It’s getting hot out there! No one wants a face that looks greasy, lips and lashes that smudge or makeup dripping off your face. Here are some tips to keep you looking your best even under extreme conditions.
Lighten up on your Base Coats
Use Oil Free Moisturizers – Experts recommend using liquids or gels as they tend to blend better with makeup and/or sunscreen. You’ll note that some moisturizers come with sunscreen in them. This is helpful as it eliminates additional layers but they tend to have lower SPF so if you need more protection be sure to apply sunscreen as well.
Top choices from dermatologists include:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. This formulation is light and powerful. Safe for all skin types. The folks at Neutrogena have also added Hydro Boost with SPF to their assortment this year.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin. This mat moisturizer for oily skin targets excess oil. Dual action – makes skin mat like and refines pores. Formulated with micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, this oil-free formula hydrates skin while leaving skin looking and feeling matte. Want more on La Roche
Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30. Cetaphil PRO Oil is clinically proven to absorb oil. It soothes dry skin and reduces shine while moisturizing skin. This broad spectrum formulation protects against sun’s harmful rays and UV damage. More on Cetaphil Pro Oil
Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream has an SPF of 15. The advanced CC cream for light to medium skin is formulated to visibly smooth fine lines & wrinkles. Its Color + Correction (CC) cream formula does double duty with benefits of a foundation and moisturizer to nourish skin for an instantly healthy-looking radiance. Plus, this hardworking cream provides nourishing and moisture. More on Olay Total Effects
Looking for other options? Check out Harpers Bazaar Top 18.
Be sure to apply sunscreen – It can be challenging to determine the order of application. Honestly, there are some debates about this but for the consensus is that you should wear sunscreen under your moisturizer. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer and allow it to completely soak into your skin and then apply your sunscreen. Once the sunscreen is dry (3-5 minutes) you can apply any foundation or concealer.
Make sure your Makeup Won’t Melt
Use Makeup Primer on your face – Apply after your moisturizer. If your like me you may have skipped this step and you can but it’s important to know the benefits of a primer. Makeup primer is a base for foundation that allows it to go on smoother and last longer. Foundation primers have many benefits. They can also help smooth any fine lines, wrinkles or large pores and even out skin tone and texture. Primers control excess shine, making them ideal for women with oily or combination skin. Makeup primer also can benefit sensitive or dry skin, because it hydrates and nourishes it while calming inflammation. Additionally, many primers contain SPF, which protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. By using a primer, you can get away with less foundation. More details on the best primers from Glamour.
Switch to a liquid-based concealer (oil free but liquid). Oil-free foundations and concealers are a godsend in summer months when humidity is high and makeup is literally melting off your face. The best oil-free foundations leave skin with a clean, matte look while continuing to absorb oil and reduce shine throughout the day. See summer foundation recommendations from Byrdie.
Use waterproof cosmetics sparingly – waterproof mascara and foundation sound appealing but they can be very tough on sensitive skin. Pores can be clogged, causing irritation and break outs. You also have the added challenge of removing waterproof makeup. Without the right makeup removal techniques you’re likely to rub too hard trying to get makeup off – causing irritation and possible skin/lash damage.
Try Powders – Pressed powders are generally easier to apply than loose ones or gels, especially if you prefer a subtler look. Dip a large, fluffy brush into the powder, then tap it on a tissue— otherwise, you’ll get too much color on your face. Try dewy tones on your cheekbones for a fresh look.
Another great option is bronzers. You want to make sure the bronzer isn’t going directly into your pores and you want to be sure not re apply too much. Since it’s summer time and your likely to get more of a natural glow – either from the sun or heat apply a small amount to cheekbones and lighter shades the length of your nose. You can use a bronzer without the foundation but spray a setting spray afterwards to keep the bronzer in place. Interested in the best bronzers – check out Marie Claire Best Drugstore Bronzers.
Wear lip stains vs thick, creamy lipsticks. You want you’r skin to breath in the heat and creamy, thick lipsticks have a tendency to melt and smear on your face. That’s because lipstick is primarily wax and oil based where lip stains are mostly water or gel. Although there are some lip stains that include natural plant oils or mineral oil. Lip stains can last up to 18 hours. It’s important to remember to add SPF if you’re going to be outside. I recently discovered Revlon Matte Balm and really like it. It’s light, matte, not sticky and lasts for hours. Want more recommendations see Harper’s Bazaar Best Lip Stains
Skip the Makeup!
Yes, I said it and I know it’s scary. I’m sure your all aware of the movement out there to go barefaced. #barefaced. While some truly do go barefaced most seem to use less makeup and say they are barefaced.
To be honest, I am not able to go completely barefaced and feel comfortable but can come pretty close. Over the last year I have been really making an effort to get my skin, lashes and brows to a place that would allow me to not use makeup. Without sounding like a commercial – the Amalie Beauty brands have really given me great results. A natural glow to my skin – thank you REWIND and SHINE – I use every day. CALM for the redness around my nose area. And longer, thicker lashes & brows – thank you WINK. I have gotten down to two makeup items. I think we all have that one flaw we just can’t get over – for me; it’s dark circles under my eyes and mascara. I have more, longer lashes but they are still fine so I do like some mascara. Below is an untouched photo of me (50 something) headed out for a run.
Check out some of your favorite stars on Insider and how they look without makeup. Some of them actually look better without makeup but overall taking a look makes you realize that they are human too. Freckles, blemishes, small wrinkles & laugh lines are very common. So if you have any of these or all – you’re not alone.
Share your summer makeup and skin secrets.
