We’ve reached that point in the summer when it’s grossly, overwhelmingly hot. Test-your-patience hot. Wear-as-little-clothing-as-legally-possible hot. At this point, your beauty routine has probably been streamlined to include only the bare necessities — sunscreen, mascara, a cold splash of water at the end of the day — and that’s great, but between sunburns, sweat, and pollution, summer calls for a little extra TLC in the beauty department. Think it’s too hot to indulge in some beauty therapy? Think again. These DIY beauty treatments are not just great for your skin, they’re cool and refreshing enough to provide respite from the triple-digit heat outside. Cool down, relax, look great — it’s a win-win-win!
Aloe Vera Ice Cube Facial
Aloe vera is known as a sunburn soother, but even if you’ve been diligent with the SPF, its cooling, calming qualities will benefit your skin. To amp up the cooling power, make aloe vera ice cubes to melt over your face on hot summer nights. Here’s how: put a teaspoon of aloe vera gel in each section of an ice cube tray and cover with about half an inch of filtered water. Freeze, then pop out a cube and melt over your face and neck for a refreshing, anti-inflammatory facial.
Cooling Cucumber Water Toner
This is a beauty treatment that’s so affordable, easy, and refreshing, you’ll be tempted to reach for it multiple times a day — and that’s just fine! Cucumber water is not just a spa beverage staple, it also works great as a rejuvenating, hydrating toner. Slice a cucumber and add to two cups of filtered water. Let the cucumber water sit in the fridge overnight, then transfer to a spray bottle (it’s fine to remove the cucumber slices if they won’t fit — the water will be cucumber-infused by this point). Keep in the fridge and apply when you wake up, before you put on your makeup, at bedtime, and throughout the day when you need a cooling, refreshing pick-me-up.
READ MORE: How to Use Cucumber As a Beauty Product
Strawberry Smoothie Hair Mask
In the summer, smoothies practically become their own food group. Get your hair in on the action with a strawberry smoothie mask that soaks up grease, soothes scalp irritation, and increases shine. In a blender, combine a few large strawberries, 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda, and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Blend until mixture reaches smoothie consistency, then refrigerate for an hour. Coat your hair with the smoothie mixture, massaging into the roots and scalp, and leave on for 15 – 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water for extra shine.
Chilled Tea Bag Eye Treatment
Putting chilled teabags over your eyes is not just relaxing, it works wonders for reducing puffy under-eye bags. Pour water over two chamomile teabags to activate the herbs inside, squeeze out excess water, and then place in the fridge until they’re nice and cold. Lie on your back and place teabags over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes, inhaling the relaxing aroma.
Lemonade Facial Scrub
Exfoliation is a must in the summertime, when sweat and dirt conspire to clog pores and cause breakouts. This refreshing lemonade-inspired facial scrub is easy to make and will help slough off dead skin, sweat, and irritants. To make, mix together 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of cane sugar, half a tablespoon of water, and two drops lemon essential oil. Refrigerate for an hour to let ingredients chill and combine, then gently massage over face and neck in a circular motion. Rinse with cool water.
READ MORE: 10 Summertime Coconut Milk Recipes for Every Diet
