by The habit we have in Britain of complaining about the weather has not died out now that summer is upon us. The downside of rising temperatures – especially if you live in a city – is that the sweltering heat can lead to make-up deterioration. But not if you follow these five tips.
Wear less makeup
It sounds obvious but in the summer we need less of everything. As our skin becomes brighter, less foundation is needed especially when the humidity is high. If you’re feeling exposed without a foundation, consider a stick formulation like the ILIA Beauty Skin Resurfacing Complex Stick, £48 which is concealer and foundation in one and comes in a ton of shades. Apply sparingly to problem areas such as the sides of the nose and chin and buff into pores well with a brush or beauty blender.
Or try Jones Road Beauty Face Pencil, £24. Some find this too drying under the eyes but I like it in the summer, especially as it gives a soft matte finish and you don’t need a lot of it. Plus you can put it in your back pocket for touch ups without fear of leaks.
If you prefer to go with the dew rather than work against it, a sheer BB cream or tinted moisturizer is a good choice. Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 15, £60 Chantecaille is reformed but velvety on the skin giving a soft semi-matte finish that isn’t the least bit greasy. It is expensive but a little goes a long way.
Clinique Lash Power Mascara, £25; Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon £26
Prime sparingly
A good facial SPF will act as a skin primer and moisturizer in one (the last thing you want to do when it’s hot is to layer on too much skincare). The new ones will not clog pores or leave a greasy film. Some to consider is Mecca Cosmetica Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Skin Perfecting, £35 with a hint of colour. Tatcha Weightless Mineral Sunscreen SPF50, £65 is very light and gentle on the skin but may be too tonal for some skin tones, although it spreads quickly into the skin.
There are lots of great clear SPF gels out this summer that won’t leave a white cast and offer high protection. Skin Allies The Only Invisible Sunscreen SPF50, £43 is packed with antioxidants and skin conditioners and is water resistant. Two others worth trying are Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Cream SPF 50, £33.60 or Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF50. £32.
Blush Pocket Rod in Bright Coral, £24; Broad Spectrum Moisturizer Tinted Skin Moisture Direct SPF 15, £60
Softened lips, flushed cheeks
There is something undeniably chic about matte lipstick against a dewy skin background. Not only does it look super put together, contrasting textures add the element of surprise. Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon £26, perfect for summer. A chunky lip crayon designed to line and fill in lips with a choice of eight muted shades. Pampas, a soft peach, is universally flattering but for something more serious, Classic Red is a warm brick color that looks just as nice on blondes as it does on brunettes and redheads alike. Although Violette FR’s Bisou Balm, £29 is so nice providing a soft and comfortable matte finish that stays put but doesn’t feel tattooed like some mattes do.
Hourglass’s Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray, £48; Sculpted by Aimee’s Easy Glide in Rich Brown, £19
All five shades are equally wearable but Betise is TDF, a warm berry. For blush, double up your lip product on the lips or invest in a bright blush stick for the apples and bridge of the nose that require zero skill and can be reapplied throughout the day as needed. need Rhode Pocket Blush in Bright Coral, £24 looks good on everyone.
Waterproof for eye makeup
Perhaps the most annoying side effect of hot weather is when your mascara falls off. If you’re away on holiday, the last-ditch solution is to tint your lashes before you leave without the need to apply – or more importantly, remove – mascara.
Instead of lash tinting, tubular mascaras are less drying than traditional waterproof formulations and come off easily in warm water at the end of the day without the need for eye makeup remover. Clinique Lash Power Mascara, £25 is an oldie but a goodie – the thin brush gives deceivingly powerful definition that lasts all day without falling out, plus it comes in a rare dark chocolate shade that works on tanned skin (most mascaras are brown too hot). Or try Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, which comes in a handy travel size for £16.
If you have a steady hand, swap your usual eye pencil for a liquid eyeliner like Sculpted by Aimee’s Easy Glide in Rich Brown, £19 which will give a soft cat eye look that stays. For evening try layering with something glimmer like Fenty Shimmer Glitty Lid Liquid Eyeliner £19 in Boozy Bronze or the smudge-friendly Chanel 3-in-1 Eye Screen Liner £34.
Bisou Balm by Violette FR, £29; Skin Allies The One Invisible Sunscreen SPF50, £43
Set with a setting spray
If your makeup is waterproof you may not need anything more, but a setting spray can help set everything. For those who like to powder their T-zone Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Pressed Powder, £42 infuses the skin with moisture while seamlessly fixing oily areas, so you don’t end up with a cakey finish. Or try a setting spray like Hourglass Soft Focus Setting Spray by Hourglass, £48 or Hydration Setting Spray by Milk Makeup, £20 which both last up to 24 hours, if you’re heading out straight after the work.
