Summer Spritz: Editor’s Picks
This Summer has our Editor feeling rosy. Pitta is high during hot seasons, which means temper flares, skin burns, and eye sensitivities. Beauty add-ons are the easiest way to cool off. Hints of rose-pinkish blush shades and scents harmonize perfectly with blazing weather.
Eyes
Protection of the visual system is fundamental to longevity. UV rays and light intensity impart negative effects, especially on those who are physiologically Pitta-dominant. Issues from light damage, like retinal degeneration, may take years to become detectable, so prevention is essential. I found this purple Ksubi pair on Melrose forever ago. As an extension of the rose color spectrum, purple supports the third eye chakra, or Ajna. It is responsible for intuition and imagination. Purple is favored by free-thinking kids, so let your imagination rule Summer in purple shades. That’ll invigorate projects waiting in the Fall.
Ksubi sunglasses in purple protect eyes and connect to the third eye. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Tip: For burning eyes, apply rose water-soaked cotton pads over closed eyes. Sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes. Don’t get the rose water in your eyes.
Lips
From the office to the beach, have fun with beautifully crafted lipstick tubes, or “objects”. For a subtle daytime flush, Hermes’ new (May 2023) Lip Enhancer in Rose Confetti has become my preferred lip balm. It is perfect for a better-than natural look and the sesame seed extract hydrates Vata-prone dry lips. Note that the first ingredient is derived from malic acid, the tart-inducing component of fruits like apples and wine grapes. Intense Pitta will love this matched with a clean face during the day and smoky eye for evening. A bolder lip is made effortless with a single swipe of Hermes Rouge Grenade. One drawback is the use of synthetic Red 7 Lake instead of a natural pomegranate fruit dye. I’m actually surprised that a high-end brand would use such a common additive. Pushover Kapha can wear this beautiful pomegranate red to finally delegate tasks and voice their opinions.
Confetti for days and Grenade for evenings provide the perfect balance for any dosha. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Nails
Summer living is innately anti-manicure. I like single-coat, fast-drying formulas that allow me to get to work right away. Who has the time to watch nails dry? Neutrals are best because the chips are mostly unnoticeable. Gucci in Cecilia Ivory is a perfect latte color with easy application and fast-drying. The bottle is a bit nostalgic- reminds me of my aunt’s old nail polish bottles back in the day when I was too young to use nail polish. The drawback to this plant-inclusive formula is that it chips quickly, especially if you’re a triple-hand-washing scientist.
Tip: Nail stickers cover up chips in a hurry.
Latte nails shade chips in the sand for worry-free summer nails. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Tip for your tips: Apply nail sticker to make beach reads interesting…or cover up chips.
Arms
Relaxing carries a lot of baggage. A reliable carryall is a must when shuttling from grown-up stuff to beach stuff. This practical tote is in an adventurous color, modern shape and classic style. Its capaciousness and softness make it a flawless accompaniment for a leisurely Summer. Though red is apt to motivate Kapha, those driven by irritable Vata and Pitta qualities will want to pair it with quintessential Summer whites and beiges .
A red tote is a perfect motivator for Kapha doshas to get going. The tote shown here is custom. The sandals and dress are Marni. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Body
The sun, saltwater, chlorine and heat leave skin warped. Santa Maria Novella discontinued my go-to body Latte, according to associates at their Lafayette St NYC location, so I switched to their new fluid cream in Rosa Gardenia and body wash in Rosa Novella. Both are gentle and refreshing enough to soothe mild irritations triggered by high temperatures. Damask rose water in the cream has a hint of rose that does not overwhelm the senses. The topical application of rose-containing products may help alleviate muscle aches from bike rides by the beach or early morning runs. It also helps that the lotion is light without sacrificing moisturization.
Damask rose in the lotion isn’t cloying and relieves the need for additional perfume. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Topical application of rose may alleviate muscle aches when massaged in a circular motion. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Mind
One path to mindful rest starts with the olfactory system. This is where aromatic molecules attach to receptors, which then send signals to the brain based on how they are deciphered. The aroma of rose calms a constantly firing mind and Damask rose aromatherapy lowers pain. Shoyeido rose cones placate the air for work or play. Though not conclusive, indoor incense burning may lower cognition for those in advanced age. So, open a window and don’t stick your face right in it.
Shoyeido has been producing incense with the some of the best aromatics for thousands of years. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Rose cones in the AM or PM set the mood to destress from the Summer heat. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
One More Thing
It would be tragic to forget the summer beauty must- SPF. You can find out more about three different types and brands- Tatcha, Pratima and Supergoop- that The BKDWN has broken down for their effectiveness, safety and environmental friendliness.
SUN PROTECTION FACTOR
HORMONES, FACTORS AND CORAL REEFS