July 7, 2017

Megababe tackles summer-specific skin and body issues, you're probably using dry shampoo the wrong way, an effective flat-iron alternative and Givenchy delivers an easy ombre lip.

Solutions for the summer-specific problems we rarely talk about

Ahh, summer… Rosé all day, the sound of crashing waves and the ability to wear flip-flops pretty much anywhere. But along with lazy days and frosty beverages come a few unsavory heat-related trade-offs that a lot of us are reluctant to talk about. Fortunately a crazy-cool company called Megababe Beauty is doing something about them.

Problem: Thigh-rubbing
Solution: Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick
True story… My son was a week overdue at the end of September (which is hot, humid and just plain brutal even if you’re not pregnant) and I was on my second or third “false alarm/wishful thinking” hospital visit. Since I wasn’t actually in labor, my doctor recommended I walk—outside—to help move things along. I was weighing in at a svelte 200 pounds at that point and there was enough friction between my thighs to create sparks (OK, not really, but it felt like it). This experience was very traumatic for me, but I wouldn’t still be thinking about it almost 9 years later if I had Megababe’s Thigh Rescue.

Just one swipe of this toxin-free stick leaves a barrier that helps skin glide rather than chafe. This amazing product is formulated with aloe, pomegranate seed extract, grapeseed oil, ginger root extract and lime oil so not only does it nourish your skin, it smells fresh, too. And BTW, Thigh Rescue has been such a hit that it sold out within a week—but you can get on the list for the next restock which is due next month.

Problem: Boob sweat
Solution: Bust Dust Anti-Boob-Sweat Spray
If you have boobs, I’m willing to bet you’ll experience boob sweat at some point in your life—or sometime today. Confession: I’ve resorted to using my armpit antiperspirant underneath and between “the girls” to keep them (and my shirt) dry. But with Bust Dust, those days are over.

Just spray this superfine 100% natural powder on and around your tatas (and inside your bra) and you’ll be able to keep your cool all day. Alas, this is sold out as well, but you can pre-order for the mid-July restock.

Problem: Stinky pits
Solution: Cashmere Pits and Rosy Pits
These all-natural deodorants should be dropping any day now—but the details are hush-hush until they do. From what I can see on the packaging, Cashmere Pits contains eucalyptus, rosehip and bergamot, while the Rosy Pits is formulated with tuberose, cucumber and coconut. However, the difference between the two—and their intended results—are a bit unclear.

Get ready to hear a lot more about this brand-new brand, and stay tuned for updates!

Are you using dry shampoo the wrong way?

Dry shampoo seems pretty simple--at least compared to other hair-styling methods. (It does count as styling, right?) Just in case you're wondering how you're supposed to use it, check out this handy infographic. And if you're curious about how your favorite stacks up, Reviews.com tested 54 products--and you can see the results here!

Your flat iron better watch its back

Straightening my hair is essentially a waste of time in South Florida this time of year, but if I don’t, the end result involves fluff, flyaways and frizz. Most days I can get away with it by putting on a hat or a scarf—but others require the full blow-dry/flat-iron monte if I want to look presentable. I thought a more middle-of-the-road summer-hair approach would elude me forever, but then the DAFNI go literally landed on my doorstep.

Part brush, part flat iron, this heated ceramic styler does the jobs of both with just one tool. Smaller (and more portable) than the original DAFNI, this straightening brush is ideal for touch-ups after the gym, when going out after work or basically any time your strands need a little smoothing (and you have a plug nearby).

You get evenly-distributed heat in less than a minute and spring-loaded bristles so you won’t burn your scalp if you happen to press too hard. The detachable cord fits perfectly alongside the brush in the heat-resistant travel case, and it will shut itself off in 15 minutes if you forget to. The compact brush head makes it easy to style bangs and shorter hair, but just remember the DAFNI is designed to act as a finishing tool—don’t use it on damp or wet hair!

It took me a few tries to get the hang of the technique since you have to get your hair deep into the brush to reap the smoothing benefits of its heat. (I found that using one hand to pull my hair taut while holding the brush with the other helped.) No, it doesn’t deliver the stick-straightness of an iron (but it could be used to maintain your super-sleek style after the fact) and that’s ok. Summer beauty is all about easy, breezy—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with frizz until fall!

Ombré lips made easy

I’m definitely on somewhat of a lip kick, simply because there are so many exciting new products to try! Balms and glosses are daily essentials, but anyone who knows me knows that I never shy away from a bold lip—and Givenchy’s forthcoming Le Rouge Sculpt Two-Tone Lipstick is calling my name.

With two shades in one bullet, one swipe leaves your lips with multidimensional color. The main color delivers pigment to the center of your lips, while the darker coordinating color deposits a darker hue adds contour to the edges. Yes, the “01” lipstick pictured here looks a bit scary, but I will 100% be trying it. Other options include berry, pink, coral and a more bricky red, and I have a feeling I’ll fall for at least one of them.

Are you ready to rock the ombré lip trend?