The sweat that killed my pretty
August 28, 2012 4:26 AM Subscribe
Super last minute plea for help: I am going out for a super fancy pants dinner tomorrow night with my partner. The problem is that it is going to be hot as hell and I'm a person who sweats a fair bit. Help me save my hair, makeup and keep the back of my dress from getting soaked with sweat. Please... I beg of you... For once I want to end the date as pretty and put together as I was when the date started. :(
Me:
- 30
- female
- mostly healthy, eats well, goes to the gym 4-5 times a week, over weight but am steadily losing (I'm down 30lbs this year, about 100lbs total over the past 3 years)
- naturally curly hair that looks awful so I straighten it and then it looks fabulous
- mid/shoulder length hair
- I'm cold 90% of the time, even when everyone else is hot
- once I do respond to the heat I get VERY hot and sweaty
- I've been this way for as long as I can remember
- had my thyroid tested when I was a kid and just a few years ago, it is normal
So here's the issue. We're going to be going on a trip out of town tomorrow and tomorrow night we're going on a properly fancy date. He's wearing a suit, I'll be in a dress and heels and the whole kit and caboodle. I am fully capable of doing my hair and makeup to make myself look fabulous, but I predict that in the one block walk from our hotel to the restaurant all my efforts will be undone. My hair will frizz and curl around my temple in particular, my perfectly applied makeup will be smeared, and my back/dress will be damp with the sweat as well.
Things I do to try to offset it:
- waterproof mascara and limited eye make up
- use a makeup primer (though I don't think the stuff I have is much good)
- use straightening sprays and finishing creams to try to keep the moisture from ruining my hair
- don't touch my hair too much
- wear light, breathable fabrics, nothing overly clingy
I have yet to find any sort of solution for:
- my forehead sweat (which is the ruiner of hair and makeup)
- my back sweat (which looks awful)
So what can a girl do? How do you keep yourself from being a big sweaty mess? I know I could pin my hair up, which would for the most part solve that part, but my partner loves my hair when it is down (and I do too, it looks best that way) so I'd prefer to be able to wear it down and straight.
Me:
- 30
- female
- mostly healthy, eats well, goes to the gym 4-5 times a week, over weight but am steadily losing (I'm down 30lbs this year, about 100lbs total over the past 3 years)
- naturally curly hair that looks awful so I straighten it and then it looks fabulous
- mid/shoulder length hair
- I'm cold 90% of the time, even when everyone else is hot
- once I do respond to the heat I get VERY hot and sweaty
- I've been this way for as long as I can remember
- had my thyroid tested when I was a kid and just a few years ago, it is normal
So here's the issue. We're going to be going on a trip out of town tomorrow and tomorrow night we're going on a properly fancy date. He's wearing a suit, I'll be in a dress and heels and the whole kit and caboodle. I am fully capable of doing my hair and makeup to make myself look fabulous, but I predict that in the one block walk from our hotel to the restaurant all my efforts will be undone. My hair will frizz and curl around my temple in particular, my perfectly applied makeup will be smeared, and my back/dress will be damp with the sweat as well.
Things I do to try to offset it:
- waterproof mascara and limited eye make up
- use a makeup primer (though I don't think the stuff I have is much good)
- use straightening sprays and finishing creams to try to keep the moisture from ruining my hair
- don't touch my hair too much
- wear light, breathable fabrics, nothing overly clingy
I have yet to find any sort of solution for:
- my forehead sweat (which is the ruiner of hair and makeup)
- my back sweat (which looks awful)
So what can a girl do? How do you keep yourself from being a big sweaty mess? I know I could pin my hair up, which would for the most part solve that part, but my partner loves my hair when it is down (and I do too, it looks best that way) so I'd prefer to be able to wear it down and straight.
Best answer: A few ideas, depending on your level of accepting suffering:
- face spray to keep the makeup in place
- really cold shower before -- if you really get your body cooled down, it should take a while to get back up to temp, which should get you to the restaurant in one piece.
- LEAVE ON TIME so that you can saunter. One way that ladies avoid sweating is that ladies avoid ever moving at more than a stroll. (I kid - but don't let your self be in a rush.)
posted by mercredi at 4:46 AM on August 28, 2012 [5 favorites]
- face spray to keep the makeup in place
- really cold shower before -- if you really get your body cooled down, it should take a while to get back up to temp, which should get you to the restaurant in one piece.
- LEAVE ON TIME so that you can saunter. One way that ladies avoid sweating is that ladies avoid ever moving at more than a stroll. (I kid - but don't let your self be in a rush.)
posted by mercredi at 4:46 AM on August 28, 2012 [5 favorites]
On the clothing front, go with long loose linen. It doesn't retain body heat which should help.
posted by Augenblick at 4:53 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Augenblick at 4:53 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: In the long run, you might want to talk to your doctor. Excessive sweating is a symptom of a number of problems, and thyroid is just one of them. Of course, it might not be a symptom of anything; some people just sweat more than others.
