Say goodbye to melted make-up and hello to an airbrush finish with these simple tips
Clean the canvas
Thanks to evil humidity, oil sits on the surface of your skin for longer in summer, making it feel greasy as well as blocking your pores which can lead to breakouts. The first step to summer-ready beauty is a good cleansing routine to remove any excess dirt and bacteria.
Use the right moisturiser
The way you care for your skin is just as important as the make-up you apply to it. “During the summer months, you don’t need to use a heavy lotion to properly hydrate skin,” explains Bridget O’Keefe, make-up artist and founder of Blush & Blow (blushandblowlondon.com). “Instead, opt for a lightweight and, depending on your skin type, oil-free moisturiser to help skin breathe.”
It’s all in the prep
Want your make-up to stay put all day, even in tropical climates? Then invest in a good primer. “A primer is a must during summer as it helps to manage excess oil and creates a smooth canvas for better foundation application,” says bareMinerals make-up artist SJ Froom.
Say goodbye to full coverage
Wearing less make-up lets your skin breathe, making it less likely to sweat and melt away cosmetics. “Switch your heavy foundation for a light coverage BB or CC cream,” advises Bridget. “A light foundation with a high SPF is just as ideal. Remember to avoid anything too shimmery, though, as the hot weather can make you look extra shiny.”
Cheat a tan
Give your cheeks a golden glow the safe way, by faking it. “Bronzer is great for making your eyes look brighter and your teeth whiter, while also adding warmth to your complexion,” says Bridget. “Apply to the high points of your face including cheekbones, chin, nose and forehead for a sun-kissed glow.”
Try a gel
“Let go of brow pencils in the summer as they are prone to melting and try a brow gel instead,” says Bridget. Want to ensure your look stays all day? “Set your brows with a little bit of hairspray,” advises SJ Froom. “Spray onto a brow brush and comb through the hairs, upwards and outwards.”
Look after your nails
Heat can play havoc with your nail polish collection leaving your favourite shade gloopy and difficult to apply. “Sometimes your nail polish can go a little thicker in the warmer weather and be harder to apply but do not make the mistake of adding nail varnish remover to thin it, as this will make the polish weaker and chip easier,” says Mavala hand and nail expert, Lynn Gray. “Add in a professional polish thinner to restore to the original condition.”
“It’s also worth knowing that with prolonged wear of darker shades, your nails can take on a slightly stained yellow look in the summer. To avoid this, it is important to always use a base coat – not only does this protect, but it also moisturisers the nail plate.”
Remember less is more
That goes for everything, we want to see those freckles! For those who are confident enough, forego any base make-up and simply touch up any blemishes with a little concealer. “Then apply a finishing powder to the t-zone,” says SJ Froom. “It will gently absorb oil and help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and pores.”
Be bright and beautiful
“Have fun with colour,” says Emma Leslie, beauty expert at escentual.com. “Winter is brilliantly suited to rich dark tones but summer is the perfect time to flirt with brighter hues that will come to life in the sun.” Think coral and vibrant pink lip stains or why not try a green gel liner to really make eyes pop?
Drink up
Don’t forget to hydrate your skin throughout the day. “Summertime is prime dehydration season so it is important to top up your moisture reserves by drinking plenty of water and replenishing your skin with rehydrating skincare,” advises Emma. “You’ll plump, smooth and rejuvenate skin in no time.”
