Finally! Summer is just around the corner (sarcasm). Yes, you may be just as surprised as I was when you realize the first official day of summer is actually this Saturday, June 21. Forgive me for not noticing but I don’t believe anywhere has had a shortage of heat. That could just be the southern girl mentality I’ve developed that blindly assumes everywhere else has got to at least feel the heat radiating off of Tennessee. One thing I can say about the good ol’ country heat is that it has made me determined to master the art of summer makeup. The last thing you need is to spend time on your makeup only for it to turn your face into an unfortunate impressionistic-looking runny mess when you step outside. I’ve compiled a few of my favorite clean beauty makeup tips to help get you through the summer like the radiant glowy vixen you are…or is that just sweat? Here are 6 simple steps for summer-proof makeup when creating a natural everyday summer face.
6 Simple Steps For Summer-Proof Makeup
1. Beat the heat
Skins biggest stresser in the summer can be the elements your face…has to face. Oil producing temps plus sweat can wreak havoc on your skin. Starting off with a cleanser that will get your skin clean and combat excess oil is key. My favorite cleanser is Murad Clarifying Cleanser, it leaves the skin feeling super tingly clean and cool, keeps shine away and is not too drying.
Even though you should be putting on a moisturizer with sunscreen in it EVERY day of your life, sun protection during the summer is even more paramount. You may need to switch up the kind of moisturizer you use in the summer if your skin gets a lot more oily but never skip this step!! You’ll thank yourself later (no matter what age you are now!)
Moisturizing oils have been making a presence lately. It seems counter-inuitive to put oil on your face if you have oily or sensitive skin, but these all-natural versions are quite light and most won’t irritate unruly skin. I love Josie Marans argan oil to revive my skin after its been in the sun a lot. Ambi is a thicker moisturizer that I like to use daily because it’s not sticky and ingredient promote skin clarity and even tone to combat sun discoloration.
2. Show some skin
Now that you have at least the essentials protected, let your skin live a little! Give it some exposure. The last thing you want on a hot summer day is an entire face of melting foundation, a literal face-off situation. A great alternative is a light tinted foundation which can give light to medium coverage without being too heavy. If you’re wanting a more finished matte face, pick a long-wearing foundation that will be more sweat resistant, just try to limit the use as it can be pore-clogging.
Whatever option you choose using the right foundation brush will give you the most natural looking application! I am absolutely in love with the kabuki brush from bare minerals kabuki brush for liquid make up, it blends so nicely no matter what coverage you’re looking for.
3. Get your bronze on…safely
You’ve been pale and sickly looking all winter long, the suns out, I get it, you finally want some color. With all the amazing natural-looking bronzers on the market today though, there is no need to fry your delicate face! Did you know sun damage is one of the top wrinkle creators?? Of course you did, which is why you religiously wear your moisturizer with sunscreen in it everyday!
Shimmery bronzers are best used in moderation, like on the apples of your cheeks. Matte bronzers tend to look the best on mature skin. When applying bronzer, always follow the natural hallows of your cheeks, chin and forehead. NYC color has a great line of inexpensive bronzers that are multi-colored for a natural look and just a hint of shimmer that can work on everyone.
4. Pretty eyes at the pool
If I had my way I’d be frolicking on the beach every possible second, but if all I can get is the pool I’ll take it. If you’re going to a pool party or are simply going to be out in the heat, water-proof mascara is a must. There are some great long lasting formulas, like very long lasting. Beware, water-proof is great but it is a lot harsher on your lashes than regular mascara. Make sure you have a good water-proof remover so you don’t have to grow all new lashes before you can get the stuff off.
The same goes for eyeliner. This might be your time to embrace the liquid liner. Creamy liners are great for that smoky eye look but the humidity will not think twice about giving you raccoon eyes, or make it look like you got in a bar fight. Liquid liner takes a little practice to master but stays in place! They also make water-proof options I like Sephora’s water-proof brand.
5. Anti-wilt lashes
This is probably one of my favorite make up tips. You faced your liquid liner, shaky hands and all now its time for that other scary contraption, the eyelash curler. If you want a fresh vibrant, my-allergies-aren’t-killing-me- look, curling your lashes is an instant face refresher. In the summer weather however, and with your water proof mascara, that beautiful curl you accomplished in the morning might end up a little sad at days end. The solution is to add a little heat. They do make heated eye-lash curlers, however, I simply grab a hairdryer and heat the inside curved rim of the curler for a few seconds. While warm, gently press the closed, curved edge of the curler up against your lashes. It will give you an even flintier and long-lasting curl.
If you’ve never had one of these guillotine looking things near your eyeballs before, fear not. Buying the right one is key. It may not seem like it makes a difference but as someone who has tried literally everyone out there, quality does matter. I love the Shiseido eyelash curler, along with a million other women, the thing has its own cult following. The most important thing when using the curler is to get as close to your lash line as possible, but don’t pinch your skin! Easier said than done at first, but worth it.
6. Sun-kissed smile
Spending time in the sun can be just as harsh on your delicate lips as the cold in winter. Make sure to keep your lips protected with a balm that has sunscreen in it. My favorite product to use for balm is actually the do-everything-cream Aquaphor great for everything like supple lips to baby bottoms. I always have tubes of it with me.
Lip stain is a great option to add some color for summer because you can make it as intense or as light as you want and it stays in place. It gives a much fresher look than layered on lipstick. Benefit brand makes some great shades called Benetint.
What are some of your favorite summer makeup tips?