Confidence, comfort and a fresh glow are the mandates for this summer. To celebrate pool season, actor Ushasi Ray channelled her inner diva for the Calcutta Times special swimwear shoot. We took a deep dive into everything that makes summer styling effortless – soft dewy beauty looks and fuss-free hair to skin protection and nutrition. Read on to know how to look and feel summer-ready while beating the heat in style.
Create a diva-coded splash by the pool
Summer is for breathable fabrics, easy silhouettes, and functional swimwear. Sunscreen, lip balm, cheek tint and a pair of sunglasses are my summer must-haves – Ushasi Ray.
Essential summer skin & hair care tips
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; reapply every 2–3 hours and cover up with hats or scarves
- Choose light, loose cotton clothing to prevent sweat rashes and irritation
- Cleanse skin 2–3 times daily; maintain scalp hygiene with mild shampoos
- Stay hydrated with water and water-rich fruits for healthy skin and hair
- Opt for lightweight, gel-based skincare; avoid heavy, oily products
- Limit heat styling and heavy makeup to prevent damage and breakouts
- Change out of sweaty clothes quickly; shower post-workout
- Protect hair from sun and chlorine; rinse after swimming
- Eat balanced meals and sleep 7–8 hours daily
- Avoid self-medication; consult a dermatologist for persistent concerns
Trending lip & cheek tint colours
Rosy nudes, peachy pinks, coral, watermelon pink, terracotta and warm browns are the trending shades this season.
The look breakdown
Makeup
- Light, waterproof foundation with translucent powder for sweat control
- Bronzer and creamy peach blush for a dewy, sunlit finish
- Waterproof mascara, metallic eyeshadow and smudged eyeliner
- Glossy pink lips for a hydrated look
- Setting spray to lock everything in place
Styling
- Lighter shades for a fresh feel
- Pastels like lemon yellow, peach, baby pink and powder blue dominate
- Metallic accents add a timeless, glamorous edge
Hair
High ponytails, soft beach waves, messy top knots or even simple plaits work really well because they look stylish without feeling too heavy in the heat. Also these styles keep the hair off the neck and away from the face, which feels much more comfortable. In addition, they help to control frizz which is a common hair problem during humid weather. – Makeup, hair and styling inputs by Sonam Jaiswal, Soumya Nandy and Kishore Biswas
Summer-ready starts with everyday wellness
- Hydrate consistently with chaas, coconut water and lemon water
- Eat seasonal produce. Include watermelon, cucumber, mango, mint and tomatoes in your diet for natural hydration
- Don't skip protein like eggs, fish, paneer, dal, tofu and curd for energy and muscle health
- Avoid heavy, fried foods that slow digestion and increase bloating
- Choose lighter, balanced meals; eat smaller portions instead of skipping food
- Check cravings as they can show up as signs of dehydration
- Support skin health via your diet. Include vitamin C, nuts, seeds and fluids to boost glow
- Focus on strength and consistency over crash diets or quick fixes
- Prioritise sleep, regular movement and mindful habits for energy, digestion and overall summer wellness – Inputs by Shreyoshi Bhaumick Sinha, clinical nutritionist
When out by the pool, wear water-proof sunscreen and add some glitter and bronzer on your body for that extra oomph – Ushasi Ray
Essential summer skin & hair care tips (detailed)
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; reapply every 2–3 hours and cover up with hats or scarves
- Choose light, loose cotton clothing to prevent sweat rashes and irritation
- Cleanse skin 2–3 times daily; maintain scalp hygiene with mild shampoos
- Stay hydrated with water and water-rich fruits for healthy skin and hair
- Opt for lightweight, gel-based skincare; avoid heavy, oily products
- Limit heat styling and heavy makeup to prevent damage and breakouts
- Change out of sweaty clothes quickly; shower post-workout
- Protect hair from sun and chlorine; rinse after swimming
- Eat balanced meals and sleep 7–8 hours daily
- Avoid self-medication; consult a dermatologist for persistent concerns – Tips shared by Dr Dolly Gupta, aesthetic dermatologist
According to stylists, the colour trends this summer are powder blue, orange, lilac, soft pink, terracotta and neons. Pic: Tathagata Ghosh; makeup: Sonam Jaiswal; hair: Kishore Biswas; styling: Soumya Nandy; location: The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata. Inputs by Smritika Banerjee.
