It's time for the bathing beauties to march to the nearest waterside oasis and take a perch in the sun.
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However, some preparation is needed or beachgoers face the risk of splotchy skin, brittle hair and cakey make-up that could cause some cringe-created wrinkles. Some advice from beauty experts:
Sunscreen
The need for sunscreen should go without saying but despite the link between sun damage and skin cancer, some people still resist, says Dr David Bank of New York's Centre for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.
Maybe sunscreen irritates sensitive skin or aggravates acne in oily skin? Products that use the minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to stir up those conditions, says Dr Bank
Zinc and titanium are referred to as "chemical-free" blocks and have some anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties so they tend to work well for both skin types.
He also suggests those with sensitive skin use sunscreens with soothing aloe, and those with acne-prone skin should consider oil-free preparations with a light texture.
Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure magazine, encourages application of sunscreen before you put a swimsuit on. If you're naked, she says, you won't miss a spot.
Bank says no sunscreen is 100 per cent water or sweat-proof, and should be reapplied every two hours.
Make-Up
On the beach or by the pool, wear as little make-up as possible because in bright sunlight it becomes "quite visible" and you risk looking clownish, says Wells.
For the lip gloss (with SPF) and waterproof mascara choose soft, natural colours, she suggests. Once you're done in the sun and your skin has a deeper tone it's time to punch up the colour, advises make-up artist Ashunta Sheriff.
"You should wear the same colour family that you wear in the winter or spring, but now you should be getting deeper," she says.
For a woman with light skin who gravitates towards pinks and nudes for her lips and cheeks, try tawny or apricots, and those with olive skin who normally wears peach might consider coral.
Orange-coral colours, raspberry, cinnamon and spicy brown all complement darker skin once they've had a hint of sun.
Hair
Wet your hair before you wet your body, advises stylist Robert Vetica, dousing with tap or bottled water.
This fills the cuticle, making it harder for salt or chlorine to penetrate it.
Using a leave-in conditioner before swimming or sun exposure protects it as well.
Colour-treated hair might need extra protection, perhaps from a UVA-blocking treatment.
"Without a hat or sun protector, coloured hair will fade and potentially turn brassy - and you'll end up spending a lot more time and money on it," observes Wells.
Generally, though, there's little use for other products, says Vetica.
"Heat and moisture will change the molecular structure of your hair so the products you apply before exposure to these elements will add unnecessary strain on the hair."
Same goes for styling tools. Instead, he says, let your hair dry "au naturale".
"There is nothing like a beautiful sun-kissed face with hair pulled up or behind in a low messy pony for an evening out," he says.
You don't even have to use shampoo since chlorine and salt water both serve as cleansers. But you do need a good rinse with clean water before drying off. AAP