In the short term, you can apply a thin layer of unscented antiperspirant to your back, and use a makeup setting spray (Urban Decay makes a nice one, but even the cheap-y E.L.F. spray is pretty good). Bring blotting tissue and powder and touch up after arriving at the restaurant. You can try to use a product meant to tame frizz, but some hair textures are just going to respond to humidity no matter what.
The car service mintcake! suggests is the most surefire way I can think of to arrive without getting sweaty, though.
posted by asciident at 4:57 AM on August 28, 2012 [2 favorites]
In the short term, you can apply a thin layer of unscented antiperspirant to your back, and use a makeup setting spray (Urban Decay makes a nice one, but even the cheap-y E.L.F. spray is pretty good). Bring blotting tissue and powder and touch up after arriving at the restaurant. You can try to use a product meant to tame frizz, but some hair textures are just going to respond to humidity no matter what.
The car service mintcake! suggests is the most surefire way I can think of to arrive without getting sweaty, though.
posted by asciident at 4:57 AM on August 28, 2012 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I would DEFINITELY take a cab!
You are probably not considering wearing tights. Just in case, though: Don't wear tights! Go bare-legged.
Minty or eucalyptus-y shower gel, lotion and shampoo is good for cooling down the body and scalp.
I would try not to wear a full face of make-up just because it gets so hot and you'll feel uncomfortable. But admittedly, that depends on the type of place you're going to. You may feel that the make-up is non-negotiable.
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:00 AM on August 28, 2012
You are probably not considering wearing tights. Just in case, though: Don't wear tights! Go bare-legged.
Minty or eucalyptus-y shower gel, lotion and shampoo is good for cooling down the body and scalp.
I would try not to wear a full face of make-up just because it gets so hot and you'll feel uncomfortable. But admittedly, that depends on the type of place you're going to. You may feel that the make-up is non-negotiable.
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:00 AM on August 28, 2012
Response by poster: The sweating itsn't medical. For numerous reasons I have undergone a battery of tests in recent years. It isn't anything apart from "I sweat a lot".
- Makeup setting sprays sound brilliant. I, however, live in a small city in Canada and don't have access to a Sephora/MAC/etc. and I don't have time to order something online as we leave tomorrow morning. Are there any drugstore versions that are serviceable?
- Def. going bare legged (or mostly -- wearing fencenets).
- Cold shower before is a good idea as well.
- We're going to be in Montreal so yes, car service is available. The cab is a good idea. I hate the spend the money, it seems like a waste for one block, but it may be worth it... I'll discuss with my partner.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:19 AM on August 28, 2012
- Makeup setting sprays sound brilliant. I, however, live in a small city in Canada and don't have access to a Sephora/MAC/etc. and I don't have time to order something online as we leave tomorrow morning. Are there any drugstore versions that are serviceable?
- Def. going bare legged (or mostly -- wearing fencenets).
- Cold shower before is a good idea as well.
- We're going to be in Montreal so yes, car service is available. The cab is a good idea. I hate the spend the money, it seems like a waste for one block, but it may be worth it... I'll discuss with my partner.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:19 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: I just happened to see this Neat 3B 3B Face Saver Gel Facial Antiperspirant in a blog yesterday. Can't vouch for it personally, but I think it's one of many products out there now trying to meet this need. You are not alone!!
Be sure to give yourself LOTS of time to cool down between the end of getting-ready activity and time to go to the restaurant. You want to be completely mellow, and well recovered from the chaos and HEAT of steamy bathrooms and hairdryers and curling irons and pulling on hosiery and all the other adrenaline-y exertion of date preparation. Have the AC on max while you're getting ready, too, and enjoy a peaceful, cool cocktail (or two!) with your man in the room before you depart.
If it were me, I'd style my hair long and straight just how you want it, then twist it up tight with a spin-pin or alligator clip or something to keep it frizz-free and off your neck until you get to the restaurant. As soon as you get there, excuse yourself to the ladies' room and recover/primp as needed. Take your time. I've been known to pack a small washcloth or other super-absorbent fabric (baby's cloth diapers are awesome) for heavy-duty dabbing purposes, since paper towels, tissues, or even a traditional handkerchief are often just not up to the task. Heck, you could even pin one under your bra strap in the back for the walk, then just chuck it when you get there -- none's the wiser!
This previous AskMe has some tips that may help, too.
Hope you have a fantastic time!
posted by argonauta at 5:21 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
Be sure to give yourself LOTS of time to cool down between the end of getting-ready activity and time to go to the restaurant. You want to be completely mellow, and well recovered from the chaos and HEAT of steamy bathrooms and hairdryers and curling irons and pulling on hosiery and all the other adrenaline-y exertion of date preparation. Have the AC on max while you're getting ready, too, and enjoy a peaceful, cool cocktail (or two!) with your man in the room before you depart.
