The rains all always welcome as the whole landscape looks fresh and green with the pleasantly cool temperature and air however the high humidity levels become difficult to handle. The skin, hair and makeup need special care during this season to look fresh and presentable.

Here are some dos and don’ts for this special season
-     Use water proof and oil free make up and skin products such as mascara, foundation etc.
-     Reduce the quantity of the makeup as this way the makeup will not crack up or flow or make streaks due to high humidity. Needless to say that always use good brands that can blend easily and protect the skin and hair.
-     Define your eyes, cheeks and face very lightly and only that much which is necessary.
-     Always keep a powder puff in your handbag to dab runny makeup.
-     Use a deep pore cleansing cream to pull out residual oil and grime from the pores of the skin. This will prevent the skin breakouts and pimples.
-     Use the orange, pink, neutral brown and beige shades in lip colour on your lips. For eyes, use yellow, coral or neutral brown eyes shades to enhance eye. On your cheeks, use pink or brown rouge.
-     If you have long hair, style them up in a pony tail or a bun and away from your face, ears and neck. This will keep all the areas well ventilated and cool.
-     Shampoo your hair at least three times a week and condition them well. Dry the hair well so that the hair feels lighter and cleaner throughout the day.
-     Do not forget to drink a lot of water as the sweat will start smelling if you will drink less water.
-     To control the sweat and the smelly armpits, use an effective deodorant stick or a long lasting deo spray and a fresh and mild talcum powder.
-     Avoid wearing synthetic blended dresses and dresses made out of thick coarse materials. Wear cotton or linen dresses as it is light, airy and dries fast.
-     Always wash your feet with Dettol soap and water after coming from outside and dry them well. This will prevent any skin infection caused due to exposure to dirty water clogged on the roads.
-     Use foot powder, especially between the toes. Do not keep the used socks in the shoes, as they will soon start smelling. Remember that you should wear socks since direct contact with the leather can cause bacterial growth on your feet.
-     Use open sandals so that the feet can dry quickly in case you get wet in the rain. You can also use flip-      flops but be careful when you war them as they tend to slip off. Avoid using suede leather or fancy footwear in the rains. Rubber shoes are also very suitable to use in this season. To move around in the water clogged areas, use ankle high gumboots to save your trousers and feet.
-     Polish your leather shoes and also apply a thin layer of olive oil on it to prevent any fungus growth due to humidity. Use wax polish as it repels water. You can also use castor oil to make the shoes water proof. Use a thin coat of matte varnish to leather soles to protect them from water.
-     If your canvas shoes get wet and stained, clean them with vinegar and then let them dry off.
-     Avoid putting damp shoes inside the cupboards or closed shelves. Keep them in a shoes stand that’s open in front to allow the air to circulate. Place a saucer or wide mouthed bowl with baking soda on the lower shelf of the shoe rack to absorb the odours.
-     To remove the dampness from the clothes hanging or being kept in the cupboard, hang a lit bulb for a while in the cupboard.
-     To pep up your mood when you are confined to your house due to monsoon rains and heavy water logging, indulge in aromatherapy. Use light and fresh fragrances and perfumes and relax with a cup of tea and soothing music.
-     If the shoes are wet and clogged with mud, stuff them with newspaper which will help to soak up extra paper. Change the stuffing a few times till the shoes are dry.