5 easy steps for summer fresh makeup

As we head into these final dog days of summer, we're finding it harder and harder to keep our makeup looking fresh. Or even on our faces at all! As soon as we step out of the unforgiving office air-con and into the equally unforgiving (but hey at least it's natural) humidity, it's gone.  Turns out the problem is that we were wearing too much to begin with! Go figure.

Feeling frustrated and confused (even more so than normal), we reached out to an expert for help.  Apparently no, she cannot stop us from sweating, but she can dish out some easy steps for a go-to summer makeup routine, and tell us her all time favourite hot weather must-haves for your makeup bag. So we'll turn it over to a professional now, makeup artist Tara Leydon of TL Makeup & Image. 

5 Easy Steps to Simple Summer Fresh Makeup

In the summer most of us don’t want to wear as much makeup during the day, usually because it’s too hot and if you have less coverage well you might just get a bit of a tan! So here are 5 easy steps to a simple summertime makeup look:

Step 1. Try not to cover up as much, let your skin breath. Experiment with using your concealer more sparingly, in the places you need it most. For example under your eyes or to cover up any red spots or blemishes you may have. Then, if you still need more coverage try using a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream instead of foundation. I like Kiehl’s BB Cream and it has an SPF 50! http://www.kiehls.com/BB-Cream-Actively-Correcting-and-Beautifying-with-SPF-50-PA/1201,default,pd.html?dwvar_1201_color=Fair&start=1&q=tinted%20moisturizer

As for concealer I like MAC’s Studio Finish concealer I swear it covers almost anything and it has an SPF 35! http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/314/Products/Face/Concealer/Studio-Finish-SPF-35-Concealer/index.tmpl

Step 2. Lightly brush bronzer on your forehead, checks, chin and a bit on your neck and chest. This will give you a nice warm look. I like using Hula Bronzer by Benefits http://www.sephora.com/hoola-P290636?skuId=513234 or Laguna by NARs http://www.sephora.com/bronzing-powder-P12790?skuId=537878

Step 3. Instead of using a powder blush try using a cream blush that you can dab on the apples of your checks and even rub a bit onto your eyelids and even your lips. I like Stila’s Convertible Color Pots http://www.sephora.com/convertible-color-P8426?skuId=302190  and NARs Multiple color sticks http://www.sephora.com/the-multiple-P2866?skuId=1017920

Step 4. Fill in your eyebrows (I think this is a must all year round) your eyebrows frame your eyes. I like using Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade  http://www.sephora.com/dipbrow-pomade-P384060?skuId=1578699 it’s a waxier shadow so it sticks well to your brow hair and skin but still leaves a natural look.

Step 5. Lastly put on some mascara and lip gloss and you’re good to go! I know those are 2 steps but they’re so easy I had to make them 1! I like Chanel’s Le Volume De Mascara http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Mascara-LE-VOLUME-DE-CHANEL-128279 I know it is a bit more on the pricier side but I think it is so worth it! If you wanted a drugstore brand mascara I have always liked L’Oreal’s Voluminous mascara http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara-Primer/Voluminous-Original-Mascara.aspx?shade=Blackest-Black  As for lip gloss, I like a lot and have way too many! I have liked Chanel’s 164 PLAISIR lip gloss for some time now http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Lipgloss-L%C3%88VRES-SCINTILLANTES-88721/sku/125565 I also like NARs lip gloss http://www.sephora.com/lip-gloss-P386666?skuId=1596428  and YSL’s lip gloss http://www.sephora.com/gloss-volupte-P384962?skuId=1580380

I hope you find these steps easy and hopefully you are now well on your way to a Summertime Fresh Look!

XX, Tara of TL Makeup & Image

http://www.tlmakeupandimage.com/

Now that you're armed with expert advice and a slew of handy new products, you could probably use a new makeup bag, right? We recommend our trusty made-in-Brooklyn Maptote makeup bags, available in 3 colours and just the right size for all the shit you need want to keep you looking beautiful. 

Oh and while you're here you should probably check out our post on Tara's stunning pad! #jealousrage