Feeling melty? Like your skin is Saran-wrapped and your makeup is drooling down your face? In icky-sticky weather like this, even less can feel like too much, especially if you have oily skin. GAH.
Oil-control skincare is your best start. Origins Zero Oil Collection with Saw Palmetto and Mint is a range of cleanser, toner and oil-free moisturizer that helps control excess sebum. An alternative if you’re not ready to change your regimen is one of my favourites this summer, Neostrata Oil Free Oil-Control Matifying Lotion, which you can apply over your regular SPF moisturizer for a velvety finish.
Cheek stain is best for a weightless summer flush. Apply it to the outer edges of the apples of your cheeks, after moisturizer for easy blending. Stila One Step PrimeColour in Capri Coral gives smooth, long-lasting glow and can be dabbed on lips, too.
A light, fluffy-brush application of oil-absorbing powder foundation is an easy complexion fix. MTV makeup artist Lucky Bromhead uses MAC StudioFix foundation to withstand the heat of the studio lamps. To get through steamy days, I dab my t-zone with a little blot powder — MAC Blot Powder or CoverFX Matte FX — then sweep on a touch of Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder. (Never thought I’d get on board with mineral foundation, but I like this one. Feels light, isn’t too shiny, doesn’t require any buffing, accepts blot-powder touch-ups without a problem, and one compact lasts for ages.)
Skip the liner if you can — this is the time for minimal fuss. But if you must wear it, go for wa.ter.proof. I’m obsessed with Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes waterproof pencils, and now CoverGirl LiquilineBlast pencils, too. Cargo Swimmables are fiercely waterproof in fun shades.
Your best bet for no-smear mascara is a tube-technology formula such as Clinique Lash Power, Cargo Better Than Waterproof or L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes. They stand up to oil-slick lids and spinning class, but come off easily with cotton pads soaked in really warm water.
As for lips, try a lipstain — Revlon Just Bitten has a balm on one end — or a lip tint with an SPF, such as MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15. (As my pal Nora knows, sunburned lips are not fun.)
For more summer-proof beauty suggestions, visit ChickAdvisor.com.
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I’ve been using the Kiss Me tube mascara since I was 17 (that makes 14 years – gah!) but I’m curious about the other, less expensive, versions out there. The Kiss Me is great on length, not so great on volume.
Agreed re: Kiss Me Mascara’s lack in the volume department. It’s exactly why I don’t use it. I get a nice soft fringe from the Clinique Lash Power mascara, better volume than Kiss Me, but not as fat as say, LashBlast. I think you might have better volume luck with CARGO’s Better than Waterproof. I should try that one again myself, actually.