IS YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE READY FOR SUMMER?

Summer is always a challenging time to keep your makeup looking fresh and clean. Luckily, there are so many products out there chock full of polymers to increase their wearibility and help prevent makeup meltdown--and they’re perfectly safe according to the experts. Here are some tips and must-have products to help you beat the heat this summer.

Start With Hydrated Skin

If your skin is dry and dehydrated it can actually absorb the moisture from your makeup causing it to fade away and disappear. Be sure to prep your skin with a great moisturizer and sunscreen designed for your skin type. If you need a quick boost try Patchology hydrate FlashMasque Facial Sheets ($50 for 8/$6.25ea) and Flash Patch Eye Gels ($50 for 30/$1.67ea). These will hydrate thirsty skin in 5 minutes with hyaluronics to bind moisture and plump fine lines, Aginine to encourage collagen production and Betaine to promote long-lasting hydration. With this 1-2 punch you can kiss blotchy makeup and cakey concealer goodbye.

Mattify Don’t Over-Dry

Blot papers and powders are fine for absorbing excess oil and sweat but do this all day long and you’ll end up with a “cake face”.  Did you know that most makeup primers can also be used to touch up over makeup throughout the day? One of my favs: E.L.F. Studio HD Mattifying Balm ($6). For use both under and over makeup it contains vitamin E, jojoba and almond oils. And its clear texture

ELF Mattifying Balm

makes it invisible on the skin. This balm is the bomb!

Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow

Use “Water-Friendly” Eye Color

Waterproof and water-resistant eye colors are a summer beauty’s best friend. Cream eye shadow can be applied easily using a brush or your fingers, and stays put even under water. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow ($26) comes in a variety of colors and finishes from matte to shimmer and give the eyelids a smooth appearance.

 If you like eyeliner Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner ($19) is highly pigmented and fade-resistant. It holds up under the most extreme conditions and is so creamy you can smudge it and wear it as a shadow. And your mascara doesn’t have to be waterproof to last. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Mascara ($26) can be worn up to 10 hours and provides maximum length and volume to extend lashes without flaking.

Don’t forget, long wearing eye makeup requires effective removal. Skip the wipes and opt for an eye makeup remover designed to break down those waxes, polymers and solvents that help block out water and perspiration. One of my favorites: Laura Mercier Dual-Action Eye Makeup Remover ($22). Its oil-free and quickly dissolves waterproof and long-wearing eye color.

Cream Wears Best on Cheeks and Lips
Cream products hold up well on clammy summer skin, and if you can find one that multi-tasks that’s even better. The Multiple Stick by Nars ($39) highlights, sculpts and warms the cheeks, lips, eyes and body and Vapour Beauty’s Aura Multi-Use Blush ($36) Not only works on cheeks, lips and eyes but is also 70% organic to help you look hot without all the harsh chemicals. On lips, skip the gloss and stick with creamy or matte textures. One to try Lancome Le Lipstique ($25) lip coloring stick with brush attached that glides on, stays put and can be worn alone or under your favorite lip color.

                          
Set It and Forget It

You can help extend the wear of your look all day long by using a makeup setting spray. Dior Airflash Matte Touch ($50) has Kaolin clay to eliminate shine and leave a velvety matte finish, and Kat Von D’s Lock ‘N Load Setting Mist ($21) will lock down your look for up to 16 hours. One quick spritz of these after you’re done applying color will keep your makeup in place for hours.

 Follow these simple guidelines and you’re sure to look hot this summer!