Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Some Summer Tips 'n Tricks

My makeup routine is definitely different in the summer than in the winter, and yours should be too! Summer means heat, meaning sweat, meaning your makeup routine should adjust accordingly. Here are a few tips and tricks to beat the heat.

Face
1) Skip the foundation. 
I rarely slap on a full face of foundation on a hot summer day, unless I'm majorly breaking out. Instead I reach for primer, a tinted moisturizer, and concealer. I love Smashbox Photofinish Light primer. It's for oily skin and doesn't add a layer of silicone over my face like most primers do. I've been loving mark. tinted moisturizer as well. When I use tinted moisturizer, I skip my regular moisturizer because otherwise I'd just be an oily mess.

You can also still use your foundation, but just use it like a concealer and spot it on where necessary. I also always use a mattifying powder, like Maybelline's Dream Matte powder. I've been using it for years and it's great.

2) Bronzer.
A lot of people think that just because they have a tan means they shouldn't use bronzer. False!! Bronzer is a fantastic way to amp up your look and give a beautiful glow. I've recently been using my NYX When a Leopard Gets a Tan bronzer with my kabuki brush and giving my face a light dusting. You can also use matte bronzers (my favorite being Benefit's Hoola bronzer, but a great cheap alternative is NYC Sunny bronzer) to contour your face.


3) Highlight.
Highlighting powders and creams can cost a lot, but using a champagne eyeshadow can work wonders as well. Recently I've been using a CoverGirl eyeshadow single in Champagne. It's great because I can dab a bit in the inner corners of my eyes to make them stand out, but I also use it on my cheek bones to give my face a glow.

Highlighting can be tricky, because you don't want to use anything too sparkly. Some people don't mind it, but I hate sparkly. Instead opt for shimmer or sheen, which is finer and won't look like chunks of sparkles on your face.

This simple, and often over-looked, step can be just the thing for the sun-kissed glowy look the summer is perfect for.


Eyes
1) Waterproof mascara.
The last thing you want is to get all sweaty and have raccoon eyes. Opt for a waterproof mascara to keep it put all day long. If you can't find a waterproof mascara that you like (often waterproof formulas are different than regular formulas), just use your regular mascara and put a THIN coat of waterproof over your regular.

2) Long-wearing creams are your best friend.
I've been reaching for long-wearing cream eyeshadows a lot this summer. They're so easy to just swipe on and go and not have to worry about primer and all of that. I ADORE Urban Decay's 24/7 Eyeshadow Pencil in Sin. Its the perfect pick-me-up for all over the eyes- the lid, brow, and inner corners. And it stays all day! Definitely worth the money.

A more affordable option are the Maybelline Color Tattoos. Just make sure to apply it in a thin layer, otherwise it may crease during the day.

3) White/flesh-toned eyeliner on the waterline.
This makes you look awake and refreshed without much effort and it's not too noticeable. Woot!

Lips
1) Use lipstick like a stain.
Bold lips are definitely in, but using a vibrant lipstick can be hard upkeep. Summer is great for sheer color, so try dabbing your lipstick on with your finger. This will give a more stained, yet noticeable effect, without as much maintenance.

2) Skip the stick; use gloss.
I'm honestly not much of a lipgloss girl, but this summer I've been loving how easy glosses are. I've been using my lipgloss from theBalm in Tutti my Fruitti almost every day.


Hope this helps!! Thanks for viewing!
~Beth

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