If it were me, I'd style my hair long and straight just how you want it, then twist it up tight with a spin-pin or alligator clip or something to keep it frizz-free and off your neck until you get to the restaurant. As soon as you get there, excuse yourself to the ladies' room and recover/primp as needed. Take your time. I've been known to pack a small washcloth or other super-absorbent fabric (baby's cloth diapers are awesome) for heavy-duty dabbing purposes, since paper towels, tissues, or even a traditional handkerchief are often just not up to the task. Heck, you could even pin one under your bra strap in the back for the walk, then just chuck it when you get there -- none's the wiser!
This previous AskMe has some tips that may help, too.
Hope you have a fantastic time!
posted by argonauta at 5:21 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Use a thin layer of makeup primer or long-wearing foundation on your forehead. Get some blotting papers or have a folded kleenex in your hand and discreetly blot forehead on your walk. Maybe slip into an air-conditioned bar on your walk to restaurant for pre-dinner drinks? Just saw your update and it's only a block away.
I think a thin layer of invisible anti-persperant on back might be a good idea but test it first. There might be residue. As a kid I used to sweat a ton. I continued to sweat into my twenties and thirties. I was the person who would always be a sweaty mess in the clubs while my friends looked like they just stepped out of a salon. Anyway, in fifth grade I liked this boy in my neighborhood and hated the way my face sweated (It was summertime in Florida). I put Secret on my face and after five minutes on my face all the neighborhood kids were asking what was that white stuff on my face. Deodorants are more advanced today and you may not get that residue.
Avoid Spanx, shapewear, pantyhose, or synthetic fabrics.
Drink tall glass of ice water when you arrive. Go to bathroom, freshen up. Do you have a purse-sized straightening iron? I don't know if they work well and I don't know how practical it would be to bust it out in the restaurant bathroom, but it may be an option.
posted by Fairchild at 5:29 AM on August 28, 2012
I think a thin layer of invisible anti-persperant on back might be a good idea but test it first. There might be residue. As a kid I used to sweat a ton. I continued to sweat into my twenties and thirties. I was the person who would always be a sweaty mess in the clubs while my friends looked like they just stepped out of a salon. Anyway, in fifth grade I liked this boy in my neighborhood and hated the way my face sweated (It was summertime in Florida). I put Secret on my face and after five minutes on my face all the neighborhood kids were asking what was that white stuff on my face. Deodorants are more advanced today and you may not get that residue.
Avoid Spanx, shapewear, pantyhose, or synthetic fabrics.
Drink tall glass of ice water when you arrive. Go to bathroom, freshen up. Do you have a purse-sized straightening iron? I don't know if they work well and I don't know how practical it would be to bust it out in the restaurant bathroom, but it may be an option.
posted by Fairchild at 5:29 AM on August 28, 2012
Sally Beauty Supply here in the States sells little rice paper face blotters at the counter. Maybe a drugstore that sells make-up would have those?
I carry tissues, face powder (neutral), and concealer in my purse when going out. Then I pop into the ladies room and fix myself if necessary. I also favor cornstarch powder in sweaty areas like under the cleavage and other likely to get moist areas. Just do it all before you put on your nice dress!
Another thing I've done is spray a hankie with light perfume or my favorite essential oil and tuck it between the cleavage. Or just leave it dry and use it to blot your forehead.
I also have curly hair that tends to frizz. In this situation, I might gel it and slick it back into a French knot.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 5:41 AM on August 28, 2012
I carry tissues, face powder (neutral), and concealer in my purse when going out. Then I pop into the ladies room and fix myself if necessary. I also favor cornstarch powder in sweaty areas like under the cleavage and other likely to get moist areas. Just do it all before you put on your nice dress!
Another thing I've done is spray a hankie with light perfume or my favorite essential oil and tuck it between the cleavage. Or just leave it dry and use it to blot your forehead.
I also have curly hair that tends to frizz. In this situation, I might gel it and slick it back into a French knot.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 5:41 AM on August 28, 2012
Oops, sorry. I would still go for the gel, even if worn down. Or look for a product with keratin in it before straightening, that seems to lock it in. Carry a little bottle in your purse for smoothing the temple frizz down in the loo.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 5:43 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 5:43 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: Lady, you need baby powder. Or just use plain cornstarch so you don't go walking around smelling like baby butts all day.
I sweat a lot, too, and have beencursed blessed with one of the hottest summers on record. Swamp ass (you all know what that is don't make me get graphic here) has been a constant and definite concern. The answer is baby powder.
Absolutely slather yourself in it. It will go a long, long way to keeping you dry (absolutely coat your back--you may want to do this over the tub so you don't make a mess) and will keep you from being a sloppy mess when you get to the restaurant.
Trust me on this. It's amazing.
posted by phunniemee at 5:56 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
I sweat a lot, too, and have been
Absolutely slather yourself in it. It will go a long, long way to keeping you dry (absolutely coat your back--you may want to do this over the tub so you don't make a mess) and will keep you from being a sloppy mess when you get to the restaurant.
Trust me on this. It's amazing.
posted by phunniemee at 5:56 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Powder your back & other sweaty parts with Gold Bond or baby powder. Do this once you are dry but before you get dressed. Smooth it into your skin.
