Summer is great for many reasons, but the heat and humidity can pose a bit of a challenge when it comes to applying makeup. So when the seasons change, it’s time to review your makeup routine and choose products and looks that are made for the warmer months.
Just like fashion, beauty looks change from season to season. As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to empty out your trusty makeup bag and refill it with summer-worthy products. In a country of endless coastlines, long beach days and balmy nights, the natural yet sunkissed look dominates from November to February. Here are our top tips for adding a summer spin to your makeup routine.
The base
Makeup king Napoleon Perdis always says, “not to prime is a crime”. It’s an easy enough saying to remember and it should become your own makeup mantra this summer. Apply primer after moisturiser and allow it to absorb for around 10 minutes before putting on foundation. Primer not only provides a super smooth base for the rest of your look, but it holds your makeup in place all day. If you add just one product to your routine this summer, make it a primer. After you’ve applied your base, don’t go clogging your pores with a heavy foundation. Instead, switch to a water-based light foundation or, if you’re game, a sheer tinted moisturiser. Bonus points if you choose one with SPF! The best tinted moisturisers these days are light and airy and really allow your skin to breathe, but if you’re feeling too “naked”, brush some mineral powder over the top.
We like:Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light; Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation; Kora Organics Tinted Day Cream
The eyes
Smoky eyes are fabulous in winter, but in summer, they can be a little too dramatic. To complement your natural, carefree look, try metallic gold eyes instead. Basically, all you need to do is switch your black eyeliners and dark shadows for shades of brown, bronze and gold, and use the same techniques as you would with a smoky eye. Just like with your face base, it’s a great idea to invest in an eye primer. It will help your eye makeup look fresh for longer and it will also minimise creasing — and who doesn’t want that?! As for eyeshadows, powder-based ones (rather than creams) are your best bet. Finally, to get long, voluminous lashes that last all day and night, try replacing your regular mascara with a waterproof one. Back in the day, waterproof formulas just weren’t up to standard, but they have improved to the point where you won’t even notice the difference.
We like:Chanel Quadra Eyeshadow in Eclosion; Lancome Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara.
The T-zone
There’s nothing worse than a shiny T-zone. If you thought that slick of shine was just an unfortunate fact of summer, think again: There are ways to combat it! To get rid of shine and excess oil, all you need to do is carry blotting papers — and use them regularly. These wonder papers will help you maintain that luminous yet fresh look we all know and love. Simply press them against shiny areas and they will soak up the oil.
We like: Napoleon Perdis Shine Control Blotting Papers
The lips
In summer, ditch your rich, deep coloured lipsticks in favour of brighter or lighter ones. If the rest of your makeup is quite plain and you want to work a bold lip, go for a stain or matte lipstick in hot pink or coral — just make sure to exfoliate and moisturise your lips beforehand so the colour lasts. If you prefer a low-maintenance lip, opt for a nude or clear lip balm and amp up another facial feature instead.
We like:Tarte Lip Tints; Lucas Paw Paw Ointment
The cheeks
Now, moving on to the cheeks and cheekbones. Depending on what kind of look you’re after, there are two types of cheek products to choose from: bronzer and blush.
If you are lusting over the sunkissed goddess look and really want some extra warmth, go for a bronzer. Bronzer makes everything pop: It makes your eyes look brighter, your skin look darker and just generally makes you look healthier. It really is a miracle product! Now, the golden rule with bronzer is to apply it in the spots where the sun would naturally warm your face: usually your forehead, cheekbones, chin and nose. Avoid sweeping it over your entire face, firstly because it defeats the purpose of enhancing certain features and, secondly, do that and you’ll be on the fast track to fake-ville. Powder bronzers with a mix of shades, applied with a brush with loose, fluffy bristles will achieve the best results.
If you prefer a rosy glow over the bronzed look, experiment with blush. A pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks (and only there) will brighten your face and give it a glow — try it if you don’t believe us!
We like: Elizabeth Arden Sun Goddess Bronzing Powder; Nars Orgasm Blush
More about summer makeup
Get glowing summer makeup
Makeup tricks to make your eyes pop
How to perfect your golden smoky eye
Leave a Comment