Summer makeup: How to look good with less
Nearly naked
Your warm weather beauty look should simply be (nearly) naked skin and a glowing complexion. Go low maintenance with these simple tips that cut down on prep time, while keeping you gorgeous and natural all day long.
Bright eyes
When it comes to shadows, look to nature for inspiration. Choose shimmery champagnes, pinks and taupes to highlight without too much drama, and try switching your jet-black mascara to a clear or brown colour for a softer, bohemian look. A strong brow is another great way to define eyes without needing heavy or dark liners.
Maybelline Eyestudio Eyeshadow in Copper Chic, $13, Maybelline.
Beach babe
We all know humid weather can wreak havoc on hair, but here’s a simple trick to get beachy waves without too much work. Straight out of the shower use an anti-frizz serum and allow hair to dry about 50 percent before pulling it back into a braid. If you let your hair set that way, when you undo the braid (in the afternoon or for the next day) you’ll have mermaid-like waves. Run your hands through to mess it up a bit, and add a root lifting spray if your hair looks too polished on top.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Serum, $15, John Frieda
Soft lips
Nothing beats a tinted balm when it comes to your lips. Choose one with SPF protection to keep your pout hydrated. And in a pinch, these products can double as blush for your cheeks.
Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $26, Fresh.
Sweet cheeks
Trade in your powder for a liquid or cream based blush and master the fresh, dewy summer face. These formulas are much easier to blend and sit nicely on skin, while powders tend to look cakey.
Joe Fresh Cream Blush, $8, Joe Fresh.
Fight shine
A glowing complexion doesn’t have to mean a shiny one. Instead of washing your face with a heavy cream cleanser in the summer, try using a gel-base instead. These formulas control and absorb oil best. And while exfoliating is definitely important to help with skin turnover, be sure not to over do it. Because our bodies produce oil as a healing mechanism, if there’s too much trauma to your skin it may react by producing even more oil.
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 250ml, $43.50, Dermalogica.
Fresh face
Cut your morning routine in half with this lifesaver. Using a tinted sunscreen helps to even out imperfections while simultaneously protecting your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The lightweight texture is non-oily and could double (or triple!) as a moisturizer. Bonus: the gentle coconut and vanilla is sure to perk you up.
Kibio Solaire High Protection Face Fluid 30 SPF, $16, Kibio.
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