Defnitely minimal makeup. Blotting tissues or hanky for the walk. Shoppers /PharmaPrix will definitely have some blotting paper. I like having a men's cotton hanky because they are substantial enough to mop my brow with.
the other thing you can do is just remember that these things are going to be glaring to you but barely noticeable to most everyone else. I watched a female presenter the other day lead a workshop with visible pit stains, and I didn't judge her harshly for it. You're human, it's okay if your hair is a little curly at the temples.
Finally, I want to say yay! for the achievement of substantial weight loss.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 5:57 AM on August 28, 2012
Defnitely minimal makeup. Blotting tissues or hanky for the walk. Shoppers /PharmaPrix will definitely have some blotting paper. I like having a men's cotton hanky because they are substantial enough to mop my brow with.
the other thing you can do is just remember that these things are going to be glaring to you but barely noticeable to most everyone else. I watched a female presenter the other day lead a workshop with visible pit stains, and I didn't judge her harshly for it. You're human, it's okay if your hair is a little curly at the temples.
Finally, I want to say yay! for the achievement of substantial weight loss.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 5:57 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: Instead of a liquid foundation, use a mineral powder. They're in the drugstores, I just get whatever is on sale and what I have a coupon for.
Of course by the time you buy these things, you could have easily taken a cab and over tipped the driver for the one block drive.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:01 AM on August 28, 2012 [2 favorites]
Of course by the time you buy these things, you could have easily taken a cab and over tipped the driver for the one block drive.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:01 AM on August 28, 2012 [2 favorites]
Another sweaty girl here :-(. Be ready an hour early if you can. Between the hot weather, a shower, the hair dryer and machinations to straighten hair and running around getting ready, you are primed to be hot and sweaty before you even step out the door. When I am in this situation, I make sure I'm ready an hour before I'm due to go, so I can sit and relax and cool down before we go so I don't start sweating the minute I leave.
posted by cecic at 6:05 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by cecic at 6:05 AM on August 28, 2012
What kinds of fabrics do you usually wear? I used to think I was just one of those people who was doomed to have pit stains forever and ever, but it turns out that I actually just sweat balls when I'm wearing certain synthetic fabrics (and my teen/young adult years were all about fast fashion, so I didn't really own anything made of nice fabric). I still have a few items that I love but accept that I can only wear them in situations that are 10 degrees cooler than their intended use (e.g. my beautiful rayon "summer" dress which I only wear in the fall). The difference this made for me was so dramatic that I was able to switch from Certain-Dri to organic hippie deodorant with no anti-perspirant at all.
But I'm going to nth the car service or taxi. Once I get started sweating, it's always downhill for the rest of the night, so don't set yourself up to fail. And don't underestimate the power of relaxing. If you sweat, you sweat. Your SO has seen you sweat and presumably still thinks you're pretty great.
posted by telegraph at 6:13 AM on August 28, 2012
But I'm going to nth the car service or taxi. Once I get started sweating, it's always downhill for the rest of the night, so don't set yourself up to fail. And don't underestimate the power of relaxing. If you sweat, you sweat. Your SO has seen you sweat and presumably still thinks you're pretty great.
posted by telegraph at 6:13 AM on August 28, 2012
For the back sweat: in addition to corn starch, you might wear a thin camisole under your dress to soak it up. Amen to no synthetic fibers, and that includes silk, sadly.
Yeah, baby powder smell nauseating; avoid at all costs. Between blotting tissues, car service, camisole, and moving slowly, I think you'll be fine.
It gets that hot in Montreal, really?
posted by BostonTerrier at 6:26 AM on August 28, 2012
Yeah, baby powder smell nauseating; avoid at all costs. Between blotting tissues, car service, camisole, and moving slowly, I think you'll be fine.
It gets that hot in Montreal, really?
posted by BostonTerrier at 6:26 AM on August 28, 2012
Yes BostonTerrier, it can get quite hot in Montreal, dangerous heat waves etc.
And if you're a sweaty lass, you don't really need that much thermal provocation.
Is it sad to say that I am really really really excited to learn about forehead antiperspirant?
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 6:45 AM on August 28, 2012
And if you're a sweaty lass, you don't really need that much thermal provocation.
Is it sad to say that I am really really really excited to learn about forehead antiperspirant?
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 6:45 AM on August 28, 2012
Fans--this is what they were designed for.
At home before you leave you can leave an electric fan aimed at you (perhaps on low so as not to blow things out of place). This will help you leave home cool & sweat free.
As soon as you leave, use a hand fan, even a stiff piece of paper or something like a magazine will work, but since you are dressing up fancy, something like this. Fan continuously while walking and for maybe 15 minutes after arriving or as long as you feel even slightly warm. Also, walk very slowly.
This can be used in addition to any of the solutions mentioned by others above or below.
posted by flug at 6:46 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
At home before you leave you can leave an electric fan aimed at you (perhaps on low so as not to blow things out of place). This will help you leave home cool & sweat free.
As soon as you leave, use a hand fan, even a stiff piece of paper or something like a magazine will work, but since you are dressing up fancy, something like this. Fan continuously while walking and for maybe 15 minutes after arriving or as long as you feel even slightly warm. Also, walk very slowly.
