by Jane Daly
When summer temperatures soar, and whether or not your face is melting is not something we need to worry about. While going make up free is the best way to ensure that, sometimes we just want to add a wee bit of polish to feel more presentable, for lunch out with friends, a BBQ with friends and family, or, if you are like me, a trip to the grocery store.
That’s right. Unless it’s an emergency, I like to be even minimally put together when I leave the house.
Trust me. It doesn’t take much, but it does take the right products and the best makeup in the summer – the only makeup you need in the summer!
Primer:
An oil free primer helps minimize the appearance of pores and lines, preps skin for any make up you may use and help it last longer. My favourite is Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator– it has light hydrating qualities while also keeping your face matte for hours. Also, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (bonus SPF15 mineral protection) is brilliant for keeping shine at bay.
Under-eye concealer:
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer. Nothing works better than this. NOTHING. Even on my super oily skin, this one stays put. It does not settle into lines or creases, and a few dots under your eyes takes your from tired to rested in a few seconds. I also use it on my eye lids. You’d be surprised the lift your face gets from a lighter, even toned eye area. For spots or blemishes, Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer pencil can’t be beat.
Mascara:
Mascara is the quickest and most low maintenance way to open your eyes after applying your concealer. Waterproof is best in the summer as it will last all day long without raccoon eyes. Best waterproof mascara for long soft lashes: L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof. Not everyone loves the extra effort that comes with removing waterproof mascara, and for that I recommend a tubing mascara- the formula actually wraps around your lashes and stays put until you gently massage it off in warm water. Clinique Lash Power gives you natural, soft long lashes and is also good for sensitive eyes.
Powder:
You need powder to reduce shine and help you look like you aren’t breaking a sweat. MAC Blot is the best product for this in the world – I can actually feel is sucking the oil off my skin. You can dust it on with a big fluffy brush on the way out the door. I keep one in my purse with a cotton puff, and take great pleasure in literally powdering my nose. A fantastic drugstore option is Marcelle Pressed Powder in Translucent.
Bronzer:
I forgo the blush in summer months, as often we are so warm we have a lovely flush and tend to be slightly pink toned naturally. So I stick to a matte bronzer with a pinkish hue. Shimmer will only make your face look shinier, and emphasizes pores and lines. My favourite is Guerlain Terracotta in the lightest shade they make. Long lasting and the perfect bronze. I have also used and loved Rimmel Natural Bronzer, which is also matte and adds the perfect glow.
Lip Colour:
Again, keep it simple with something low maintenance and pretty on the lips. Stila Lip Stains are amazing and last for hours, giving a sheer and pretty colour without worrying about bleeding edges or touch ups. For a glossier sheer look, a Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is a must-have. I have a rainbow of these ones in my purse and they are sheer enough to apply without a mirror, moisturize the lips, and leave a sheer wash of colour and shine behind.
Ta-da! You look gorgeous!
Jane Daly is the proud mum of two amazing young women. She loves helping women find their own individual beauty and to bring a positive message to all things beauty related. Jane worked for many years in the perfume and beauty industry and doesn’t believe we have to spend a lot of money to feel beautiful! Follow her on Twitter.
