Summer beauty is all about looking fresh and fantastic, while also protecting your skin. You want to look gorgeous and lively without having your beauty products drip off of your face the moment you walk outside. After all, who actually wants to go into the heat and humidity with a full face of makeup? Here's a few amazing products that will lighten up your summer beauty routine. Believe me, these products deserve some major recognition.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with sunscreen SPF 15
First and foremost, sunscreen is your soul mate during summer. Without the use of SPF, your skin is susceptible to all of the sun's dangers. I've been using this moisturizer for as long as I can remember, and it's one of my holy grail products. Apply this after you have washed or exfoliated your face, but before you apply your makeup. It applies evenly and soaks into your skin quickly. I enjoy that this product contains SPF, but does not sting like some sunscreens tend to do to my skin. The best part about this moisturizer is that it can be picked up at your local drugstore, like Walgreens and Target, for around $10.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
A moisturizer that I also highly recommend for the summer is the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel by Clinique. It's oil-free and has visibly changed the appearance of my skin. My pores are less noticeable and my skin is softer and brighter-looking. This product is light and airy and contains a lemon scent that emphasizes summer. You can find this moisturizer at any department store that sells Clinique products or stores likes Sephora. A 4.2-ounce bottle typically runs around $26.
My favorite thing to do is take off my makeup, wash my face and then apply this moisturizer. I typically use this product before I apply my Neutrogena moisturizer, and I also apply it before I go to bed. It's that good. If you can't tell, I'm a little obsessive with moisturizing products mainly because I am terrified of having wrinkles that resemble canyons when I'm older.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
Lips need UV protection in the summer and what better way protect them than with a lip treatment that completely transforms the condition of your lips? Once Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment touches your lips for the first time, you will never be able to bring yourself back to using regular chapstick. It rolls on smoothly and tastes amazing. This magic-in-a-tube lip treatment is full of essential oils and fatty acids that give your lips a plump and the softest touch. This nourishing lip treatment comes in an ultra-chic tube and 13 colorful shades, ranging from clear to plum and everything in between. I use the Sugar Nude shade, which is a peachy shade with a bit of shimmer. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment can be found at Sephora for $22.50.
Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer
Foundation primers are always a necessity, especially when you're in the hot and humid summer heat. Foundation primers improve the application and overall appearance of your foundation. Think of your makeup application like preparing a cooler for a fraternity formal, minus all of the sanding. This product functions as plaster and primer combined. It is similar to plaster because it fills in lines, minor imperfections and makes your skin feel smoother. It's like a primer because it allows for your makeup to stay on as long as possible.
I recently started using Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer primer last month, and I cannot begin explain how happy I am with my purchase. I have a normal to oily skin which becomes more oily and shiny in the summer, so I grabbed the version of this primer that mattifies your skin. Mattifying means it blocks shine and oil. Don't worry, if your skin isn't oily, there are ten different primers in this collection so you can easily find your skin type. For the best results, I apply this after my moisturizer has sunk into my skin. Then, I place a tiny amount onto my two index fingers and push it into my skin around my T-zone, chin and under my eyes. After applying your primer, you are ready to use your foundation. This awesome primer can be found at Sephora for $36.00. It may seem extremely expensive for such a product, but it lasts forever; Seriously, I've used the product for about a month and have yet to put a minor dent in it.
Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Like I said before, no one actually wants to wear a full face of makeup outside in the summer. If you're the type of person that wants to have some coverage but without the heaviness of a foundation, I recommend a good tinted moisturizer. Tarte is a makeup company that is known for making eco-friendly makeup products without parabens and sulfates. I've used their foundation for years, and I have recommended it to a few of my friends.
Another product I recommend is their BB tinted moisturizer. It gives a light-to-medium coverage and is a water-based formula, so its very light and airy on your skin. Another bonus is that it is infused with SPF 20 and vitamins A, C and E so your skin will be very well-moisturized and protected. You can apply this with your hands, a beauty blender or a foundation brush. This can also be found at Ulta, Sephora and online for around $36.00. I recommend purchasing it in person so you can have an employee find you your perfect shade.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
In the makeup world, "setting" means placing a powder on top of your foundation to help it stay on longer. Translucent setting powders can also take the shine away from your makeup. If your skin tends to become oily or shiny during the day, I would recommend Laura Mercier's setting powder; It is a miracle worker. After you have applied your foundation, take a fluffy makeup brush and apply it all over your face or in your problem areas. It softens the appearance of your skin and is not dusty like one would imagine a powder would be. Since the powder is translucent, there will be no visual evidence of it on your face. It's kind of like an invisible shield that fights away oil. It's also very light so you don't have to worry about your skin feeling like it's suffocating. This can be found at Sephora for $37.00. When I bought mine, I was being cheap and bought the travel size version for $22.50. Trust me, it is so worth it.
NARS Illuminator
If you are new to makeup, it may seem odd that I am recommending products that hide shine and products that produce shine. The important thing to know when it comes to shine is knowing where correctly place it. You don't want it to be mistaken for grease and oil. NARS Illuminator is the illuminator of your dreams. It comes in a multitude of shades. I personally use the shade called Orgasm, which is a pink and gold shimmery shade. It lasts forever and makes you glow like nothing else. Another plus of this product is that it is the easiest thing to apply; All you need is a tiny dot, and I mean a dot that is smaller than the tip of your pinky. Use your index fingers to blend it into highest points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, above your eyebrows and above your cupids bow. You can wear this solely by itself or use it after you have put on your foundation and powder. It can be found at Sephora for $30. Basically, you need this.