This can be used in addition to any of the solutions mentioned by others above or below.
posted by flug at 6:46 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
Pull your hair up just for the walk or while you're outside - once you arrive at the restaurant, hit the ladies room to freshen up and pull your hair down (you can clip it up underneath and probably not get much of a visible dent). I notice a very big difference when my hair is up off my neck.
posted by mrs. taters at 6:47 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by mrs. taters at 6:47 AM on August 28, 2012
Are there any drugstore versions that are serviceable?
I don't know what's available in Canadian drugstores, but E.L.F. is often found in U.S. drugstores. This is the product I mentioned, for reference. If that's not available, there might be another brand you can try. Good luck!
posted by asciident at 6:50 AM on August 28, 2012
I don't know what's available in Canadian drugstores, but E.L.F. is often found in U.S. drugstores. This is the product I mentioned, for reference. If that's not available, there might be another brand you can try. Good luck!
posted by asciident at 6:50 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: The key to non-sticky clothes are the undergarments you choose. Cotton and linen are nice only when they’re loose and flowy and allow for air circulation, and nylon actually absorbs moisture but is loathe to breathe. Regarding the sweaty-dress syndrome: depending on the cut of your dress, wicking undergarments are your friend. Folks are mostly right when they say avoid synthetic fabrics, but the base garments that will pull sweat, evaporate very quickly AND make you feel cooler (hence, less sweating) will be made of a polyester/lycra blend. Think bike shorts. A sports bra may give you uni-boob, but these compression garments actually keep you cooler. If you’re small-chested, consider a fitted sport tank. Again, you want a polyester blend, NOT nylon.
As a woman who frequently has had sweat run down her thighs and was afraid to stand after sitting outside, knowing her skirt would be glued to her butt, I now wear bike shorts under all dresses, regardless of length. And I know about the being sweaty thing; after losing a great deal of weight over the years, the non-reduction in my sweat output has been disappointing, to say the least.
posted by cdadog at 6:58 AM on August 28, 2012
As a woman who frequently has had sweat run down her thighs and was afraid to stand after sitting outside, knowing her skirt would be glued to her butt, I now wear bike shorts under all dresses, regardless of length. And I know about the being sweaty thing; after losing a great deal of weight over the years, the non-reduction in my sweat output has been disappointing, to say the least.
posted by cdadog at 6:58 AM on August 28, 2012
Response by poster: Dress is strapless, so a cami under the dress isn't really an option. It is also black cotton so I worry a bit about white streaks/smears from any powder on my back.
And yes, Boston Terrier, it gets that hot in Montreal. It actually gets that hot in lots of places in Canada. I live in New Brunswick and all summer our temperatures have been around 28-30 degrees celcius, which is high 80's in Fahrenheit. With the humidity it has been in the low 100's for a lot of the summer. Brutal.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 7:16 AM on August 28, 2012
And yes, Boston Terrier, it gets that hot in Montreal. It actually gets that hot in lots of places in Canada. I live in New Brunswick and all summer our temperatures have been around 28-30 degrees celcius, which is high 80's in Fahrenheit. With the humidity it has been in the low 100's for a lot of the summer. Brutal.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 7:16 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: Crank up the air conditioning in the hotel as high as it will go and stand with your back directly in front of it for a few minutes before you go outside. Also apply ice cubes or a cold soda/pop can to your wrists; I'm told that cooling the blood vessels will help cool the rest of you. If you have metal jewelry, stick it in the refrigerator before putting it on. Do not drink alcohol before you leave the hotel and do not drink it at all if you feel yourself getting the slightest bit warm.
This is not medical advice and I am not responsible for hypothermia. :)
posted by desjardins at 7:31 AM on August 28, 2012
This is not medical advice and I am not responsible for hypothermia. :)
posted by desjardins at 7:31 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: Get a cold drink or bring a cold bottle of water and hold it on the insides of your wrist. Someone told me to do that years ago and I forget the reason why - I think circulation. It works for me!
posted by spec80 at 7:41 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by spec80 at 7:41 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: Get ready earlier than you think you'll need, you want at least a good half hour of time between when you are all made up and ready to go, and when you go. Crank up the air conditioning and sit in front of a fan, get nice and cool before you head out, you want to be even a little bit cold that should help you make it one block without sweating too much, as you will get there before you body realizes it's now too warm and needs to sweat. I get so sweaty and red faced getting ready to go out between showers and hair dryers and changing clothes.
Other ideas
Can you make the dinner reservation for a later time so you are going out more in the evening when things are cooler.
I would also spring for a cab, and make sure I was wearing shoes I could walk in easily, all you need is the extra strain of trying to walk in new or too high shoes. Put your hair up if possible, and carry a little battery fan to blow on your neck while you walk. A hanky in your purse to mop your brow and some powder to dust your face down with if you get shiney. Also it's not exactly classy but I have been known to sneak to the restroom and blow the hand dryer down the back of my shirt and in my cleavage to dry off any sweat
posted by wwax at 7:50 AM on August 28, 2012
Other ideas
Can you make the dinner reservation for a later time so you are going out more in the evening when things are cooler.
