Summer playbook : Pool day with actress Ushasi Ray

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 poolSummer 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 RayEssential summer skin & hair care tipsUse broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; reapply every 2–3 hours and cover up with hats or scarvesChoose light, loose cotton clothing to prevent sweat rashes and irritationCleanse skin 2–3 times daily; maintain scalp hygiene with mild shampoosStay hydrated with water and water-rich fruits for healthy skin and hairOpt for lightweight, gel-based skincare; avoid heavy, oily productsLimit heat styling and heavy makeup to prevent damage and breakoutsChange out of sweaty clothes quickly; shower post-workoutProtect hair from sun and chlorine; rinse after swimmingEat balanced meals and sleep 7–8 hours dailyAvoid self-medication; consult a dermatologist for persistent concernsTrending lip & cheek tint colours are rosy nudes, peachy pinks, coral, watermelon pink, terracotta and warm brownsThe look breakdownMakeup:Light, waterproof foundation with translucent powder for sweat controlBronzer and creamy peach blush for a dewy, sunlit finishWaterproof mascara, metallic eyeshadow and smudged eyelinerGlossy pink lips for a hydrated lookSetting spray to lock everything in placeStyling:Lighter shades for a fresh feelPastels like lemon yellow, peach, baby pink and powder blue dominate Metallic accents add a timeless, glamorous edgeHair: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 BiswasSummer-ready starts with everyday wellnessHydrate consistently with chaas, coconut water and lemon waterEat seasonal produce. Include watermelon, cucumber, mango, mint and tomatoes in your diet fornatural hydrationDon’t skip protein like eggs, fish, paneer, dal, tofu and curd for energy and muscle healthAvoid heavy, fried foods that slow digestion and increase bloatingChoose lighter, balanced meals; eat smaller portions instead of skipping foodCheck cravings as they can show up as signs of dehydrationSupport skin health via your diet. Include vitamin C, nuts, seeds and fluids to boost glowFocus on strength and consistency over crash diets or quick fixesPrioritise sleep, regular movement and mindful habits for energy, digestion and overall summer wellness– Inputs by Shreyoshi Bhaumick Sinha, clinical nutritionistWhen out by the pool, wear water-proof sunscreen and add some glitter and bronzer on your body for that extra oomph- – Ushasi RayEssential summer skin & hair care tips Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; reapply every 2–3 hours and cover up with hats or scarvesChoose light, loose cotton clothing to prevent sweat rashes and irritationCleanse skin 2–3 times daily; maintain scalp hygiene with mild shampoosStay hydrated with water and water-rich fruits for healthy skin and hairOpt for lightweight, gel-based skincare; avoid heavy, oily productsLimit heat styling and heavy makeup to prevent damage and breakoutsChange out of sweaty clothes quickly; shower post-workoutProtect hair from sun and chlorine; rinse after swimmingEat balanced meals and sleep 7–8 hours daily Avoid self-medication; consult a dermatologist for persistent concerns– Tips shared by Dr Dolly Gupta, aesthetic dermatologistAccording to stylists, the colour trends this summer are powder blue, orange, lilac, soft pink, terracotta and neonsPic: Tathagata Ghosh; makeup: Sonam Jaiswal; hair: Kishore Biswas; styling: Soumya Nandy; location: The LaLiT Great Eastern KolkataInputs by Smritika Banerjee