Hey guys! When I was in high school I remember liking a scent worn by a friend in class. I can vividly recall the fresh citrus fragrance which I always look for each time I test out colognes and perfumes at the mall. I never got to find one that closely resembles it until I got a whiff of L'occitane's Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance Perfume.

Beat The Summer Heat

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Hey guys! If you live in a tropical country like me or have travelled to one, you can totally relate when I say it really gets freakin' hot at this time of the year. So this post is all about simple things that can help you beat the summer heat. 

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HYDRATE:

Even a soda drinker will have to agree that water is still the best way to keep you hydrated. This is why you have to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. Best to bring your own bottled water to school or work so you can hydrate throughout the day. 

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DRESS APPROPRIATELY:

Dress up in comfortable clothing like those made of chiffon and pure cotton that allow air to circulate and cool the body. Avoid tight fitting clothes including knits that hug the body, they can trap hot air and moisture adding to your discomfort. 

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GEAR UP:
What better way to beat the heat than to have all your paraphernalia with you like an umbrella and hand-held fan. You don't know when you'll need them so better make sure to have them in your bag all the time.

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REFRESH:
Freshen up your skin directly with a hydrating mist like the Avène Thermal Spring Water. I've tried a couple of other brands before but Avène really stands out. It feels so refreshing and it didn't break me out or cause any adverse skin reactions. I love that the spray is designed to deliver the product like a mist. This way you can use it on top of your makeup and anytime throughout the day without ruining your look. 

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KEEP COOL
Now this is a bit vague and quite general but it's really necessary to keep cool especially when things around you are scorched. As much as possible, don't let the heat get to your head. The humid air has a way of keeping you from thinking straight so make sure you do the necessary measures to prevent it from influencing your daily activities. Remember, most bad decisions are made when you don't blow off steam so keep cool and the rest will fall smoothly into place.


Any other summer tips you want to share? Do leave them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a fun filled summer!

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Block The Summer Heat

Hi guys! I know I've been complaining about the summer heat since April started but can you blame me? Every time I go out I feel like my skin gets parched even under the shade of my trusty umbrella. This is why I advise everyone to be prepared because it's like a freaking desert out there! 

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So what do you need to face the summer heat in a tropical country like ours? First of all you need protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and plays a major role in accelerating skin aging and can also contribute to development of skin cancer. UVB rays on the other hand penetrate the skin less deeply than UVA rays and is said to be the primary cause of sun burn and skin cancer.

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There are also UVC rays absorbed by the earth's ozone layer together with some of the UVB rays. So most of the UV rays we come in contact with are UVA with a small amount of UVB. This is why you need to choose a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

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 Another thing to consider is the SPF or Sun Protection Factor. SPF values signify the duration of protection against UVB rays versus not using a sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology "higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays. High-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs and should be applied approximately every two hours or according to time on the label, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating."

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So what type of sunscreen should you use? It's actually a matter of personal choice and may vary according to area of body to be protected. Creams are best for dry skin and on the face, gels are good for hairy areas such as the scalp while sticks are good to use around the eyes. Sprays are more preferred by parents for its ease of application. Regardless of which type you use be sure to apply it generously on exposed areas of your body like the face, neck and extremities at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

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Other tips to get you through the summer is to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and refreshed. Avoid too much sun exposure but if you can't, bring added protection from the sun like a handy umbrella. Umbrellas nowadays have UV protection as well like those manufactured by Umbra. So start giving your skin the protection it deserves and always make sure to never leave home without it. Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

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