This week, FresYes is not only hot, but it’s humid. This is the combination of summer elements us Valley-dwellers dread. It seems we can tolerate a good amount of heat, so long as it stays dry – but once the humidity kicks in, we’re ready to start thinking about winter and Christmas and Alaskan cruises. The reality is hot and humid or not, life goes on and us moms on the go who want to look fresh-faced in need a few good tools in our arsenals.
As a self-proclaimed cosmetic addict who’s either tested or researched just about every beauty product you can think of (makeup is my creative outlet – what can I say, I suck at crafts) I’ve rounded up a list of heat-proof products you can rely on to keep you looking fabulous, even in the heat. If you use all of the products recommended below, you still can be ready in about 5-7 minutes. Boom! – summer fabulous and melt-proof in a flash.
- A good, long wearing foundation
If you’re like me, and like foundation that offers full coverage year round, you’re faced with the difficult task of finding one that is long-wearing, sweat proof and doesn’t look heavy. I’m just going to get rid of the guesswork for you right now. Your two best friends are Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid foundation and Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation. These foundations look amazing, even at the end of the day when applied correctly. Prior to application, moisturize the skin and allow at least 5 minutes for moisturizer to absorb. Dab a little foundation (one pump if using the Cover Girl foundation) onto a slightly damp flat-top kabuki brush or soft makeup sponge (such as the Beauty Blender or Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge) dab the brush or sponge onto the face, blending the foundation in little stamping motions vs. wiping. Start with the cheeks, chin and upper lip. Get one more pump of foundation to finish the forehead, nose and around the eyes. Lightly press a tissue onto the face to absorb any excess product. Excess product is the main culprit in creasing and cake-faced makeup.
OR…
- A lighter, more natural base
Maybe you’re not like me at all – maybe you like a much more natural finish to your face – no problem, I’ve got you covered too. Pick up Garnier’s award-winning Miracle Skin Perfecting BB cream. Your skin will be hydrated, protected with SPF, even-toned, and have any imperfections blurred out. You can find this BB cream at most drug stores or discount stores like Target or Wal Mart for $10-12.
- A sweep of golden shimmer
Everyone likes a little touch of (safe) sun in the summer, and your face it a great place to mimic the bronzed-glow of shimmery sand. Instead of a complicated eye look in the summer, try a sweep of long-wearing, non-creasing cream shadow all over the lid in a shimmering bronze, taupe or golden shade. Maybelline’s Color Tattoo cream shadows last all-day and night and won’t crease, budge or smear. A few great shades for a summer glow are: Bad to the Bronze, Tough as Taupe, Just Beige and Bold Gold.
- A universally-flattering glow
A little color to the cheeks warms the face and when applied lightly to the tops of the cheekbones in an upward sweeping motion give you a glowing from within healthy appearance. For a bronzed appearance, try Give Me Sun Mineralize Blush from MAC Cosmetics, Hoola Bronzer by Benefit, or for a more affordable option, Milani’s Baked Bronzer XL in Bronze Glow or Fake Tan. For a pinker blush, try E.L.F.’s super affordable (and super flattering) Studio Blush in Candid Coral or MAC’s Coppertone.
- Fluttery, smudge-proof lashes
Mascara tends to be the deserted-island choice amongst most women. You know what I’m talking about – “if you’re stranded on a deserted-island and can only have one cosmetic items with you (besides sun screen) what do you choose?” 9 times out of then I hear “mascara.” A touch of mascara is enough to make anyone feel a bit more glamorous and girly and with a good formula, waterproof mascara can hold up very well to heat and even swimming. The key is to find a formula that washes out easily with soap and water (heaven knows you don’t need a mascara that causes you to lose lashes!) doesn’t flake during the day, and helps your lashes keep their curl. My favorite this summer is Maybelline’s Pumped Up Collosal Volume waterproof mascara. It makes the lashes thicker but also longer and doesn’t get clumpy.
- A fresh, shiny pout
For the final touch, douse your lips in moisture and sheer, juicy color. Both Maybelline’s Baby Lips and Revlon’s Lip Butters make fantastic summer choices, as they moisturize and offer a subtle, non-heavy pop of color. The sheer shades are super flattering and even the “darkest” colors work on with most complexions.
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