Temperatures are still soaring, which means we’re relaxing at the beach, by the pool and in any body of water we can find. Summertime is all about sporting our best vacation-ready looks — think tanned, bronzed and glossy.
To go from poolside lounging to dinner al fresco at your favorite beachside hangout, you’re going to need some reliable products that can take the heat. Here are some items you need in your makeup tool kit for summer and beyond:
MOISTURIZER
The sun can be brutal to the skin. Applying sunscreen and using protective products will ensure your skin stays radiant and healthy. Serums and moisturizes also are essential to achieving a natural, healthy glow. I recommend Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (30 ml, $64, www.sephora.com).
COMPLEXION
You can use foundation or tinted moisturizer if you like. However, I think playing on the natural pigmentation and oils in your skin maximizes the look we’re going for. NARS’s Tinted Moisturizer ($46, www.ulta.com) feels very light and airy. It evens out the skin tone while providing very light, yet consistent, coverage. Another option I like is MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation ($39, www.ulta.com). It is breathable, buildable and has a flawless finish.
BLUSH
Whatever the season, I love to see the skin regain its color, or get a bit of enhancement, by adding blush. Cream-based blushes melt into the skin, creating a natural appearance. Warm tones go well with that Havana-night glow we’re trying to achieve. Add corals, peaches and berries to your collection for a bit of fun. Some blushes even have an extra layer of dimension with a pinch of shimmer and sparkle. I recommend MAC Powder Blush in peaches ($28, www.ulta.com) or NARS Blush in orgasm ($32, www.sephora. com).
BRONZER
Now for the fun part — there are plenty of amazing bronzers on the market. I saw a few brands even pair theirs with a blush in their kit, such as NARS’s Summer Unrated Blush and Bronzer Duo ($45, Narscosmetics. com). Another good option is the Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer by Benefit ($32, www.ulta.com). Grab that bronzer and apply it to contour your skin for that nice, beach-ready look. Some bronzers contain shimmer while others provide a matte finish, so test several to find the one that suits you.
HIGHLIGHT
I was taught you can apply certain makeup oils to the skin, like MAC Prep + Prime Essential Oils ($28, www. nordstrom.com) to achieve that glowy, fresh-faced look.
Swipe on your favorite lipstick or gloss, and you are ready to slay the rest of the summer!
Brittney M. Johnson is an independent makeup artist based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Reach her at mbrittneyjohnson@gmail.com.
