Beautiful in the rain

CEBU, Philippines — A girl may be as fastidious as can be with her looks, but when the heavens open and the rain pours, she has no choice but to shift gears and try to adapt.  Yes, she is supposed to always look like her favorite movie star, but even movie stars have no power over forces of nature.  But, of course, it doesn’t mean it’s okay to look like a wet chick.

Again, it calls for changing gears and adapting to the damp condition. Again, nature is just beyond anyone’s power to defy. The rain is nothing to stand up to – but something one may stand with. 

The question is: How? How to still look good when it’s wet? Jan Small, at the website http://beautytoptotoe.com, says that preparation is half the battle. When it’s obvious or simply looks like it’s going to rain, it’s wise to have a few anti-rain tricks up one’s sleeve.

There are preparations one can make, aside from simply keeping watch on the weather forecast. Jan Small shares some tips:

Keep dry. Anytime during the rainy season, never go out anywhere without a mini umbrella tucked into your bag or pocket. It’s an easy way to stay dry the instant rain strikes. If it is already raining when you go out, or rain is definitely threatening, use a bigger umbrella and wear a stylish raincoat and boots.

You can get raincoats in beautiful bright colors that will cheer up your day. Just make sure that your coat fits your build and does not make you look like a sack of potatoes. You want one in a style that is shaped into the waist or that has a belt without too much material to gather in. A classic or updated trench works for most shapes. Also choose the length that flatters you and goes well with the kind of pants or skirt you will be wearing under it.

Boots are great on rainy days as you can wear any style that flatters you and tuck in pants or wear with opaque tights and a shorter skirt or dress and raincoat for a flattering look for all ages.

Unless you are going to get really soaked, there’s no need for 100-percent waterproof boots but you can have great fun with multi-colored rain boots if you wish.

For a more sophisticated look, leather is fine as long as you protect it with a special spray and give it a chance to dry naturally when you come indoors. And go for rubber soles rather than leather ones which can get slippery. Don’t wear something which will get horribly damaged in the rain.

Manage your hair. Hair usually comes off badly when it is damp and sometimes even if you manage to stay dry, the high humidity will make your hair misbehave. If it looks like a wet day ahead, treat your hair to some anti-frizz serum or spray to combat the worst of the frizzies.

If you want to maintain a smooth style for important occasions, get some cordless rechargeable straighteners which you can buy in a mini format – charge them up, pop them in your bag and then you can use them in the bathroom when you get to your destination.

If there’s no time for that, depending on how your hair usually acts and how long it is, try clipping your hair back, tying it up in a ponytail or putting it up under a hat. Alternatively if your hair is short, slick it back with some gel for a “doesn’t matter if it’s wet” look.

Wear waterproof makeup. She’s extraordinarily ‘powerful’ who can get away with rivulets of mascara running prettily down her cheeks. Mere mortals can’t. Even if you don’t normally wear waterproof mascara, now is a good time to wear it. And if you wear eyeliner and eyeshadow, make sure that is waterproof too.

Sheer foundations in a liquid format will generally fare better than mineral powder, which can get washed away, but keep any makeup light and in a natural color so that you don’t get streaks. Cream blush is better than powder too for going out in the rain.

Once you come in...Upon reaching home, change out of any wet things. Your mother was right. Even if it’s been scientifically proven that being cold and wet don’t make you more susceptible to colds, it still certainly does you good. And red streaming eyes and a runny nose are not great in the beauty enhancing stakes.

Jan Small’s advice is definitely sensible, and yet it’s so simple. Those who take heed of it are sure to stay beautiful in the rain. (FREEMAN)