I would also spring for a cab, and make sure I was wearing shoes I could walk in easily, all you need is the extra strain of trying to walk in new or too high shoes. Put your hair up if possible, and carry a little battery fan to blow on your neck while you walk. A hanky in your purse to mop your brow and some powder to dust your face down with if you get shiney. Also it's not exactly classy but I have been known to sneak to the restroom and blow the hand dryer down the back of my shirt and in my cleavage to dry off any sweat
posted by wwax at 7:50 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer: Hang your dress in front of the a/c until the last minute so it's nice and cool when you put it on. I am a horrible sweaty gorilla in the summer and I do this all the time and it is DELIGHTFUL.
posted by elizardbits at 7:56 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by elizardbits at 7:56 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
The weather forecast for tomorrow in Montreal shows a high of 76 degrees. By early evening it should have cooled down a bit from that high, as well.
It's a one block walk. You shouldn't need nearly this level of preparation/maintenance unless a one block walk normally leaves you drenched in sweat.
I'd bring some blotting papers and enough makeup for a touchup if necessary (I'm a face-toucher, so I feel your pain on the makeup smearing). Maybe wear your hair up for the walk over and then primp on arrival.
If your back is drenched with sweat after a one block walk in cool weather, you need a doctor, not an antipersperant application strategy.
posted by Sara C. at 8:02 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
It's a one block walk. You shouldn't need nearly this level of preparation/maintenance unless a one block walk normally leaves you drenched in sweat.
I'd bring some blotting papers and enough makeup for a touchup if necessary (I'm a face-toucher, so I feel your pain on the makeup smearing). Maybe wear your hair up for the walk over and then primp on arrival.
If your back is drenched with sweat after a one block walk in cool weather, you need a doctor, not an antipersperant application strategy.
posted by Sara C. at 8:02 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
As flug upthread suggests - a FAN!
I was at an outdoor wine tasting in S Carolina last week and saw a lady with a fan - I wish I'd thought of it!!
posted by foxhat10 at 8:12 AM on August 28, 2012 [2 favorites]
I was at an outdoor wine tasting in S Carolina last week and saw a lady with a fan - I wish I'd thought of it!!
posted by foxhat10 at 8:12 AM on August 28, 2012 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Seconding spec80 above-- it's actually possible (in my experience) to hack your body's overall thermostat by applying cold to specific spots on your skin. I've never tried this with the wrist as spec suggests, but it's definitely true that something cold on the side of my neck (right over the jugular vein) keeps the rest of my body feeling cool for a long time. If you want to go hard-core, one of these cooling neck-wraps could be put in the freezer beforehand and concealed under a pretty scarf as you walk home-- but it'd probably also be possible just to freeze a little bottle of water or a cold-pack, keep it in your purse, and hold it against your neck if you feel yourself nearing the brink of overheating. Just be sure also to bring a hankie in case of condensation.
posted by Bardolph at 8:13 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by Bardolph at 8:13 AM on August 28, 2012
Are you in a place where you can grab some Certain-Dri tonight? If so, I would try applying it to the problematic areas of your back TONIGHT, and then on your back again tomorrow morning and before you shower before the date, and see if that does the trick. It'll leave no residue since you'll have washed it off but it SHOULD still impede your sweating. (I always apply it the night before big events when I'm concerned about deode residue, and it carries over to the next day.) Certain-Dri just, through whatever terrifying chemical means, shuts those processes DOWN.
Disclaimer: it may make you smell like a personal pencil sharpener? No idea why. Maybe that's just me.
posted by Powerful Religious Baby at 9:18 AM on August 28, 2012
Disclaimer: it may make you smell like a personal pencil sharpener? No idea why. Maybe that's just me.
posted by Powerful Religious Baby at 9:18 AM on August 28, 2012
I don't have much to add to all the excellent suggestions above, but here's a tip that could save you if you don't have or don't have time to buy blotting paper. If the place where you're going to dinner has one of those dispenser's for individual disposable paper toilet seat covers, it makes excellent blotting paper. Weird yes, but I saw it as a tip on some show eons ago, and while I haven't had cause to use it much, I have tried it in an emergency and it does work just as well as the store bought face blotting sheets.
posted by kaybdc at 9:58 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by kaybdc at 9:58 AM on August 28, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If you really want to cool your body down so that it will stay cooled for a good long while, run a bath full of straight cold water and lie in it for about five to ten minutes. Do that immediately before you get dressed and dolled up and head out the door and I can pretty much guarantee you that you won't be up to sweating temperature by the time you arrive at your destination.
