The dog days of summer are here, but don't let that keep you from looking your best. With its hot, sticky days and buggy, sticky nights, August presents a host of beauty challenges -- from frizzy hair to shiny skin. Before you go and do something crazy -- like wish for winter -- try these creative solutions for keeping your cool.BUG OFF

Instead of covering yourself with sticky, chemical-laden bug spray, dab on Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Bug Repellent. The DEET- and pesticide-free blend of certified organic essential oils naturally deters insects (trust me, it works), but smells more like a spicy-sweet perfume than a citronella candle. $26 at IntelligentNutrients.com.

Soothe a sunburn

Even with proper prevention (you're wearing at least an SPF 30 daily and reapplying it every hour, right?), sunburns happen. To soothe the sting, Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III of Crutchfield Dermatology in Eagan recommends an oldie but goodie: "Aloe vera gel every three to four hours. I like to keep it in the fridge," he said.

To help with inflammation, he also suggests applying hydrocortisone cream to sunburned skin every six hours and taking two aspirin every eight hours for up to three days.

SAFEGUARD COLOR

Hair needs sun protection, too. Especially if it's colored or highlighted in blond, which tends to turn brassy when exposed to the elements. For the ultimate defense, slip on a chic headscarf and spritz on a UV defense spray before heading outside. To prevent discoloration from chlorine, coat hair in conditioner before diving in. Try: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $26 at Aveda salons and aveda.com.

FIGHT FRIZZ

Start by putting down the blow drier. "Too much heat styling leads to flyaways," says Margaret Ayache, master stylist and creative director at Bespoke Hair Artisans in Edina. Instead, Ayache suggests applying a leave-in conditioner or light serum such as Kerastase Serum Oleo Relax, which helps control frizz without weighing down tresses. Got curls? Leave them alone. "Let hair air-dry without touching it." Result: More defined curls, less frizz.

Make a mask

Before your next cocktail party, whip up a big batch of this Firming Ice Cube Mask from celeb skin care guru Ole Henriksen:

1. Blend equal parts fresh lemon juice, brewed rose hip tea, brewed mint tea and vodka. The exfoliating enzymes in the lemon juice, circulation-enhancing ice and pore-tightening properties of the vodka create a natural temporary Botox-like effect.

2. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze.

3. Place a cube in a thin cotton handkerchief or towel and glide across face and throat for at least 2 minutes.

4. Allow mask to soak in, then follow with your regular skin care regimen. May be applied three to four times a week.

BANISH SHINE

There's a direct correlation between dew point and too-dewy looking skin. Combat unwanted shine with a mattefying primer that reduces oil, makes pores appear smaller and creates a smooth, flawless canvas for makeup. Try: Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, $18 at department stores. Then, tuck blotting papers in your tote for midday touch-ups. Try: Sonia Kashuk Blotting Papers, $7 at Target.

PROTECT YOUR POLISH

Don't let the sun have its way with your mani-pedi. Prevent premature peeling and discoloration by adding a top coat designed to block UV rays. Extending sunscreen to your nails and cuticles will also keep them looking shiny and new. Try: Essie Non-Yellowing Topcoat Sun Block, $8 at Ulta stores and Ulta.com.

CLEAN AND DRY

Keep locks from going greasy and limp with a shot of dry shampoo. Like an amped-up version of the old baby powder trick, these polymer-infused styling aids absorb oil while adding lift and volume. Spritz at the roots to make your blowout last longer or use to refresh day-old 'dos. Try: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $39 at Phresh SalonSpa in St. Paul.

MELT-PROOF MAKEUP

You don't have to be a synchronized swimmer to take advantage of the newest stay-put products. Avon's new ExtraLasting makeup collection contains pigments that prevent water, sweat and humidity from causing your foundation, eyeliner or mascara from running down your face. From $6 at Avon.com

GO NUTS

First there was water. Then there was Gatorade. Now there's coconut water. The latest way to hydrate isn't new. Coconut water has been around for thousands of years, but it's recently gone glam thanks to a few celebrity fans. One serving of the unsweetened, all-natural beverage contains five essential electrolytes and more potassium than a banana. Try: Zico Pure Coconut Water, from $2 at Trader Joe's and zico.com.

Minneapolis-based writer Elizabeth Dehn is the founder of BeautyBets.com.