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.
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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.

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Doable?  I think so!  Hope you all enjoyed.

Xo