Monsoon beauty hacks you can’t miss: From humid hair care to rain-proof makeup and natural skincare products

The monsoon season in India is a time of greenery, refreshing rains and vibrant atmosphere, however, it can also present challenges to maintain your beauty where high humidity, frequent rains and increasing pollution can wreak havoc on your hair, skin and makeup. Fear not as we spoke to Shikha Rastogi aka ThatSheenGirl – beauty, cosmetic and personal care expert – who in an interview with HT Lifestyle suggested the right tips and products that can help you look fresh and fabulous throughout the rainy season –

Hair Care: Get Rid of Frizzy Hair

• Protect from moisture damage: Excessive humidity can cause hair to become dry and damaged. Use a leave-in conditioner or serum to seal the cuticles and protect your hair from moisture. Recommended Products: Aloe vera leave-in conditioner, amla hair oil or silicone-free serum.
• Choose lightweight products: Avoid using heavy hair products that can weigh down your hair and make it greasy. Use mild shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Recommended Products: Herbal shampoo, Ayurvedic hair oil or light mousse.
• Consider deep conditioning treatments: Give your hair some extra care with a deep conditioning treatment once a week. This will nourish and moisturize your hair. Recommended Products: Coconut oil deep conditioning mask, shikakai powder, or protein-rich conditioner.
• Air dry when possible: Heat styling can damage your hair even more, especially during the monsoon season. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry to reduce the effect of the heat.
• Style wisely: Choose hairstyles that keep your hair off your face and neck to prevent tangling and to avoid sweating. Braids, buns, and ponytails are great options.

Makeup: Stay consistent

• Waterproof Essentials: Invest in waterproof makeup products, especially mascara, eyeliner, and foundation. These will ensure that your makeup stays in place despite the rain and humidity. Recommended Products: Waterproof mascara, gel eyeliner and matte foundation.
• Primer is important: A good primer creates a smooth base for your makeup and helps it adhere better to your skin. This is especially important during the monsoon season. Recommended Products: Silicone based primer or hydrating primer.
• Set your makeup: Use a setting spray to lock in your makeup and prevent it from smudging or fading. Recommended Products: Use a setting spray with aloe vera or rose water.
• Keep it light: Choose lighter, more natural-looking makeup. Heavy makeup can look cakey and greasy in humid weather.
• Focus on the eyes: Since your face is more likely to sweat during monsoon, focus on your eyes and lips. A bold eye look can be the highlight of your makeup.

Skin care: Stay hydrated

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and sweat without stripping the natural oils from your skin. Recommended Products: Ayurvedic face wash, neem-based cleanser, or gentle foaming cleanser.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Recommended Products: Aloe vera gel, hyaluronic acid serum, or a light moisturizer.
• Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Recommended Products: Urad dal scrub, coffee scrub or any gentle exfoliating scrub.
• Sun protection: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. UV rays can penetrate clouds and damage your skin. Recommended Products: Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent the transfer of bacteria and oil.

By following these tips and using the suggested products, you can maintain your beauty routine and look your best during the rainy season. Remember, a little extra care and attention can go a long way in keeping your hair, skin and makeup looking great.