As much as I love – and have longed for – summer, it comes with its own challenges. Like the inevitable sunscreen and toddler show down. Or the feeling you get when a light breeze uncovers all the spots you missed shaving on your legs.
But if there’s one thing I really can’t stand, it’s when my makeup melts and ends up everywhere but on my face. But after much trial and error, I’ve finally found the makeup routine that can take the heat.
If you’re like me, you have now realized that all the sunbathing you did in your teens and twenties was probably not worth the damage it caused to your skin. Not to mention, I was the lucky recipient of hormonal hyperpigmentation while I was pregnant and nursing, so I rely on foundation to even my complexion. Using a tinted sunscreen is the ultimate multitasker. I prefer to layer mine over moisturizer since I find that the sunscreen doesn’t quite do the trick. EltaMD UV tinted sunscreen is my go-to. It has decent color payoff and coverage and offers physical sunblock to prevent any further damage from the sun’s rays.
Concealer is my next must-have, and few brands that I’ve tried have the staying power of Tarte Shape Tape. The formula is creamy and light, but it erases my under eye circles and stays in place and out any fine lines all day.
To counter oily lids or sweat-proof my eye makeup I start with Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion in the color Eden. This primer is my favorite because it’s not too tacky and the color neutralizes any blue coloration or veining on my lids. It really helps brighten up tired eyes and looks great on its own or when I use it to lock in my shadow.
This is my go-to summer shadow combo: It’s the perfect bronzy-neutral for everyday wear.
Not to mention, Mac shadows hold up well under humidity without creasing. I start by dusting Soft Brown into the crease, focusing the majority of the color on the outer V and then buffing the color through the socket. Next, I use Naked Lunch – the perfect neutral shimmer shade – all across my lid. Super quick and easy. Throw a deeper brown into the outer crease to transition the day look to night.
When it comes to summer-proofing eyeliner, I am die-hard for the Tarte Clay-Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner. I use this liner year-round; not only is it easy to apply, I have never had the liner transfer onto my lid. I prefer to use the color bronze in the summer months.
To bronze the rest of the areas of my face where the sun would naturally hit, I use Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer. This is my favorite bronzer and it’s from the drugstore. The color is perfect – not too warm, but not too gray. Not to mention it smells like cocoa butter!
To finish my face, I dust some Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso over the apples of my cheeks. Another drug-store find, it’s a beautiful corally peach color perfect for the summer. Plus it has a touch of sheen for a natural-looking highlight.
Once my makeup is complete, it’s time for mascara.
I just came across L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof – it’s a perfect dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara and less than half the price! I love this mascara – it makes my lashes look full, long, and fluffy – without any clumping.
I throw on tinted chapstick or I opt for a bright summer color for a bolder lip. I’ve been loving Maybelline’s Color Jolt lip paints. The color range is perfect for summer and they have serious staying power without getting patchy. My go-to shade has been Talk Back Red.
The final step in my summer makeup routine is to set everything with a setting spray. To keep my makeup looking fresh without having to powder all day, I use Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray.