I used to do this on summer nights when I lived, as it happens, in Montreal in various un-airconditioned apartments. The trick was to try to chill yourself down for long enough to get to sleep before you started to sweat during the hot, humid nights. It really does work, and it lasts a lot longer than a cold shower.
posted by yoink at 10:27 AM on August 28, 2012
I used to do this on summer nights when I lived, as it happens, in Montreal in various un-airconditioned apartments. The trick was to try to chill yourself down for long enough to get to sleep before you started to sweat during the hot, humid nights. It really does work, and it lasts a lot longer than a cold shower.
posted by yoink at 10:27 AM on August 28, 2012
Best answer:
posted by Th!nk at 10:34 AM on August 28, 2012
- Hire a car or have somebody drive you
- Powder like crazy
- Keep your hair off of your neck until you arrive
- Cold shower before getting dressed
- Turn down your AC a couple of hours before leaving
- Get some ice-packs, wrap with a towel and tuck them in your dress until you get there. Maybe keep one in your purse for emergencies
- Bring something to dab your face, and some powder.
- Wear open-toed shoes - or some other style that won't trap heat. No hosery!
- Call ahead and see if you can reserve a table in a cooler part of the restaurant
- Go light on underclothes (if you dare)
- Have an icy cold beverage to sip en-route and during dinner.
- Don't order anything to hot or spicy, or order cold dishes.
- Try your best to relax! Run through the evening in your head ahead of time and plan out ways to de-stress things that otherwise might raise your tension level.
- If you think you're ninja enough to pull it off, bring a little spritzer bottle so you can mist your legs if you start to get hot (the evaporation will help you lose heat)
- Wear anti-antiperspirant (not deodorant)
- Consider a small, battery operated fan for the drive
- An ice-pack on the back of your neck/upper back will lower your body temp.
posted by Th!nk at 10:34 AM on August 28, 2012
Sephora's just opened up in Montreal, so you might want to call ahead and see if they have any Dermadoctor MED-e-TATE wipes in stock.
posted by evoque at 11:06 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by evoque at 11:06 AM on August 28, 2012
If your sweat on your back tends to drip down the middle following your spine, just attach some panty liners inside your dress alnog that area for the walk. they will soak up any falling beads of sweat, are thin and invisible under most dresses, and you can just remove them in the bathroom once you reach your destination.
I' like you, also seem to always be cold compared to everyone else, but then sweat at the drop of a hat. I figured out that I get cold when I'm sitting still too much and making little fidget movements or getting up for short walks (to teh copier in the pffice, bathroom, wherever) helps keep me warm at those times and makes me less likely to drench myself in a second upon walking out into this summer's awful heat.
posted by WeekendJen at 11:24 AM on August 28, 2012
I' like you, also seem to always be cold compared to everyone else, but then sweat at the drop of a hat. I figured out that I get cold when I'm sitting still too much and making little fidget movements or getting up for short walks (to teh copier in the pffice, bathroom, wherever) helps keep me warm at those times and makes me less likely to drench myself in a second upon walking out into this summer's awful heat.
posted by WeekendJen at 11:24 AM on August 28, 2012
Also, re: straightening your hair - I find that blowing it out using a big round brush gives a better end result than using straightening irons, both with and without smoothing products.
posted by elizardbits at 11:28 AM on August 28, 2012
posted by elizardbits at 11:28 AM on August 28, 2012
I am similar in that once I get warm it's practically impossible for me to cool down in any acceptable time frame. I just sweat (mostly through my head) uncontrollably.
Two strategies that may help:
First, stay very very cold as you get ready. I find that getting ready for something, especially if I'm in a rush, makes my core temp heat up and once that happens I'm done for. So take your time. Get out of the shower, pause, make sure you're drying your hair in a cool room not a post-shower steambox. Sit down between doing your hair and make up. Basically slow it all down as much as possible. Before you go outside, sit down for 30 minutes in a cool spot - in front of a blasting A/C is what I'd do, until you're freezing cold.
Then, on your way there, do not rush! Walk slowly. Again, the goal is to lower your core temp down to where you're cold before you start and don't get into anything that would heat you up. I find that if i do that I've got 15-20 minutes in any hot temp before my body warms up enough that I need to start sweating. That should be enough time to get you there.
Now just hope the restaurant itself has good A/C!
posted by marylynn at 12:39 PM on August 28, 2012
Two strategies that may help:
First, stay very very cold as you get ready. I find that getting ready for something, especially if I'm in a rush, makes my core temp heat up and once that happens I'm done for. So take your time. Get out of the shower, pause, make sure you're drying your hair in a cool room not a post-shower steambox. Sit down between doing your hair and make up. Basically slow it all down as much as possible. Before you go outside, sit down for 30 minutes in a cool spot - in front of a blasting A/C is what I'd do, until you're freezing cold.
Then, on your way there, do not rush! Walk slowly. Again, the goal is to lower your core temp down to where you're cold before you start and don't get into anything that would heat you up. I find that if i do that I've got 15-20 minutes in any hot temp before my body warms up enough that I need to start sweating. That should be enough time to get you there.
Now just hope the restaurant itself has good A/C!
posted by marylynn at 12:39 PM on August 28, 2012
Certi dry
Baby powder as a backup when you get to the restaurant, but be careful of it with a black dress!
