Beach, Please: How To Pack The Ultimate Heat-Proof Beauty Bag

 After months of dreary weather, we’ve finally reached peak Canadian summer. But with the arrival of spicy temperatures and a high UV index, your beauty routine needs an upgrade. There’s an art form to packing the perfect bag to stave off seasonal beauty emergencies (sudden frizz, anyone?), so we’re sharing a few essentials to keep you looking sleek, stylish and minimally sweaty for the sunny season ahead. —Emily MacCulloch and Ingrie Williams, @t.zonebeauty 

STEAM-PROOF STRANDS Maintaining fuzz-free, healthy hair when the humidex is high can feel like mission impossible. While frizz doesn’t discriminate, those with curly, colour-treated or damaged hair know that when there’s humidity in the forecast, there’s flyaways. The best defense against unruly strands? Moisture. Opt for more nourishing shower staples and pop a pocket-sized frizz fighter in your bag. Keeping your scalp and strands protected against the sun is another must for summer, as both areas suffer damage from UV exposure. Look for an antioxidant-rich scalp treatment that’s lightweight yet hydrating (minus any exfoliating ingredients) along with a protective leave-in that you can spritz on before heading out the door that won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or sticky. 

NO-MELT MAKEUP As Mother Nature cranks up the heat, it’s time to dial it back on makeup. Under the season’s flattering filters (bless you, bright days and extended golden hours), focusing on a radiant complexion and glossy accents is all that’s required. A skin tint is a must-have for your-skin-but-better vibes. These lightweight liquids are souped up tinted moisturizers that will even out discolouration, creating a uniform glow while plumping skin with all-star ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Blending with your fingers or a sponge totally works, but a foundation brush will buff the product into skin for an airbrushed effect. End with a spritz of setting spray and let high shine effects work their magic. Adding a swipe of lip oil and adorning nails with a chrome topcoat locks in a dazzling impression. 

SUNNY SKIN SAVIOURS A sunscreen is a mandatory must-pack for any adventure—and trust us when we say it’s never been easier to find one you’ll love enough to wear every day. Among the bounty of silky lotion or serum-like formulas available to choose from these days, many boast bonus ingredients, such as the brightening power of niacinamide or the soothing benefit of squalane. If it’s a day of the week, please wear SPF and don’t skimp on application. Not sure how much to use? You need half a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, ears and neck alone. What about a tan, you say? To satisfy the need for a sun-kissed glow, turn to self-tanner and complete the mood boost with a new-to-you fragrance. Tap into fresh citrusy scents that feel oh-so-right and are a great summer memory maker. 

8 Picks to Pack

1. Olaplex N° 0.5Scalp Longevity Treatment, $60, Sephora
2. Kerasilk Flyaway Wand, $26, chatters.ca
3. Make Up Forever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint, $49, Sephora
4. Fenty Beauty by Rhianna You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray, $43, Sephora
5. Vasanti Sun’s Up! Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, $49, Shoppers Drug Mart
6. SaltyFace Tanning Moisturizer, $52, saltyface.ca
7. The 7 Virtues Clementine Dream Eau de Parfum Travel Spray, 10ml,  $44, the7virtues.com
8. Essie Gel Couture Metallic Glaze Top Coat in Blushed Metal, $15, essie.com