The 8 Biggest Monsoon Beauty Disasters and How to Avoid Them

Ever seen one of those Bollywood movie scenes, the one in which an actor manages to look flawlessly beautiful even though she is drenched in the rain?

Well, that is completely the opposite of what usually happens IRL.The monsoons have arrived over most of India, and unless you have a team of hair and makeup professionals on call, this usually spells disaster for your look. While there is no denying that we love the romance and the pitter-patter of rain, the humidity it brings can keep you from looking your fresh and dewey best. 

Let's look at eight of the biggest beauty problems we face in the rainy season and how to fix them and banish those monsoon blues away.

1. Fizzy Hair:

The humid weather can wreak havoc on your hair, Monica Geller-style. Though it might be tempting to use a heavy mousse and products to keep it in check, a light hair serum that won't weigh your hair down is a much better option. It's advisable to work with your natural hair texture, so scrunch up those curls and flip out those waves instead of trying to tame or straighten it.

DIY Tip: Give your hair a hot oil massage one hour before you shampoo and see the magic it does to your mane. Try this every weekend to have those perfect lustrous locks.

2. Oily Skin: 

Your skin is also likely to get oily due to the humidity. Though it may seem like it's a good time to skip your products, it is important to remember to hydrate. Always opt for a gel-based face wash and a water-base, matte moisturiser as it will help get rid of excess oil without leaving your skin dry.

DIY Tip: Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated naturally by drinking lots of water, as it will help your body release harmful toxins, thus providing your skin with a healthy and moisturised look.

3. Dull and Damaged Skin:

The rainy weather can wreak havoc on your skin by causing a lot of deceptive damage. Whether the sun is shining or not, sunscreen is a daily must. You should always opt for one with a minimum SPF 20 to protect your skin from external factors that may damage your skin and ultimately leads to premature ageing and wrinkles.

DIY Tip: Apply some homemade face packs made with besan (gram flour), honey, and milk to revitalise your glow. Sipping on some green tea through your day is also a great idea, as it is infused with natural anti-oxidants which helps delay the ageing process, giving you healthier skin. 

4. Limp Hairdos :

The moisture in the air can be an enemy to your blow-dry. Avoid using too much product and, instead, opt for  a dry shampoo, even for freshly washed hair. If you are going for a party, styling your hair in a deconstructed braid or updo is also a great option for rainy days. 

DIY Tip: Rinsing your conditioner off with cold water and keeping your dryer setting to cool will help keep your hair cuticles sealed and give your style a sleeker and cleaner look.

5. Not So Happy Feet:

Monsoon's spell disaster for your feet. Stepping into puddles or getting caught in the rain can lead to wrinkly toes and fungal infections, as well as chipped and ugly nails. Always wash and moisturise once home, and get a pedicure with a bright gel nail-polish to keep your toes looking their best. 

DIY Tip: Make a scrub by mixing sea salt, corn meal, and coffee in equal quantities and add a few drops of almond oil. Gently rub this scrub on your feet and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

6. Chapped and Flakey Lips:

The rainy whether is  likely to make your lips look chapped, dry, and dehydrated. Staying out for long can result in these problems. Applying a tinted lip balm every few hours can bring back the moisture to your lips and adds a dash of colour to cheer up your overall look. This works better than lipstick, which can further dry out your lips .

DIY Tip: Use a mild face scrub to exfoliate your lips and apply some almond or coconut oil. Seal in with vaseline and leave on for 10 minutes to give a moisture infusion to your pout. Wipe off excess goop and apply some lipstick to keep your lips looking moisturised and hydrated.

7. Smudgy Eye Makeup:

To avoid looking like a racoon, opt for waterproof mascara and eyeliner during the monsoons and keep your eye makeup on point. Smokey eyeshadow can be replaced by a more natural matte tint.

DIY TIP: Use a primer and face powder to create a base on your eyelids and keep your eye-makeup in place.

8. Body Odour: 

Humid weather can unleash a whole world of not-so-pleasant smells, not to mention the damp and icky after-effects of getting caught in the rain. It's smart to use a powder based anti-perspirent for these months, and also opt for a light EDT or body spray you can carry around in your bag. Choose one with light, flowery and fruity notes to keep you smelling fresh.

DIY Tip: A body mist made of rose water can be a life saver, and provide the perfect pick-me-up on a gloomy monsoon day. Use it to keep your senses alive and your skin smelling fresh.

A little TLC and attention for your skin and hair can go a long way in making you feel your best, even when it's gloomy outside. Just don't forget to thank us as while you are singing in the rain.