summer proof your makeup

As the summer months are creeping up on us we are breaking out the sandals and tank tops but we can't forget about our summer makeup.  If you are like us, you like to keep it simple and low maintenance in the summer.  Using minimal products mean less time sweating in the bathroom and more time enjoying the nice weather and longer days.  Here are our best tips to keep your face in place and get you out the door quicker!

1.)  Skin:  First and foremost, don't forget to prep your face with a good moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Neutrogena makes several great ones including their new line of Spectrum with Heliplex360 (SPF up to 100!).   If you are super concerned with your makeup staying put, use a primer.  It will help hold makeup in place.  Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a great one to try.  If you use a foundation in the winter months, consider switching to a tinted moisturizer.  They are lightweight, sheer and give you a very natural finish.  Laura Mercier is considered the gold standard when it comes to tinted moisturizers.

 Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $42 at Sephora

2.) Eyes:  For eyes we recommend switching to a waterproof mascara in your brand of choice.  We have always been partial to Maybelline.  Avoid using cream eye makeup in the summer months.  It comes off quicker than powder and you definatly don't want your eye shadow running down your face.  If you really want your eye makeup to stay put, try an eye primer under powder eye shadow.  This gives something for your powder to "stick" to.

Estee Lauder Stay In Place Eyeshadow Base $15 at Estee Lauder

3.) Cheeks:  A great tip to keep your blush in place is to first apply a gel or cream blush and then blend a powder blush on top.  The gel or cream will sink into the skin and the powder will set it in place.  Simple, quick, and stays put!  Check out our previous blog on how to apply gel or cream blush if you are a newbie.  Tarte is a popular gel blush among makeup experts and celbs.

 

Tarte Cheek Stain $30 at Sephora

4.)  Lips:  Save the heavy, dark lipcolor for winter and fall.  They can be a little overkill for summer when the vibe should be more light and fun.  Just because you are going light on your makeup doesn't mean you need to skip the lips.  Applying even a tinted lip balm can give your lips a hint of color and make you look finished.  Some even have a built in SPF.

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate $3 at Burt's Bees

General Tips:

-  Summer is the perfect time to experiment with color.  Rich hues have their place, but for summer go for lighter more vibrant colors.   Not only do they look more summer-esque but they brighten the face, making you look younger (hello!).  If you aren't sure what colors you would like to try, go for a palate which will give you several colors to play with, mix, and test out.  Just remember to keep it age appropriate and don't go overboard.  Pick one feature to add a pop of color to and keep everything else neutral.

Stilla Pro Artist Palette #1 $28 at Sephora

- Go sheer!  A great way to lighten up your makeup is to switch to sheer versions of your favorite products.  The great thing about sheer makeup is it is most often mistake proof.  It goes on super light so you can keep applying if you want it to be a little darker, or just do one layer for a hint of color.

Sonia Kashuk Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Gloss $8.99 at Target

-  If you feel the sweat coming on, avoid using powder as a way to cover up the shiny.  This will only make your makeup look cakey.  Instead invest in some blotting papers that will keep you nice and matte.  It's just as simple and easy to do.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets $5.99 at Drugstore.com