From skincare to stunning manis, here’s all the TLC you need this monsoon

The solution to your monsoon beauty troubles is here!

By Natasha Kittur

15 October, 2024

From skincare to stunning manis, here’s all the TLC you need this monsoon

The best thing about the tropical weather in India right now is the plethora of style choices we get compared to the chilly sweater season. But one thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is the transition that even self-care needs to make with the changing weather. We know how difficult it is to find the right skincare and style that finally suits you, only to have the monsoons come in with its hot-cold and humid weather, and cause havoc in your set routine!

Here’s how you can keep looking your beautiful self this season:

Keep your make-up looking fresh

Make-up routines can feel daunting during monsoons as you anticipate it all going down the drain with your face becoming greasier than your last cheat meal. Sonam Chandna Sagar, a celebrity make-up artist, suggests simplifying the process, especially on hot days. “I think in hot and humid weather, less is always more. Opt for products like foundations with SPF and those that dry down and don’t require powder to set. To minimise the layers of makeup on your face, try mixing products like foundation with contour and applying blush only where and if needed, to reduce the layers of makeup on your face. Swap compact powder with blotting paper, if you're worried about the setting powder cracking on the skin,” she advises.

Keep your skin glowing

While the rainy season can be romantic AF, it can also act a little like the boy who keeps giving you mixed signals. With the hot and cold weather and high humidity, your skin suffers. While exfoliating seems to be a good option to keep your skin feeling smooth, Sagar suggests doing it only once a week. “I believe the number of times you choose to exfoliate your skin is a personal preference depending on the type of skin you have. But typically physical exfoliation, which is using a product that contains granules, should not be used more than once a week. They can be abrasive and can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to very dry and sensitive skin,” she added.

Apart from this, she suggests striking a balance between cleansing and hydration. It is apt to practise double cleansing where you first use an oil-based or a balm-based cleanser and follow it up with a face wash to ensure your skin is rid of all the excess oil and dirt. The next step is hydration. For this step, opt for gel-based moisturisers as these are clear and lightweight, ensuring your skin is well-hydrated and moisturised without being too oily.

Get rid of body acne and rashes

Humid weather means the occurrence of heat rash and bacne but there are ways to tackle these problems as well, getting a good body polish sesh is one of them. Shaheen Khalily, the Area Head of Myrah, took the time to explain it to us. “Body polishes help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve skin texture, leaving the skin looking brighter and smoother while also giving an even tone. Opting in for such treatments can also help promote cell regeneration which promotes repair, leaving you with healthy-looking skin. Regular scrubs improve skin vibrancy and blood circulation while inducing muscle relaxation,” said Khalily.

Khalily added that one must ensure that the treatment is suitable to the individual’s skin. “For better exfoliation small beads work much better. Alternatively, you must look for ingredients that will help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your skin moisturised,” she said.

Get the perfect mani

Now that we’ve nailed the perfect monsoon skin, it's time to dive into style. This year’s big events—be it the Ambani-Merchant wedding, the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival—showed us that pastel colours and floral designs seem to be gaining immense popularity. Neelam Jaiswal, the nail educator at Looks Salon, explains, “For big events, nails are often designed to match the outfits. This year, nude and pastel colours are especially popular because they add a touch of elegance without overshadowing the dresses. You’ll also see minimalist designs with little accents like metallic touches or tiny crystals, keeping things classy and chic.”

Jaiswal also let us in on some cool styles that are definitely in trend along with some tips to care for your nails, all season long. “We’re seeing a lot of French nail styles and floral designs along with pastel shades like soft pinks and greens. Neon colours are making a big splash too, bringing a fun, vibrant energy, while nudes are always a go-to since they are so classy.”

Have a frizz-free hairstyle

The final touch to complete your look is styling your locks. Just like make-up, a great hairstyle requires pre-prepped hair. Whether you have curly or silky smooth hair, hair care is essential for stunning hairstyles. From homemade remedies to natural hair products, give your hair the care it needs. Struggling with curls on date night? Try the Davines Love Curl ranges at any of the Jean-Claude Biguine (JCB) salons in the city. You can start with cleansing and finish with a hair mask to make your curls sway beautifully. Their OI range deeply nourishes and protects against UV rays. You can also try Moroccanoil Intense Curl Hair Cream, which will give you well-defined curls that stay free from frizz! So, JCB salons near you and get ready to slay.