Liquid milk of magnesia in sparing amounts as a primer- cheap and effective in keeping makeup on.
posted by superfille at 1:22 PM on August 28, 2012
Baby powder as a backup when you get to the restaurant, but be careful of it with a black dress!
Liquid milk of magnesia in sparing amounts as a primer- cheap and effective in keeping makeup on.
posted by superfille at 1:22 PM on August 28, 2012
For a couple of years, because of medication I experienced the kind of overheating and sweating you're talking about. I'd put my hair up temporarily. I'd take a small tote bag with me and carry a normal hand towel, a bottle of cold water, a comb, and touch-up makeup. I'd go immediately to the ladies' room and dry off all my exposed skin, and press the water bottle against my neck. I sat down to do this, in a stall if necessary. After I cooled down some, I could touch up my makeup. I used powder foundation and also carried blotting papers. But if you have a little fan you might be able to use any foundation or tinted moisturizer. The last thing was to take my hair down and brush it a little.
The cooling down could take ten minutes or more, and my husband didn't like it because he thought it was weird. He'd sometimes tell the waiter I was making a phone call. Also, if the cabdriver commented, I said I had a foot injury.
Makeup setting sprays didn't help me. But it did help to quit trying to do everying in a "normal" way, and it was worth it because I really liked dressing up and looking elegant once in a while. Aim for maximum enjoyment during dinner.
posted by wryly at 1:37 PM on August 28, 2012
The cooling down could take ten minutes or more, and my husband didn't like it because he thought it was weird. He'd sometimes tell the waiter I was making a phone call. Also, if the cabdriver commented, I said I had a foot injury.
Makeup setting sprays didn't help me. But it did help to quit trying to do everying in a "normal" way, and it was worth it because I really liked dressing up and looking elegant once in a while. Aim for maximum enjoyment during dinner.
posted by wryly at 1:37 PM on August 28, 2012
Hairspray!! Hairspray nowadays is much nicer than years ago and is the only thing that will keep the area around my temples (I have one very stubborn wave) straight all night. L'oreal Elnett is amazing and available at any drugstore.
And yes, definitely anti-perspirant on your back - make sure it's anti-perspirant because deoderant is not the same thing and will not keep you from sweating.
posted by echo0720 at 4:18 PM on August 28, 2012
And yes, definitely anti-perspirant on your back - make sure it's anti-perspirant because deoderant is not the same thing and will not keep you from sweating.
posted by echo0720 at 4:18 PM on August 28, 2012
If you have metal jewelry, stick it in the refrigerator before putting it on.
Desjardins, I just tried this with a couple of metal cuff bracelets in the freezer for 5 minutes - very nice! I may have to keep a few in there all the time now!
posted by platinum at 5:02 PM on August 28, 2012
Desjardins, I just tried this with a couple of metal cuff bracelets in the freezer for 5 minutes - very nice! I may have to keep a few in there all the time now!
posted by platinum at 5:02 PM on August 28, 2012
I started looking into cream antiperspirants for use on the face/hairline after reading some of the comments in this thread, and one of the most often recommended is Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant. And there's a Kiehl's downtown in Montreal, just East of Ste. Catherine and McGill!
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 9:08 AM on August 29, 2012
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 9:08 AM on August 29, 2012
This may not be relevant to the OP, but could be to others who have similar issues. If you're abnormally sweaty and have always been that way, if you randomly sweat, or if you sweat profusely in certain areas but not all (like hands/feet; head/neck), you may have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. This won't typically show up on standard lab tests and is usually treated by a dermatologist. This site http://www.sweathelp.org/ has good info on the condition, and many of the coping strategies may work to help combat more normal but still troublesome sweating.
posted by Kalatraz at 8:43 PM on August 29, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Kalatraz at 8:43 PM on August 29, 2012 [1 favorite]
Certain medications can also cause hyperhidrosis.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 1:46 PM on August 30, 2012
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 1:46 PM on August 30, 2012
I am desperate to know how the dinner went down.
posted by Sara C. at 1:49 PM on August 30, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Sara C. at 1:49 PM on August 30, 2012 [2 favorites]
Just for anecdata, I tried using Arid rollon when I went out today. I put it just inside and along the edges of my hairline, behind my ears and on the back of my neck. It was a little sticky/stiff, but not distracting or gross. AND IT WORKED PRAISE JEEBUS! I felt the sweat wanting out but nuh-unh! I came home DRY for the first time in FOREVER.
I know I'm not the OP, but THANK YOU METAFILTER!
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 4:32 PM on September 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
I know I'm not the OP, but THANK YOU METAFILTER!
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 4:32 PM on September 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Followup: The dinner went awesomely! It was warm and humid but the little bit of antipersperent along my hairline, having a cold shower before getting ready, and getting ready starkers defintitely helped! I also kept my speed-walking partner going at a nice strolling pace so I didn't get all worked up on the walk over. My hair stayed lovely, I didn't wilt and sweat, and my makeup didn't budge. Hurray!
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 8:43 AM on September 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 8:43 AM on September 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
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