SPENCER BAPISTA

Rains can be beautiful or messy, depending on what you do about it – sulk or celebrate. Nothing should be stopping you from loving the season if you know a few monsoon basics. So what are you waiting for? Take out that funky dress from your wardrobe, while we give you a couple of handy tips.

Wear light clothing: It is better to avoid thick clothing materials like denims, or thick cottons and stock your wardrobe with light bright t-shirts either in floral prints or in pastels. Capris, skirts, cotton skin tights and many more are all good monsoon wears.Try to avoid wearing layered dresses in the rainy seasons as they only add to the muddle.
Waterproof make-up is a must: We know how it feels when the make-up refuses to stay on the skin and gets washed out either in the humidity or the downpour. But yes, you can look your best with few simple make-up tricks, even during the messy season. Restrict your make-up to the minimum and use waterproof products.
Skin care: Don’t forget that monsoons demand a little extra care for your skin, as there is already a lot of moisture in the air that can make your skin rough and dull. Use home made or other skin packs to keep your skin breathing.
Hair care: Go for an uncomplicated hairstyle, which doesn’t require regular maintenance. It’s best to keep a messy, wavy hairstyle as the rain will only add up to the style. Washing your hair daily with a good mild shampoo is advisable so that your scalp remains clean all the time.
Colours: You can beat the grey and dull weather with blues, reds and oranges. Avoid whites into the closet for a couple of months. Wearing white in the monsoon is certainly not a good idea as white clothes tend to get transparent when wet and get stained easily. The colour of your shirt can vary from blue, pink and red.
Indian outfits: If you prefer a more traditional Indian outfit during monsoon season, then avoid salwars and patialas, but instead pick up a pair of short kurtis with leggings or churidars. Long dupattas, which are difficult to manage during the rains, can be replaced with scarfs or stoles. Stay away from prints and fabric that tend to bleed when wet.
Footwear: Leather shoes or sandals aren’t great in the rain as they tend to soak water and dry very slowly. Instead, choose jelly shoes, flats, floaters or any other sturdy footwear, which is also slip resistant. Avoid loose sandals as they tend to squirt dirt back on to you.