25/06/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JUNE 25, 2025

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Heatwave chic o Ways to stay cool without sacrificing style

W HEN the sun is blazing and you are sweating before you have even left the house, getting dressed can feel like a daily dilemma. But staying stylish in scorching weather is not impossible – you just need to rethink your colours, fabrics and finishing touches. Here are some ways to beat the heat without compromising on style. First things first: colour matters. Dark shades might be your year-round go-to, but under a blazing sun, they absorb heat and increase your discomfort. Instead, reach for light, sun-reflecting colours such as white, yellow or even pastel tones. Not only do these shades keep you cooler, they also brighten up your look with a summery vibe. Science even backs this up. In a 2020 Japanese study, researchers tested nine polo-shirt colours on mannequins exposed to 30°C sun to determine which clothing colours to favour in a heatwave. Unsurprisingly, white came out on top, but yellow, gray, red and even purple also held their own in terms of keeping heat at bay. So, there is no need to stick to white or a head-to-toe ice cream palette – there is room to play around. And if you are a diehard devotee of black, consider going for loose, breezy cuts in featherlight fabrics to help cool things down. Indeed, fabric is just as crucial as colour when it comes to keeping heat at bay. When temperatures soar, synthetic materials can trap heat and cling uncomfortably to your skin. Instead, turn to breathable, natural options such as linen and hemp. Not only do they help release body heat throughout the day, they also absorb moisture and resist odour. What could be better for long, sweaty afternoons? Cotton can be a solid choice too, particularly in its lighter forms such as voile or muslin, which feel soft, airy and skin-friendly. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little different, try Tencel. This sustainable fabric is made with cellulose from certain trees, such as eucalyptus or bamboo, and has a smooth, cool texture that is ideal for summer wear. Finally, do not underestimate the power of accessories. In the heat, we often default to simple, classic outfits, which can be great for comfort, but which are not always exciting.

When temperatures rise, waterproof formulas are a must, especially around the eyes.

Loose-fitting cotton items are ideal for warm weather. – PICS FROM PEXELS

Melt-proof makeup tips

HOT weather can turn even the most skilfully crafted makeup into a slippery mess. But with a few smart tricks, you can keep your makeup looking fresh, polished and shine-free, no matter how high the mercury rises. A hot weather beauty overhaul needs to start with the basis of any makeup routine – your skin. In hot weather, skincare does double duty: it preps your face for makeup and helps it last longer. Begin with a thorough cleanse using a gentle product suited to your skin type. Follow with a lightweight serum or gel moisturiser to hydrate. For an extra cooling and soothing effect, try stashing your skincare in the fridge. The cool temperature helps calm the skin, tighten pores and kickstart your day with an energising boost. It is also a nod to the cryotherapy trend, now making its way from clinics to bathroom shelves. But you do not need fancy tools or treatments to enjoy the skin benefits of the cold, just glide an ice cube over your skin morning and night to tighten pores and give your face a quick refresh. Once your skin is clean and prepped, it is time to rethink textures. Heavy foundations and rich creams are not your friends during hot weather months. Instead, go for lightweight BB or CC creams that even out your complexion while letting your skin breathe. Plus, a mattifying primer can help lock in your base, blurring imperfections and keeping makeup from sliding off. Waterproof formulas are a must, especially around the eyes. Swap regular mascara and eyeliner for their smudge-proof versions to avoid the dreaded panda-eye effect by noon. As for lips, keep it low-maintenance with a hydrating balm or gloss during the day, then glam it up at night with a matte, long-wear lipstick that will not melt away as dusk turns to dawn. If you are still getting shiny by lunchtime, it is wise to keep a few heat-fighting essentials on hand. Blotting papers are perfect for soaking up excess oil without disturbing your makeup. A light facial mist refreshes and revives your skin (especially if it is infused with soothing ingredients), and a compact mattifying powder is your best ally for quick touch-ups between meetings, errands or happy hours. Many of the new-generation setting sprays offer various skin textures or finishes such as “dewy”, “matte” or “radiant”. With the right prep, lighter products and a few clever on-the-go fixes, your hot weather makeup can go the distance with no melting, smudging or sliding in sight. – ETX Studio

Colours can make a big difference in keeping you cool.

Hats are an obvious accessory for hot weather clobber.

you down with unnecessary layers. Ultimately, when a heatwave hits, you want your wardrobe to work with the weather, not against it. Choose smart fabrics, sunny shades and accessories that do double duty. Staying cool has never looked so good! – ETX Studio

That is where accessories come into play. Statement sunglasses, bold jewellery, playful raffia bags or a trusty bucket hat (yes, they are still riding high) can all add personality to your look while bringing practical perks such as sun protection. It is the easiest way to add originality to your outfit without weighing

Watsons takes centre stage at IOI City Mall Fashion Week

Watsons Malaysia unveils new team uniforms under its refreshed brand identity.

WATSONS Malaysia collaborated with IOI City Mall Fashion Week 2025 to present a showcase of health and beauty brands and products, including the unveiling of its new uniforms under its refreshed brand identity “The New Beautiful”. As the official makeup and hair partner, as well as the headline brand of the four-day fashion showcase, Watsons took centre stage at IOI City Mall Fashion Week with a full brand takeover last week. The runway and retail space were transformed with the energy of Watsons’ refreshed uniforms, designed to empower team members with a modern functional look. “We call it ‘The New Beautiful’ because beauty today is no longer just about how we look, it is about how we feel, how we care and how we live. This collaboration reflects how we show up every day proud, confident and connected to our customers. We are also unveiling our new uniform, new

Watsons also introduced the 45+ Club, a programme with tailored benefits and rewards for older members. Online, Watsons offers seamless services, including 24/7 shopping, express delivery as fast as two hours and daily online-exclusive deals and sales. In line with “The New Beautiful”, Watsons will continue curating in-demand beauty products across cultures. From the latest in K-beauty and J-beauty to spotlighting Malaysia’s homegrown beauty brands, Watsons aims to offer diverse trend-driven selections that resonate with every beauty lover. Relatedly, the Watsons Beautopia Beauty & Wellness Expo is set to take place at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre from July 3 to 6 – a four-day event where enthusiasts can explore the best of skincare, makeup, wellness and exclusive brand experiences all under one roof.

experiences for our members with an advanced loyalty programme, health and lifestyle initiatives, e-commerce and express delivery services and exclusive promotions that define the future of Watsons,” said Watsons Malaysia managing director and AS Watson Group Health & Beauty Asia COO Caryn Loh. The runway debut featured Watsons’ ambassadors Phei Yong and Ayda Jebat, along with celebrity friends, including Amber Chia, Nabil Mahir, Fiqrie, Arisa, Joshua, Gajen, Shu Faye and Kavitha. With the upgraded Watsons Club experience, customers now enjoy the biggest rewards programme through W Rewards, which recently entered the Malaysia Book of Records as the most merchant touchpoints in a CRM card. From eStamps to a host of benefits, every shop becomes more rewarding. Supporting holistic health and wellness,

Heavy foundations and rich creams are not recommended during hot weather.