Beat the Heat – Summer Makeup Tips

Guest post from Kori Ellis of Shoe Blitz, Glamour Gift Guide, Just A Formality and The Fantasy Kickoff at b5media.

Have fun in the sun this summer and still look good by following these simples summer beauty tips.

Lighten up on the makeup.
You don’t need to wear as much makeup in the summertime as you do in the cooler weather. Put aside your foundation and instead reach for a tinted moisturizer or bronzer instead. One of my favorite tinted moisturizers is from Laura Mercier. It’s lightweight and contains SPF 20 for sun and anti-aging protection.

Cool down your cosmetics.
Store your lipstick, eye pencils and even your body splash in the refrigerator in the summer. There’s nothing worse than trying to apply a melted lipstick. You can keep your lip color in tip-top shape by storing it in the refrigerator. Also, keep your eye pencils from smudging and help the color last longer by putting them in the fridge too.

Waterproof it!
Of course, everyone knows you should use waterproof mascara if you are heading to the beach or pool. But many other cosmetics come in waterproof or sweatproof formulas, including foundation, moisturizer, blush and more.

Prep your skin.
To help your makeup last longer in the summer heat and humidity, you need to prep your skin. Use a light, oil-free moisturize and allow it dry completely before adding any powder or foundation. Use an eye shadow primer, such as bareVitamins Prime Time Eyelid Primer from Bare Escentuals. It will extend the wear of your eyeshadow and help avoid creasing. Don’t use cream eye shadow or cheek color in the summer – creams fade much faster than powder formulas.

Look hot in metallics.
For a summer party, add a little glamour to your makeup by using pearlescent eye shadow in soft metallics. Don’t go for an overly glittery look, but do choose cosmetics with some extra shine to them. Gold and silver shadows look fantastic on glowing summer skin. Use gold shadow if you have a warm skintone with yellow undertones, or opt for silver if your skin has cool, pink based undertones.

Skin protection is essential.
I just want to stress the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer. Skin cancer is a high price to pay just to look good. Don’t bake your body at the beach, pool or tanning salon. Always wear sunscreen and look for makeup products that contain SPF. If you want to get that summer glow without risking exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, apply a bronzing powder to the places the skin natural hits your face – forward, nose, cheeks and chin. Select a color that is just a shade or two darker than your skin for a more natural look.

Photo credit: istockphoto