the [summer] makeup menu.

hello there!

Summer is now upon us, so it's time for me to divulge my secrets for long-wearing summer makeup. There are a few keys to makeup that lasts through the sweltering heat and long days in the sun. Some of these are more obvious than others, but for those of you who are overwhelmed by the aisles of choices at the makeup counters a few pointers might help steer you in the right direction:

1. light layers // one layer will melt off within a few hours, so the best way to keep your foundation on your face throughout the day is to start with skincare, and use thin, light layers to build up a base that won't slide. During the summer I like to wear as little face makeup as possible, so here is the order in which I apply my base:

Serum or treatment 

Moisturizer

Primer 

Foundation

Concealer 

Powder 

If I want to wear even less makeup, I skip the foundation and go for a powder foundation instead. 

2. blending // between each layer I make sure the product dries, but also make sure that I blend. In the summer I like to make sure that the makeup looks more natural than during the winter, and for this blending is key. Blend your foundation down your neck and your bronzer into your hairline; overall the goal here is to make sure that you don't look like you are wearing a mask (unless that's your thing, then go for it!) To make sure all your makeup is blended, I suggest taking your time and investing in some good makeup brushes. My favorites are Real Techniques and Bare Minerals.

3. use mattifying products // to keep oils at bay, I always recommend using a matte primer, foundation, or powder. Even if you have dry skin, during the summer your skin may change and the only thing that will keep your face from looking overly glossy are long-wearing products like powder, primer, and blotting papers. You want have a natural glow, but when the product breaks down on your skin from the heat you are going to need something to fix the issue, and a mattifying skin routine will do the job. 

4. pick your statement // dark colors and rich tones look sultry and sophisticated during the winter, but in the summer it can look like overkill. I always recommend picking your statement, whether it is your lips, eyes, or cheeks; go for a glossy lip or a wash of bright color on the lids. You look polished without looking overdone, and you can still let your features show through without having to mask them in too much makeup. During the summer, less is absolutely more. 

5. make it look effortless // when summer comes around the goal is to look glowy and gorgeous, and like you barely lifted a finger to make yourself look fantastic. So I like to use warm, neutral color palettes and create soft lines to achieve the effortless look. If you like to wear color, contrast a pop of color with soft tones and blend everything to make your look seamless. 

I thought I would include an FOTD in this post to show you how I wear easy, effortless makeup! During the summer I tend to lean towards golds, bronzes, and warm browns.

[face]

maybelline masterprime primer // redness + blurring
rimmel match perfection foundation // 110
maybelline mineral power concealer // ivory
rimmel stay matte powder // 004 sandstorm
physician's formula talc-free mineral wear powder // bronzer
estee lauder soft matte bronzer // bronze goddess
pixi beauty bronzer // summertime

[eyes]

urban decay primer potion // sin
pixi eye alchemy palette // metallic magic
mac eyeshadow // summer haze
rimmel scandaleyes liner // black
covergirl professional waterproof mascara // black
essence i love extreme crazy volume mascara // black
maybelline falsies mascara // black

[brows]

physician's formula matte collection eyeshadows // canyon classics 

[lips]

mac lipstick // modesty 
revlon super lustrous lipgloss // pink whisper 

Summer makeup is easy, and during the warmer months it's always fun to experiment! These are just a few of my tips to keeping makeup on all day long.

How do you make your makeup last during the summer?

xx bb