Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing that needs an update when the temperatures rise. Balmy summer months bring many pleasures but can also bring dripping mascara, smudged liner, and sticky lipstick. No good. These tips will keep makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you.
Lighten your face makeup.
Just as you switch to breezy skirts and linen blouses, dress your face with lighter makeup. First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. Feeling a little too exposed? Brush powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage — say, on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose.
Try out vibrant color.
Just as you’re probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now’s the perfect time to play up your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, livelier colors brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin. If you tend to stick with neutrals, experiment with just one area of your face. A punchy blush on the apples of the cheeks is a good place to start.
Go sheer.
Rich, deep colors have their place, but they can look heavy in summer. To lighten up, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye hues. Use a lipliner pre-application if you need extra definition, but go for a nude shade to keep that carefree feeling, or try “invisible” lipliner, which deposits a clear, waxy film to stop color from bleeding. Bonus: Because sheer colors are subtler, you almost can’t go overboard.
Bronze believably.
Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin. To keep the results looking fresh and natural, apply bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they’ll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results. And be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a ponytail.
Stop shine and add glow.
A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message “I’m hot” — and we don’t mean sexy. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. They’re cheap, easy, and amazing — you just press and go. If you need to perk up your makeup too, blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder with a hint of luminescence. You want to eliminate shine, but you still want to look a little glow-y, especially in summer.
Switch out thick lipsticks.
Since heavy lip colors often feel like overkill once the weather warms up, many women opt for clear balm or skip their lips altogether. But just because you’re feeling low-maintenance doesn’t mean you have to look it. A simple swipe-and-go choice: tinted lip balms. They give you whisper-light color, and many even have SPF to protect you from the sun.
Stay-proof your eye makeup.
For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer. For the ultimate in all-day wearability, layer a powder over a cream. Doubling up works for liner, too. Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it for longer wear.
Wade into waterproof.
If you tried waterproof mascaras once but found them less than stellar, it’s time to give ‘em another go. They used to be brittle, crumbly, and flaky, but today’s formulas are much better — and they really last. Can’t bear to switch from your favorite? Apply a waterproof version on the tips of your lashes over regular mascara to boost its staying power.
For help mastering a great warm weather look, come see us at either of our two locations. Makeup application starts at a mere $9!
More makeup tips