Holy Hotness

I love summer.  It's full of so much fun but...it's hot.as.bananas.  We all complain about it. Especially when you're getting ready for work, or a night out with friends, you get your makeup all finished, walk out the door and it's a matter of minutes before your makeup is melting and eyeliner is smudging.  In this summer heat, I keep my makeup applications as simple as possible. The heat and humidity are a challenge, so you have to make a few little changes to your routine.
_______________________________________________________________________


1. Moisturizer

Your skin changes with the seasons, so your "normal" moisturizer might be too heavy once the weather warms up.  Not only will you breakout with a heavy moisturizer but it can cause your foundation to slide right off.  I use CeraVe moisturizing lotion.

2.  Prime Time

Primers go on after moisturizer but before face makeup.  Only takes a few seconds and, like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. They're incredibly light--they don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer, and they really help hold makeup in place.  I literally have ten primers but I am currently loving Benefit's POREfressional primer.

3.  Lighten up your Foundation

First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. Try Smashbox Sheer Light.

Tinted moisturizer not enough coverage for you? Brush a powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage. OR, for an inexpensive option and for more coverage, use your regular foundation and mix it with a light moisturizer. 

4.  Bronze Baby!

Bronzer makes eyes look brighter, teeth whiter--everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin.  But you have to keep it looking fresh and natural.  Do this by applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply.  I LOVE Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte.

Be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail.

5.  Stop Shine, Just GLOW

A slick T-zone instantly sends the message "I'm hot", and I don't mean sexy. To eliminate shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. They're cheap, easy, and amazing--you just press and go.  Try Clean&Clear oil absorbing sheets for an inexpensive option.

If you need to perk up your makeup too (I usually do), blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder.

6.  Lock down Eye Makeup

For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (at least in the morning) and smooth on an eye primer instead. It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer.  Currently, I am LOVING Bare Minerals Primetime Eyeshadow Primer.

There are a LOT of cream shadows being released at the moment.  In my opinion, powder shadows generally last longer than creams, however, for ultimate all-day wear, layer a powder over a cream (don't worry, it will still feel light on the lids). Same goes for liner, apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it.

___________________________________________________________________________

Doable?  I think so!  Hope you all enjoyed.

Xo

Desiderata

Hellllllo all!
 How the heck are you guys?  I am doing pretty great!  My three year old nephew has been in town this week so I've been taking some time to spend with him.  He makes my heart happy :)  Boys at that age seem to love you so purely and candidly. I've never felt anything like it and I'm so thankful for him.

 

 

 

On another note, recently, a dear friend shared this poem with me.  I have read it every day since.  It has so many powerful sentiments that clicked with me.  Thought I was share and hope it gives some of you the comfort and hope that it has given me.  

 

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

---Max Ehrmann 1927                                                                                                                                                                                            

Okay, bottom line: look at the odds of being YOU in a world of over 7 billion people.  There's only one you. You have your ups and downs.  And when I'm down, I am so grateful to have friends that can pick up on it, and build me up. Again, there's only ONE you.  One person who walks like you, talks like you, looks like you...there's no reason why you should ever feel competitive or duplicated.  You have your own story, Lord knows, and therefore, TELL IT through your style.  DO YOU honey!  And with that cheesy, and uplifting "pep talk" (partially to myself)...here's a picture I bought to hang in my house.

Summer makeup trends and tips coming up on next blog.  Been working on some fun stuff :)  Stay tuned. 

Until next time...

Xo