Lolita Charm: Faites Attention Au Hale!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Faites Attention Au Hale!

At least for us in the northern hemisphere, the days are getting longer and the sun is starting to heat up lolita petticoats and brows. Dealing with the actual heat is one thing, but what about taking care of your skin? Are you the kind of girl who burns, tans, or both? Even though I'm naturally super-pale, I also tan like the devil - I'm already starting to look like Momo from Peach Girl! Here's some basic tips on coping with the sun, your skin, and you:

Sunscreen. I can't emphasize sunscreen enough. Even though it's only April, the sun is making a big appearance. Actually, it's advise that you wear sunscreen all year round, even on overcast days. Pick up a bottle to stash in your bag, and apply it to any skin showing. Clothing doesn't even afford that much protection from the sun - about 5 SPF (sun protection factor). I like to use the mist-on kind rather than slather on a thick cream. So before you slap on your bloomers and petticoats, give yourself a light misting of sunscreen. Make sure that the label says it defends against UVA and UVB, which encourage the skin to age. Usually my sunscreen of choice is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist, SPF 45. I've actually found and used suncreen up to SPF 75, but it's harder to find. The number of SPF, by the way, measure how much percentage of rays it wil protect from. 30 SPF, for example, covers 97% of sun rays, compared to 15 SPF, which only covers 93%. And remember, especially if you are bouncing around, or outside often, to reapply about every two hours. (And even you're coming up on winter in the southern hemisphere - don't forget sunscreen! Snow can reflect the light and still effect your skin!) By the way - even if you have an old bottle of sunscreen, get a new one - they're not meant to last forever!

Parasols. So I'm a huge supporter of the parasol. I know they seem superfluous at times, especially if you have to get yours shipped from Japan, but they really can help a girl out. Most of the brand parasols say they defend against UVA and UVB (though obviously not much study has been done on the matter, so you'll have to take their word for it). And essentially, you're making your own shade. Now that the sun is starting to show, I've been bringing one to campus every day. They keep the light out of your eyes and off your skin, and I still think that it's cooler under there. I don't know much about offbrand parasols and their sun-resistant abilities, but you can buy a collapsible brand parasol for about $30 - $40, and a full-size classic one from Victorian Maiden for as much as $140. They're also excellenting for hiding yourself from creepers, having secret trysts behind them, and propping them on the lawn as an instant sunshade. Personally I think they're just indispensable ;)

Bonus: Parasol Care

I opened the trunk of my car the other day to find the long-lost body of my favorite BABY Versailles parasol - unfortunately completely splattered with some kind of grungy, grayish yellow stain. At first I thought about throwing it out - but then I decided to give cleaning it up the old college try. The answer - dish detergent! I just took a little water, a paper towel, and a bottle of Dawn and was able to scrub out all of the stains. Where previously I had a gummy, gross parasol, I now had my new one back! It's amazing what little things can fix up an item instead of throwing it away.

Avoid the Hottest Hours of the Day. The hottest hours of the day are from 1pm to 3pm, and then of course at noon and nearly noon the sun is right overhead. If you can arrange to be elsewhere, then do so. No need to schedule your picnic for the hottest and brightest parts of the afternoon - why not go for a morning brunch picnic or an early evening one? And with any luck, you'll be more comfortable before the heat builds to a head or after it breaks. I have a health issue that requires I try to keep out of the sun, and usually my family and friends tell me to stay out of it around this time!

Water. This is always a biggie no matter the time of year, but especially so in the heat - both to replenish your skin and to keep from passing out. If possible, bring a bottle (hopefully reusable!) of water with you, that you can refill from water fountains or at restaurants. If you're really not into water, I'll be posting a green tea smoothie recipe soon, so look forward to it!

Save Face. Stock your makeup bag with a tinted moisturizer with SPF for the summer. It's lighter than heavy foundation and should afford you some protection from the sun and drying out. I haven't found my perfect tinted moisturizer yet, but this one from Benefit Cosmetics looks promising as it has added aloe. If anyone has suggestions for a tinted moisturizer, leave a comment!

If you tend to sweat a night, some of that oil on your scalp or hair can get on your face and irritate it. If you know it's going to be a warm night, pin back your bangs or wear a cloth headband to keep the hair away from your skin. It's also important to change your pillowcase at least once a week to keep it from accumulating oil - more if it's really sticky at night where you live.

Hopefully some of these tips will help you handle the sunny days with sunny skin! Got any special summer skin tips? Feel free to add your own two cents!

psst - bonus question! Faites Attention Au Hale (the Japanese translated this as 'pay attention to your sunburn' but it more translates to 'pay attention to your tan!') was the name of a print back in the day. Can you guess which brand made a skirt with this saying and lots of cute parasols?

Labels: cosmetics, summer

6 Comments:

At April 12, 2010 at 11:21 AM , Miss Lumpy said...: I know what the bonus question is! I won't give it away, tho - I recently sold this skirt, maybe my buyer will answer! :P
At April 12, 2010 at 11:27 AM , caro-chan said...: Great tips! I have no idea what the bonus question is but I am really curious.

Good job on cleaning up the parasol! I would have probably screamed if I opened up my trunk to see that.
At April 12, 2010 at 12:18 PM , Andie said...: I honestly have no idea about the skirt...

Excellent tips though! I really like tarte's tinted moisturizer...
At April 12, 2010 at 2:12 PM , Anonymous said...: So, I did a bit of research on off-brand, high quality parasols... I found a western company and a Japanese one - both very loli-able!

http://www.carasolparasols.com/
http://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/lumiebre/

Don't be afraid of the Parasol prices at Lumiebre. The Umbrellas are 99% UV block, too, and they're much less expensive. :D
At April 12, 2010 at 5:37 PM , Psu said...: I love parasols! They're a bit uncomfortable to carry around sometimes, but they're so useful! They can also protect you from "street paparazzis", you know what I mean...

Hats can protect your head for burning, too. Today, I bought a beautiful canotier from Oysho! I'm happy hahahaha~
At April 14, 2010 at 6:18 PM , Eli~Miwa said...: Is the print from metamorphose temps de fille ? I know I saw it around once, but I'm not sure... :p

Anyway, useful advices !

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Lolita Charm

Monday, April 12, 2010

Faites Attention Au Hale!

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