
If an afternoon at the pool has turned blonde locks green, don't blame the chlorine. It's actually copper in the water that tints tresses.

The prevention: Check the pool pump and filter. Also, comb a conditioner in wet locks before diving in. Frederick Fekkai's Summer Hair Sun Bandana conditions as well as creates a shield against the sun.

The cure: A chelating shampoo will strip the offending color. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment at home or in the salon.

The problem: Tan and White All Over
Tan lines can show the decidedly unsexy pattern of the lawn chair on otherwise lovely legs.

The prevention: Okay, first, no socks with sandals! Second, wear SPF all the time. You'll still get a healthy glow.

The cure: Gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub to soften skin. Follow with a light application of gradual tint-building lotion. Don't play kitchen beautician and try to color in the lines!

The problem: I See London
Summer's tank tops and flimsy dresses either leave little to the imagination or straps showing a la Madonna's Lucky Star days.

The solution: Visit Ginny's Underworld for NuBra, strapless backless self-adhesive silicone support.

The problem: Rough Kisses
Dry heat has left lips chapped and unhappy.

The prevention: Apply a sun savvy balm instead of goopy gloss. Aveda's beeswax Lipsaver SPF 15, which smells of cinnamon and cloves, protects and seals in moisture.

The cure: Use a dry child's toothbrush to exfoliate chappy skin. Remember to trest lips to a rich balm as part of the nighttime routine.

The problem: I'm Melting! I'm Melting!
Lipstick is puddling in the makeup bag. Foundation is sliding off your face.

The solution: It might seem a little silly, but put a small icepack in the cosmetics tote. Keep a light hand with summer makeup, and opt for a powder foundation.

The problem: Bikini Challenge
Everyone has figure flaws. Bathing suit season shows off them all.

The prevention: There's no easy way. Treat the Mocha Frappuccinos as a meal, not a beverage, and getting jogging down the Katy Trail.

The cure: Flaunt it or forget it, but don't let it bother you. Daiquiri up and dive in!

Published by Candace Leigh Coulombe

Candace is a full-time corporate communications specialist and a sometime freelance writer of lifestyle editorial and short fiction. Her irreverent style makes everyday topics entertaining.  View profile

  • For comic relief from fashion mishap embarrassment, laugh at others. Read Bad Fashion: 80 Fashion Disasters You Swear You Never Wore by Richard Jarman. Kiss Daisy Dukes and jelly shoes goodbye! Go voyeur. Check out celebrity beauty foibles on www.skinema.com. Celebs aren't quite as perfect up close. Indulge in a pre-vacation vacation with a day at the spa. Aside from the requisite primping and waxing, enjoy a pampering service. The Essential Oil Aroma Wrap at Avalon Salon and Spa gets the body relaxed and pool ready. Body brushing exfoliates skin and warm oils are painted onto the body. After a warm wrap, melt into an hour massage.
  • �Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.� ~Edna Woolman Chase
  • �Remember that always dressing in understated good taste is the same as playing dead.� ~Susan Cather
Build a summer beauty emergency kit: > Mints (for margarita breath) > Lightweight lotion (for softening knees and taming flyaway tresses) > Safety pins (for hiding straps) > Baby wipes (for sticky popsicle fingers) > Gloss, concealer, and waterproof mascara (for glamour seconds out of the pool) > Oversized sunglasses (for hiding a multitude of sins)

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