By Mallory Fitzgerald //
USE A LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER
You get bonus points if you can get one with an SPF built in! Moisturizing is never a step you can skip, even in the heat. It will bump up the health and elasticity of your skin, making it easier for any makeup to hold on longer. A moisturizer with a gel consistency will soak into the face instead of sitting on top of it and won’t feel greasy or lotion-like.
- Product recommendations: MAC Mineralize moisture gel, or Garnier Moisture Rescue Refresh Gel Cream.
PRIME!
You’ve heard it enough, but a primer really does make a world of a difference. It will be that extra step you need, holding onto your foundation all day, and smoothing out texture on the face. Use a translucent, lightweight primer in the summer months to keep it light and invisible.
- Product recommendations: Smashbox Photofinish Primer Water, Tarte Clean Slate Powerless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer.
SILICONE-BASED FOUNDATION
A silicone-based foundation will stay on top of the skin and be more likely to hold together. It won’t seep into the pores, oxidize, or break apart into a splotchy mess. Basically, it won’t melt off. Apply with a brush or damp sponge to get an even, airbrushed finish.
- Product recommendations: Covergirl TruBlend Foundation or Cover FX Custom Color Drops (available at Sephora).
CREAM EYESHADOW
Cream eyeshadow will usually have a primer built in and will move with you throughout the day without creasing. This option offers much longer wear than its powder counterpart. You can tap it on the lids with your fingertip or blend it on with a synthetic blending brush (my favorite way to apply it). It’s anti-melt and looks beautiful on the eyelids!
- Product recommendations: Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow, Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream, Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24Hr Eyeshadow.
SMUDGEPROOF LINER
There are a multitude of smudge-proof, waterproof eyeliners on the market that are built to withstand tropical climates. This is a must to keep your liner in place all day without any transfer or melting. These liners usually go on creamy (yes!) and dry down to a non-sticky finish. Whether you prefer pencil eyeliner, cream or liquid, there’s something for everyone.
- Product recommendations: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner (huge color range!), or Physician’s Formula Eye Boosting Liquid Liner
WATERPROOF YOUR MASCARA
Need I say more? A waterproof mascara will stand up to heat, humidity, sweating, running, dancing, and a sudden coastal downpour. When removing at night, be sure to use a makeup remover with a natural oil in it to break down the mascara.
- Product recommendations: L’oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Waterproof mascara or Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara.
CREAM/GEL BLUSH
Many people are afraid of cream blush, believing it must feel greasy or appear shiny on the skin, but this is a big misconception! Cream blush blends onto the skin flawlessly, leaving a natural looking flush to the cheeks that dries down to a smudge proof, budge proof, soft focus finish! Apply on the apples of the cheeks with fingertips or a duo fiber face brush.
- Product recommendations: MAC Cosmetics Cremeblend Blush or Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush.
LIP TINT/STAIN
In the heat of summer, touching up your lip color is probably not high on your priority list. You want a lightweight, long-wear lip color that will be low maintenance and kissable. A lip tint or stain will give you all of that plus a beautiful wash of color you wont have to keep reapplying.
- Product recommendations: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint, Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint and Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.
FINISH
Set your foundation by dusting a blot powder or translucent finishing powder in your T-zone with a fluffy brush. This will mattify any shine and further set your makeup with a lightweight, barely there powder. Throw it in your bag and take it with you in case of any shine re- emerging throughout the day.
- Product recommendations: MAC Cosmetics Blot Powder, Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder and Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder in Translucent.
Throw your lip color and your powder in your bag and go! With these changes to your beauty routine this summer, you can take on the heat, sun, humidity, long days, and nights out with your friends without worry. And don’t forget the sunscreen — your skin will thank you!
Follow Mallory Fitzgerald on Facebook. She is a freelance makeup artist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has been a makeup artist and consultant for magazines and cover models and participated in fashion weeks and runway shows. Contact her at malloryfitzgerald@yahoo.com.