The Summer is always the most stressful time of year for me when it comes to picking beauty products! The weather can get pretty hot and uncomfortable and it can be difficult to keep up with a specific routine or staple products that are good to use! I came up with a list of 7 beauty essentials that I will be using for Summer 2017.
1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
I first tried this concealer only two months ago and now I can't put it down! It was hard to avoid the hype of this product as it was blowing up all over the place and all the beauty gurus swore by it... and for good reason. It is very creamy and covers/highlights whatever you want!!! It has a uniquely large applicator for concealer but I think it is perfect and really makes it easy to use. It also comes in lots of different shades so there is definitely a match for most skin colors and not too pricy for $25.
4. Highlighter! DUH!
Highlighting is THE trend of the makeup world right now and it seems to be undying! In the Summer, it is important to me to get that perfect glow. Lately, I have been living for the Jeffree Star x MannyMUA collab highlight, Eclipse, which gives a peachy shine that can be subtle or you can build it to a blinding glow that your friends might need sunnies for to look at. I personally love to go all out and prefer when my highlighter looks poppin'. Sometimes on days I don't wear makeup, I'll still put on some highlighter really quickly and then I'm good to glow!
3. Nude Lipstick (any brand you love!)
If there is anything I learned this year, it is that there is no shame in some nude lips. A nude lip compliments any makeup look whether it is a bold eye or just mascara. My personal favorite nudes are usually mauvy/pink colors which work well with my extremely pale skin. A little advice for finding the perfect subtle nude lip is to find the color that is "your lips but better." If you already have a favorite lipstick brand or formula, they are sure to have a nude that will suit you and if not there are hundreds of different brands to try (you don't have to twist my arm to buy more makeup). Since I am a college student on a budget I tend to gravitate towards the drugstore brands which work just as well as high end products.
4. Setting Spray
Setting spray is a Summer necessity! I like to explore and test out a lot of different setting sprays. I really love the NYX Dewy Setting Spray because it is super cheap but works just as well as high end products while leaving your skin looking super fresh. I just started using Pixi Glow Mist which also leaves a dewy/glowy finish. Sometimes I'll use it before I do my makeup as a base and then when I am completely finished I'll use Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. Setting spray is essential for helping makeup set while taking away a cakey look and making it last all day long!
5. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
I was skeptical about this product for a long time because I thought, "what is water going do for me." I finally gave in a brought the travel sizer bottle of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, and I totally get why everyone loves this stuff. It works as both a makeup remover and a cleanser. I swear, it makes my makeup melt off and leaves my skin with a tingling feeling. I even use the Micellar Cleansing Water on days I don't wear makeup for a nice and gentle cleanse. I would definitely recommend picking up this product, you won't regret it.
6. Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream
A killer accessory for the summer is smooth legs! The Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream is amazing for keeping the skin feeling hydrated and looking super smooth. I use it right after a fresh Summer shave and it leaves my legs feeling baby soft. It also smells delish!
7. Moisturizer, Moisturizer, Moisturizer!!!
Moisturizer is my number one thing to do in terms of skin care. I use Aveeno 24hr Moisturizing Lotion every day after I shower and right before I do my makeup. I also love using the Josie Maran Argon Oil on my skin [and in my hair] a few times a week to get that extra moisture. At night, I use Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Night Moisturizer because it is never too soon to start fighting wrinkles and it gives me that extra boost. Moisturizer is vital and in the summer time I like to make sure to get my day lotion with SPF. Sometimes, it can be hard to find the right moisturizer for you because all skin is different and needs different things but don't give up. Moisturizing is my favorite part of the day!
Those are all the products I will be using this Summer. I will also be buying and trying a bunch of new products because I have an addiction when it comes to beauty. Don't forget to take your makeup off at the end of the day to let your skin breathe and to clean your pores to prevent breakouts.