How NY women survive the heat with glam

It’s bizarrely cold in New York at the moment, I’ve wavered towards turning on the heating the past mornings. What is this? Around this time of year it usually feels like you’re hitting a wall when you walk out of your air-conditioned space, very hot and humid. This summer certainly hasn’t given it her best yet. So let’s consider this a school lesson in SOS-for-hot spells. Because in August, and maybe sooner, your Havaianas (if you still wear these) will really start sticking to the asphalt due to the heat. I say: bring on the heat wave. I have decided to do things differently this summer. I have observed what the average New York power woman does when temperatures skyrocket equaling those in the Sahara, and I’ve made the following step-by-step plan.

Moist wipes and deodorants that don’t leave marks

In the beginning I thought a lot of New York Women had wild nights with total strangers, looking closer I found out what it was. Walk into the first CV you see and don’t leave without a packet or two of on-the-go moist tissues in your bag. The packaging itself may look a little doubtful, but the only other option you have is sticking dry tissues under your armpits. Not really an option, so just go for the wipes. During every moment of intense heat use the wipes on the gushing places under your arms and end the cooling process with a fresh load of deodorant.

Non stop watermelon

Hydration is a must during 40-degree days. And it’s on these days water seems boring. Since recently I don’t only drink water I eat watermelon. Perfect for refreshing and we used to think it contained nothing more than water. Hell no! It’s amazingly healthy, good for the skin and rich in iron, potassium and vitamin C. And the best part is: watermelon never bores.

A little cashmere, a little wool.

The hotter it is outside, the colder it’s inside. For example: on the subway platform (stay away from these during a heat wave) you almost melt onto the rails, but in the carriage it’s icy cold. Now I understand why all those New York women walk around with cashmere or something else warm stuffed into their bags. So no matter how strange this may sound; always carry something wooly or something warm with you.

 SPF with a tint

Yesterday I walked out the door all dolled up for an outing. As usual I used a tiny lick of foundation. 10 minutes later it was gone. All of it. I think it vaporized, because, hallelujah, it was boiling outside. My favorite make-up guy started sniggering when I addressed my problem. “Girl, you putting this on in the sun?! You is crazy!” He came back with a new load of facial necessities and among them was the trusted oldie I used to have on my boudoir: sunscreen by Lancaster with a tint. Yes! This is great! First you think you’re transforming yourself into a brown cartoon figure using a magic marker, but it’s wonderful. It gives you a modest glow, and it protects you from the sun and from getting wrinkles.

Avoid sweaty fabrics

Synthetic stuff sticks, we know that. But silk is also something you should leave in your closet during hot spells. A few weeks ago (when it was very stuffy) I was at a bar on a roof terrace with a girlfriend drinking wine. It was Tuesday and we’re talking one glass. After that my friend got up and guess what? Her dress wasn’t light blue anymore, it had turned dark blue. So avoid these fabrics or…stay inside all day. It’s an option.

Waterproof everything

My US friend recently said: I only do waterproof in summer. And even though I’m not one for waterproof mascara I now understand it’s a must. Especially when you’re out and about in the city all day. My rule is: everything that’s black needs to be waterproof. Although I still think scrubbing it all off at night is hell. Anybody have a better solution?  

Get out of town

This is the best and only option almost every New Yorker applies in the weekends: leave town. That’s why I believe you only see the ‘real’ New York during the winter; during the summer everyone is gone. The tourists fill up this empty space with the AirBNB’s renting out the New Yorkers cribs. Who in turn go and chill (or beer pong) in the Hamptons or some other place on Long Island. Some might even go as far as Miami, only a few flying hours away. What a hard life it is with all that heat.