Step 1: Prep for perfection
The way you care for your skin is just as important as the makeup you apply to it, so the right preparation will make sure you get the most out of your makeup during the summer months. We can all have excess oil on our skin even if it doesn't show, so starting with your morning routine try using a salicylic acid toner after you cleanse. This will gently take away dead skin and excess oils off the surface before you apply your makeup. Always make sure to check it is 0.5% salicylic acid or salicylic acid that is naturally derived to keep your skin hydrated.
We know sun protection should be used all year round but during the summer an SPF should be a top priority. Throughout the summer is a great idea to swap your daily moisturiser to one with an SPF. When choosing a formula make sure that it is oil-free, this will help to stop your makeup moving around, or added shine. Using a tinted moisturiser as your SPF is a great alternative to foundation, it’s a quick way to both moisturize and even out skin tone. I would recommend Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20.
A quick note, make sure to always store your SPFs in a cool place. High temperatures can cause your sunscreens active ingredients to degrade, so avoid places like your glove compartment or near a window. Same goes for your lip balms with SPF!
If you need a fuller coverage than just a tinted moisturiser then make sure to start your makeup application with a primer. The is one of the most commonly missed out steps, but one of the most important, when it comes to helping your makeup last under the summer sun. Primer will give you a longer lasting foundation without feeling heavy on your face. Ideally, an oil-free primer will really help hold makeup in place but make sure to give it a minute or so to set before you apply your makeup on top.
Top tip: Don’t forget to apply to the eyelids to give a bit of longevity to any eye colour. Smash Box Photo Finish Foundation Primer is ideal.
Step 2: Crease free coverage
When it comes to coverage remember, less is more! Stick to the areas that need it and avoid anywhere that it may crease. The less you put on the less there is to slide around. Under intense heat, a full face of makeup can turn runny, be strategic about what, and where, you apply.
When it comes to concealers if you suffer from blemishes or pigmentation look for a concealer with a dense pigment. This will mean you can concentrate on the areas you want to cover only using a small amount. I love the MAC Studio Conceal and Correct Palette.
As for foundation, the first thing to avoid is coverage that is too luminous. Humidity will make your skin look extra sweaty if it already has too much added dewyness or sparkle, so hold off until your highlighter.
By now we should be getting the idea that oil free is the way to go! Choosing a powder or matte formula can help soak up any excess oil as, unlike foundations with a creamy or runny consistency, they are formulated without mineral oil or petrolatum meaning you should be crease free.
If a Matte finish just isn’t for you then try switching to a lightweight silicone-based formula. The silicone acts as a lightweight film between your skin and the humidity, this can help prevent the foundation from moving or sitting in the pores.
Step 3: Colour and glow
When it comes to adding a little colour to your skin this summer, blusher and bronzer couldn’t be more different. Bronzer can be used to give an extra sun-kissed look, whereas blush is great for adding a healthy flush.
Powder bronzers are great for adding a natural summertime radiance and it’s the easiest to apply. Make sure to focus on the areas that the sun would naturally touch such as the forehead, nose, chin and cheekbones. If you have short hair, or are planning on wearing your hair up, adding a little to the neck and ears won't go amiss. To keep your bronzer looking fresh and natural make sure to blend it well, choose a bronzer that is no more than two shades deeper than your skin tone, and finally, try to avoid covering every part of your face. There is a big difference between healthy radiance and OTT.
While you are out in the heat the colour in your cheeks will rise naturally, so if you are adding blush try to be sparing. Unlike bronzer, powder blush and perspiration do not mix well! For a hint of colour, use a stain or tint blush for longevity in sunny weather. These are perfect for adding balance and healthiness to your skin but won’t go patchy or smear.
Highlighter is a beautiful addition to a fresh summertime look, making the skin appear brighter, more awake, and in some cases, younger. When looking for a highlighter try picking one with a subtle sheen rather than added glitter. Warmer summer tones are a great way to add a dewy glow to areas like the upper cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. Avoid adding your highlighter to areas with uneven texture such as around the eyes and lips, and also places where you are likely to sweat like nostrils, or in between the eyebrows. Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter is OMG! It is fantastic and can double up as a gorgeous eyeshadow colour.
Step 4: Lids to last the summer
Obviously, the best way to beat the crease when it comes to eyeshadow is to leave it out entirely. Swapping your eyeshadow for liner is right on trend this summer season, especially bright colours! Liquid liner can take a little bit of time to get right, but once on, a good liquid liner won't smudge under the sun like a kohl pencil can. If, however, you can’t go without then try sticking to light, fresh colours in a matte or sheer finish. We all love dark, smokey eyes but it can appear heavy and draining on a bright, sunny day.
It is still a subject of some debate whether powder or cream eyeshadow works best when it comes to heat but, to be honest, both can smear and crease if the product isn’t right. My favourite is Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liners. A swipe of eyeshadow primer will help create a base for the shadow to cling to, this can minimize creasing, prevent slip and enable a longer lasting look.
To finish, no summer makeup kit is complete without waterproof mascara, known to withstand the beach, pool or gym a waterproof formula won't budge from that sweet summer sweat. If you have a mascara you just can’t step outside without, try popping on an extra layer of waterproof mascara on top but make sure to apply before your mascara dries to avoid clumping.
Step 5: Poolside pout
Let’s not forget our lips are also susceptible to UV damage, so finding an SPF lip balm can make a great alternative to a gloss, especially one with a tint to add a little colour to your lips. Aveda Lip Tints SPF 15 ticks all the boxes. If, however, you like a bit more colour, you can start by adding a tint or stain to your lips before applying a balm. Perfect for building up colour but stains are also long lasting and low maintenance.
Bright lip colours on a beautiful summers day is a match made in heaven but before you break out those corals and pink make sure you have a lip pencil to match. Lip pencil will keep colour from moving around or migrating into any fine lines.
For summer, steer clear of dark shades or heavy matte lipsticks, if you're not so fond of a satin, or gloss finish, try blotting your lipstick with blotting paper after you apply to absorb excess oil and leave you with more pigment than coverage.
Step 6: Fresh finishing touch
Finish your perfect look with a dusting of translucent powder. This will help to take away any shine and hold your makeup longer, especially on the T-zone. Setting spray can also be a great way to lock your makeup in place. MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is a brilliant, invisible way to mattify and set your makeup.
Keep your makeup fresh all day by packing purse-size products, perfect for days on the go. When it comes to summer sweat nothing beats blotting papers, ideal for dabbing away any excess oil without piling on more product.
