Too hot for Goths

As some of you may know, I live in Hollywood, California, where summer lasts 9 months and the sun is always up!

I hate the heat and the sun in general, I don't like tanning (love my natural medium olive skin tone, I don't want to be mocha-red) and love my skin too much to fry it outside and age like crazy!

This are some of my solutions to protect my hair and skin, while keeping it dark and classy :)

1. 100 SPF Sunscreen

My favorite is by Neutrogena, but there are many other brands that carry an extra high SPF sunscreen, specially those made for babies!

2. The biggest black floppy hat you can find!

There are so many cool styles to choose from! I own two black floppy hats, one I found at Target and it's huge!, and the other one is from GutsGlamGlory, I love it cause it has spikes! Sadly, she doesn't make them anymore

3. A black parasol

found this online and thought it pretty much sums it up: 

"carrying an umbrella on warm summer days can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, according to a new pilot study from Emory University School of Medicine. Researchers evaluated the abilities of 23 different umbrellas at blocking UV radiation, and found that all of the umbrellas blocked at least 77% of damaging rays. " 

"When you do bust out the umbrella on the next nice day, you might want to opt for a black one. While all the umbrellas in the study offered protection, black models fared the best, intercepting at least 90% of the sun’s rays."

There are many cool options on eBay, from victorian lace parasols, to pagoda style ones, my favorites! I specially love this one, 

it reminds me of Vampira and Dark Shadows!

And this one, so Beetlejuice looking!

4. Sunglasses

I love Big, sixties style sunglasses! I always try to buy a good pair, cause those are the ones that really protect from the harmful UV rays.

5. Summer-proof Make-up

Opt for waterproof/smudgeproof make-up during summer. (I will write a separate post for this later)

Also, try a lighter foundation, like a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream. If you need special coverage, use a longwear concealer where strictly necessary (say, under your eyes).

6. Water mist

These are so good to keep yourself fresh and happy! I always carry one in my purse cause it refreshes my skin (and make-up). It also helps your make-up last longer! 

My favorites are 

MAC Fix +

Evian Brumisateur

7. Maxi or Tea Length dresses/skirts

I'm always wearing stockings, at least whenever possible; I don't really like showing my legs! But when the sun is high up and the weather is above 80 degrees, I just can't. That's why I love loose maxi and tea length dresses/skirts, they cover as much as possible without you having to worry if you show too much leg :) Of course, make sure the fabric is not as thick and the dress is loose (tight equals melting).

8. A Lace fan 

It's just classy and looks so pretty!

9. A water bottle! 

Always hydrate!! I drink up to a gallon of water everyday, and always carry a bottle of water with me :) 

10. Avoid going out on peak hours 

Unless it is really necessary, avoid being out in the sun between noon and 5pm. I try to avoid getting caught outside during those hours because it's when the sun is more dangerous! I prefer going for walks or run errands in the evening, cause it's not as warm and my skin won't suffer that much.